Urbex Gecko

Mount Morgan Mine was a copper, gold and silver mine which operated from 1882 to 1981, with all operations officially ceasing in 1990. Whilst the site has sat largely unused since then, a treatment facility and its team have been tending to the huge pit of water which contains elevated levels of copper, aluminium, magnesium and other metals. Whilst controlled releases of water during heavy rainfall have been conducted, the mine overflowed into the nearby Dee River in 2013. An estimated 327,000 ounces of gold still exist at the site. After decades of locals and officials advocating to have the site reopened, the QLD government has finally funded works to redevelop and reopen the site whilst also retaining anything that is classed as heritage listed.

Originally built at another location in the early 1900's, this home was saved just before demolition and relocated to the current site. It sold around a decade ago for $30,000,000 to a developer. At the time of exploring this a few years ago, the developer was spending around $120,000 a year on garden maintenance to make it look lived in. In recent times, he was embroiled in several legal battles that led to him fleeing the country. The site now sits in limbo as graffiti starts to fill its decaying interior.

Operating since 1944, this 20 hectare school holiday camp/water ski club was suddenly evacuated in 2019, and has been left abandoned ever since. Tune in to hear one of Australias weirdest bando stories.

Once in a blue moon you come across a bando house that is so unique that it's hard to comprehend it actually exists. Someone had an unorthodox vision in their mind of how they wanted it to be, and paid people a lot of money to make it happen; this retro triple storey mansion is one of those.

First upload of 2024 takes us back to Bali where we accidentally came across this big, awesome hotel. After alerting some dogs, it became apparent there was on-site security. Having to sneak around them to see the whole place was super intense, but rewarding, and made for some great footage. Fun fact: this video almost never came about. We ended up running into security and after initially being adamant we had to delete the footage, they thankfully had a change of heart and let us keep it.

With construction starting in the mid 90's, and two official launch parties, the site would never actually open its doors to the public. Ironically with "Beautiful Cottage" in its name, the story behind its demise is in stark contrast to how they wanted to portray the site. It was financed by Tommy Suharto, son of former Indonesian President Suharto (who’s corrupt regime stole money from Indonesians to bolster his family's wealth). To give you an idea of the sort of lengths they would go to, Tommy was found guilty of land scam. With the backing of the military and local police, he forced landowners off their property before offering compensation 1/10th of the value of their property and torturing those who refused. Tommys brazen criminal activities became so overt that even the Supreme Court in Jakarta couldn’t overlook them, and despite some successful appeals, he was eventually jailed for fraud and murder of a high court judge who had previously sentenced him to prison for corruption. He planned to build another resort, but with his jailing and the disintegration of the Suharto regime, his companies and ventures quickly fell apart. Purchased by investors for $60,000,000, it still sits vacant decades on with an uncertain future.

This months explore is a 1970's mansion that is stunning, yet equally bizarre aesthetically with some of its dimensions better suited to a giant. Can't help but get the sense it was used as something other than a residential property at some point.

Opened in 1967 and advertised as the place to party in the 80's, it would later close its doors in 2008 due to the novelty of resorts wearing thin, and the rising costs of operating an offshore site 16km's from the mainland. After a decade of failed development applications and false promises from leaseholders (who also accumalated a debt of nearly $900,000 in unpaid rent), the government has taken back ownership and is currently deliberating on what it should be used for. Despite spending hours trying to find before footage, it wasn't until the day after posting this I came across some. In this video you can actually see snippets of the pool, spa and more from around the place in its prime - https://youtu.be/dsLimyCD_Y0

This explore was an absolute monster; a huge batch of houses that are currently being demolished. Originally around 60 in total, I was able to get into 40 odd. Shot over 3 days, this big urban playground was ridiculously fun!

First sold in 1995 for $600,000, it was last sold in 2019 to developers alongside 40 surrounding homes, all of which are currently being demolished.

This early 1900's mansion with an expansive library built into the ceiling is not something I had previously pictured to exist, or expect to see ever again. It sold in 2021 for $6,000,000.

Opened in the 1960's, and closed around 2010, this place still had some really special remnants left behind. Bit of a time capsule.

Opened around 2007, this magical resort was an ideal setting to have a swing on the world's first 18-hole synthetic golf course, events (particularly weddings) and somewhere for the locals to eat and drink. Whilst there is no shortage of bars, they even had heaps to keep the kids busy such as rides, a super slide and mini-golf. All of this was within eyesight, and short distance of the bay. Due to health issues with one of the owners, the property was sold less than 10 years later to overseas developers who have allowed it to be overtaken by birds and trashed by vandals.

Abandoned for over 5 years, this place is absolutely huge, and reminiscent of a small town. Biggest and creepiest aged care I've explored to date.

Opened in 1912, and closed in 2014, it is due for redevelopment shortly. It will be converted into a community hub and housing, with heritage requirements stating they have to keep at least 5 ovens, the big brick chimney and powerhouse. ------------------ Intro track: Dionso - Affairs https://youtu.be/2zMt34I7eoU WIN News source: https://www.leadstory.com/v/corrimal-coke-works-site-plans-receive-boost-202212218

"Diplomatic style residence set on 10,720 square metres. 6 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, spiral staircase, and downstairs entertaining area - fully self contained with separate entry. This property offers everything from sauna to swimming pool and also privacy from all properties and roads due to the 1970 boundary planting of bamboo that provides an exclusive private green living space internally within the property. Top bedrooms have views to the famous Blue Mountains. Due to unforeseen circumstance regarding the family that owns the property, this is a regrettable sale." Ended up being purchased by developers, and will be demolished soon.