Andros is a photographer and passionate urbex explorer, who’s spent years documenting the abandoned landmarks around Sydney. And urbex, for anyone who doesn’t know, is an amalgamation of the words “urban” and “exploration.”
Urban exploration is a secretive subculture, with building locations shared only within the inner circle. It’s not surprising that the community prefers to maintain a low profile as trespassing and vandalism is obviously illegal. But Andros agreed to share three of his favourite places with us, provided we didn’t disclose the addresses.
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Here is a brief description of his top picks before we go into a more in-depth interview.
The School
This place was closed nine years ago after a decline of student enrolments, and it’s been a popular site among the urbex community ever since. It’s also half-burned down, making it an increasingly dangerous place to explore.
The Brothel
That’s right, an abandoned brothel. It features a series of rooms with spa baths and a tower of discarded beds in the basement. The ground floor also has a bar and a small dance floor.
The Tuberculosis Clinic
Opened in 1909 to house patients who were infected with tuberculosis, the clinic is now covered in vines and trees, and is completely enveloped by nature.
VICE: Hey Andros, why were these your top three choices to share with us?
Andros: Well I’ve explored a lot of places and these are ones I’ve got the best memories from. I visited most of them when I started exploring a few years back, and mostly with the friends I met along the way.
How did you first hear about these places?
With urban exploring it’s all about research, but sometimes it’s just about luck. I’ll be going past something that looks abandoned and I’ll just have a look. Every building I find has a different vibe about it to. It’s as though we leave a part of us from the past.
What do you find so fascinating about abandoned buildings?
Every building has a different quality that changes with time. I’ve been to some buildings that start out totally clean and within a few months the whole place is filled with graffiti and trash, and you can definitely see the change. Even with nature taking over a place too.
What was it about tuberculosis clinic that you enjoyed so much?
It also had an eerie vibe, just knowing that so many people had passed away there. I was also interested in the decaying furniture. It gives it a little bit of a creepy factor. I’m a big fan of horror movies and I try to bring that mood into my photography.
Do you ever find people living in abandoned buildings?
You occasionally bump into someone living there. They’re usually as surprised as I am, which is understandable because they’re just trying to make a home for themselves. I’ve just learned to respect their space. Same with security. If I bump into security, I’m always polite and humble.
Do you have any stories about particular people you’ve met?
Yeah I once met someone who warned me about black magic. They said a curse had been cast in one of the rooms, and then for about a week after I had bad luck following me around—it was just a series of weird coincidences. And I’m not saying the place was cursed, but it seemed unusual. That was years ago and I haven’t been back. The building has probably now been demolished and replaced by apartments.
What is it that you like about Sydney’s urbex scene?
I find the Sydney scene quite tight. Everyone talks to one another and sometimes we all go exploring together. I’ve met a lot of great friends doing this. I actually got into urban exploring because of my anxiety. I discovered that even though urban exploring can be scary, it’s beautiful how ambient and quiet a place can be.
Finally, do you have any tips on how to take nice photos of empty buildings?
I think the best urbex photos have subjects. Just remanants from where the building was functional. Chairs are often a good subject, or if you’re with a friend, use them and take a portrait photo. Just find the little things. Dust can be your best friend.
But as some more general advice for anyone who’s interested in urban exploring, just be careful as some of the buildings age and fall apart. Watch your step and don’t fall down any holes in the floor.
Andros wants to thank his mates at Urbex Melbourne: @sonder_visions @barbed_photography. And the Sydney guys: @fitzy_urbexerryday @wundernuss @exploredvisions
You can see Giddy’s other work and interviews on his website. Also check out more of Andros’ work here
