Urban Exploration Adelaide – Page 16 of 47

June 13, 2016

Urban Exploring: Carmelite Monastery

Normally I would write about the history of the Carmelite Monastery and the impact the Carmelite Nuns had on Adelaide and its people. However, this time, I’d like to frame it a different way; around the debate on whether or not locations are disclosed.

Over the years, we’ve been contacted by many photographers asking to know where such a place is, so they too can see and photograph the amazing spaces we find. And we get that.

Over the years, we’ve been asked by many film studios and budding videographers who want access to the places we find, to do a short zombie apocalypse film or music video. And we get that.

A large proportion of the sites we’re allowed to photograph is done so with strict restrictions — mainly, what photos can be published and when they can be publicised. For the owners who don’t wish their site identified, we give it an obscure name.

So what would happen if we did disclose locations?

For sure, there are a billion better photographers than me out there – you’d see way better photos! And sure, we’d love to see the works of budding videographers, as well as some zombie-apocalypse films and music videos (or even some fast-paced drone racing) coming out of Adelaide.

But there’s also another side that most people don’t think about…

Carmelite Monastery Bell Tower, its 80-year-old bell pilfered.

Keep in mind that this building is heritage listed; which means the community wants it kept for future generations.

Carmelite Monastery Church, recent vandalism.

Keep in mind the Adelaide community offers a “Free Wall” under the Morphett Street bridge for local graffiti artists to paint, as well as all the other numerous locations the community deem it acceptable. Did they really have to choose a church?

Carmelite Monastery Leadlight Window, missing, presumed stolen.

So should we really be disclosing locations?

We can’t turn back time and erase the graffiti and put back the stolen bell and leadlight window. Below are my best efforts to bring you a true photographic representation of the Carmelite Monastery during the summer of 2014/15. A visit now would only lead to disappointment.

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June 4, 2016

Urban Exploring: The Port Morgue

Port Adelaide is said to be a city built on top of a city.

In the 19th century, reclamation of land and construction of wharves raised the street levels while the original buildings were buried. Roofs were removed so that the ceiling beams could be used to support the floorboards of the new building. What was at ground level, now became basements.

The basement of this particular building was once at ground level. The below-ground window frames, fireplaces, and entrances make this evidently clear.

The low temperatures of the basement made it ideal for use as a morgue. It’s darn cold down here! So cold that bodies could be kept for up to several weeks without decomposition. Corpses were often stored here temporarily while awaiting transport for autopsy or disposal.

Coffin in basement — Awesome Adelaide — Coffin in basement. (Photo courtesy Daria Grippo)

It’s also said to be haunted by the resident ghost. Reports of tools going missing only to be found at a later date — in plain sight — are not uncommon. In fact, several times while in the basement I’d walk to where I could hear my co-explorer Excel, only to find no-one there.

We’re not claiming this place is haunted,.. and it certainly isn’t without mystery, but strange things happen down here…

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May 13, 2016

Urban Exploring: The Ethereal Palace

The Ethereal Palace opened in the mid-1900’s too much praise from Adelaide’s people. Never before had they seen such a grand interior. Windows, ceilings, chandeliers and panelled walls all decorated with gold leaf. Ornamental plaster panels, door and window treatments so impressive as to be a rarety in Adelaide.

It quickly became the ‘in’ place to be on a Friday and Saturday night. Long queues awaited patrons who had not pre-booked. Upon entering, a faux fireplace, inset with an electric heater, provided warmth on cold occasions.

Sadly, declining attendances led to its closure, and for the past 30 years The Ethereal Palace has sat more or less disused. It’s now only being utilized sporadically by government officials. All but for their odd executive meeting or late night soirée, the space is off-limits.