Derelict state of Manly Sea Life Sanctuary revealed as TikTokers ‘illegally’ explore abandoned site

Urban explorers have revealed the derelict state of a once-cherished Sydney attraction, but the owners have lashed out at the unwanted attention.

The owners of an iconic abandoned Sydney aquarium have warned urban explorers who have been illegally flocking to check it out.

Manly Sea Life Sanctuary was shut down in early 2018 after 55 years in operation.

Its roughly 2000 animals were relocated, and in the half-decade since, the prime beachside site has been gathering dust.

The aquarium first opened its doors in 1963 as Marine World, boasting a 55ft, four million-litre circular tank surrounded by newly airconditioned viewing galleries.

Manly Sea Life Sanctuary in Sydney closed its doors to the public five years ago. Picture: TikTok

The aquarium first opened in 1963 as Marine World and was a cherished Sydney attraction. Picture: TikTok

Its roughly 2000 animals were relocated after the closure, and the site has been abandoned since then. Picture: Supplied

The site even hosted the world’s longest underwater tunnel in the 1980s after a $12 million cash injection.

In 2018, Manly Sea Life Sanctuary’s Senior Operations Manager, Ashley Hayes labelled the closure “a hard time”.

“When the decision was made that we were closing, it was a hard time for everyone. From our staff members to the community members who have been visiting us for years, it certainly wasn’t an easy decision to make,” she said.

Young social media content creators have now found another use for the site, exploring abandoned buildings across the globe and posting videos on TikTok. Picture: TikTok/ urbexsydney

Photos and videos from inside the site show many of the features of the original attraction still remain, including the underwater tunnel, bare food and merchandise kiosks, and information displays. Picture: TikTok

“We have, however been overwhelmed by the amazing response from the community, with many people from around Australia and the world coming to visit us one last time and sharing their memories with us.

“Manly Sea Life Sanctuary holds a special place in the hearts of our over five decades and multiple generations of history, which is a testament to the positive impact the aquarium has had on the broader community.”

However, young social media content creators have now found another nefarious use for the site.

Transport for NSW, which owns the former aquarium site, told news.com.au it is aware of “illegal trespassing” and is stepping up security.

“Transport would like to stress to the community that for their own safety, the site should not be accessed,” the department told news.com.au.

“Safety is Transport’s number one priority and mitigation measures are in place to prevent illegal access. Further security measures are now currently being reviewed.”

Exploration of abandoned buildings across the globe has become a trend on TikTok, and it appears Manly Sea Life Sanctuary has joined the ranks with a series of recent videos from within the site.

The site still appears relatively tidy, despite some dust, mould, and small patches of junk. Picture: TikTok

However, the Department of Transport, which owns the site, proposed plans to demolish and repurpose it. Picture: TikTok

Photos from inside show many of the features of the original attraction remain, including the underwater tunnel, bare food and merchandise kiosks, and even information displays.

One video even shows a noticeboard on the last day of operation.

“Today is our last day,” it reads.

“Thank you so much for supporting us for the last 55 years!”

The plan includes extending the boardwalk with enough width for outdoor dining and a recreational edge, and the possibility of the inclusion of a wharf structure for pick up and drop off of recreational vessels. Picture: NSW Government

Despite some dust, mould, and small patches of junk, the site still appears relatively tidy.

But the days of exploration will be short-lived.

This year, the Transport for NSW which owns the site, proposed plans to demolish and repurpose it in July.

Transport for NSW said it aims “to enhance the Manly West Esplanade precinct area and reconnect the Pavilion and heritage buildings with the beach by removing the aquarium building and extending the boardwalk with enough width for outdoor dining and a recreational edge”.

“There is also the opportunity to improve public waterfront access with the possibility of the inclusion of a wharf structure for pick up and drop off of recreational vessels,” it said on its website.