Rusty 111-Year-Old Ship Turns into Spectacular Floating Forest after Being Abandoned Forever

In the right conditions and under certain circumstances, ordinary things can transform into unique creations that leave people speechless. The power of nature, when left alone to do its thing, is awe-inspiring.

After a century left alone, one ship was swallowed by nature. It became a sight that has caught the attention of tourists from across the globe. The boat looks like a floating forest now!

Like this boat, there are other beautiful examples of abandoned items that got a second life, thanks to the environment around them. We’ve gathered a list of five beautiful sites that you might want to include in your list of must-see sights around the world.

1. 111-Year-Old Ship Becomes a Work of Art

Every adventure and history lover would be amazed by the piece of art found on the south bank of the Parramatta River in Sydney’s Inner West. Four abandoned vessels are located in the water, but one has gained worldwide fame.

The cargo freighter called the SS Ayrfield was built in 1911 and set out on a mission during the second world war. The 1,140-tonne vessel assisted the U.S. soldiers serving from their base in the Pacific region.

It was a trustworthy steam collier that sailed across the ocean for six decades before it was retired. The SS Ayrfield returned to the Homebush Bay area permanently and spent many years there without much notice.

The SS Ayrfield’s Majestic Presence

Nobody could have guessed that an unexpected force would revive the vessel in the ship-breaking yard. Nature breathed new life into the boat as time went by.

While many other vessels decomposed and perished, the SS Ayrfield was still visible to people passing by. Along with it, the SS Mortlake Bank, SS Heroic, and HMAS Karangi also remained above water.

The rusty vessels attract many tourists, but the SS Ayrfield is the talk of the town. Its majestic presence is one-of-a-kind, because of the lush leaves and foliage that have grown on it, leaving visitors in awe.

The Floating Forest

Mangrove trees and long branches turned the SS Ayrfield into a magical world and gained the vessel a beloved nickname. It’s now called the “Floating Forest,” giving the illusion of a paradise resting gently above the water.

Mother Nature created a spectacular wonder, and the famous vessel has since been described as one of the most beautiful abandoned places in the world.

The Rusty Ship Attracts Tourists Worldwide

The Olympic Stadium in Australia is situated in the Homebush Bay area where the ship rests, and many visitors often pencil in some time to see the ancient boat.

People have been fascinated by the rich biodiversity aboard and around the ship. Many are stunned by how birds, water, sunshine, and other factors each played a role in creating the organic masterpiece.

Passionate tourists cannot wait to capture a photo of the abandoned vessel and are always impressed by the greenery on their cameras. One fan of the unique site said:

“It is beautiful to look at. Where I live, old ships are sometimes stripped and sunk to create underwater parks for divers.”

Another admirer of the floating forest believes the vessel is proof of what can happen when nature is allowed to run its course without human interference.

2. Spectacular Overgrown Chapel in France

One of the most beautiful works of nature can be found in an ancient church. The Chapel in Anne-Laure, France, was once a gorgeous building with exquisite architecture.

However, due to abandonment, it was overtaken by shrubbery. The once-pristine floors are covered in greenery, and it looks like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

For many viewers, the site exudes a sense of nostalgia and what could have been. Perhaps the historic building will be restored to its full glory, but for many visitors, it is perfect now.

3. The Tree Cottage in Ireland

Quaint stone cottages were popular in Ireland, but many turned into ruins over time and formed part of the rich rural landscape. Their remote location and changes in the behavior of citizens pushed people out of the countryside.

Leaving behind their little homes made room for nature to turn them into something new. The crumbling walls have slowly been covered in moss, transforming the humble homes into extraordinary sites.

No human inhabitants lived in the cottage between Sneem and Kenmare in County Kerry. However, the one and only guest, Mother Nature, took care of it and made time for some unique decorating.

Vibrant green foliage now covers the cottage’s walls like a blanket, and large trees stand tall, shooting through the ceiling that no longer exists. The hidden gem is a gentle reminder of days gone by.

4. Mother Nature’s Escalator

One photographer’s passion for abandoned places has led to a unique discovery—an escalator that seemed to have lost the fight against Mother Nature.

While the metal stairs are still visible, leafy plants and greenery have engulfed the rest of the escalator. In a few years, chances are, there will be no traces of the escalator at all!

We hope the photographer returns to take another photo to see what has become of the escalator to showcase the unmatched power of the environment.

5. Nature Gives an Old Car a New “Paint” Job

An old car’s original paint job was no longer identifiable due to the rust and moss covering the exterior. While the date of the vehicle’s last driven mile is unknown, it is evident that it stopped moving decades ago.

Not only has greenery covered the entire body of the vintage vehicle, but a tree trunk grew straight through the hood. The abandoned car has become one with nature, and its unique beauty is something tourists and photographers can marvel at until the trees swallow it entirely.

Which of these abandoned sites amazed you most? And have you ever stumbled upon something similar, something that appeared to have lost its battle against the powerful forces of Mother Nature?