Jobe

Oh the irony of that statement!!!!

Hmm interesting. A couple of things, however. The article that @ash.1111 quoted above stated $4 million investment not $40 million. Massive difference in dollar spend and obviously a typo. The article that @ash.1111 quoted is also somewhat misleading as it states that "Gumbuya park to make a $4 million comeback", obviously inferring that the park is to receive a $4 million dollar upgrade and investment. However, upon further examination of the article, it appears that the $4 million dollar price tag refers to the purchase price only that has been agreed upon by the purchasing consortium. There is certainly a desire to revitalise the park and the article , as above , does mention spending several million on redevelopment but the $4 million number only refers to the price tag and not any direct correlation to any investment dollar spend. As @Gazza said, anything is possible and upon reading this article, I certainly would not rule out Gumbaya Park as being the target of Mark Shaw's original post. However, there are still many questions to be answered before we can definitively point to Gumbaya as the park in question. Let the speculation continue!! Interesting times however!! Time will tell- watch this space!

Did not @Gazza's post of Adventure Park's location being 1 hr and 15 min also from the airport clue you in?? Also to the fact that Adventure Park is well established and has already announced planned for expansion attractions. Gumbaya Park seems to me a little too small for this, despite Mark Shaw's involvement with the park. Adventure Park seems like a better fit for this announcement. Also the time frames do not add up for mine for a completely new park- mid November would be extremely tight to open a brand new park from scratch if they have just started clearing the land. My bet is Adventure Park. Either way , looking forward to seeing more info about this one!

Wow brilliant news!!! So many good things to look forward to in the theme park industry in Australia at the moment- and the majority of the parks are stepping up their game!! This is the cream on the cake and has really flown under the radar!! Given the developments on the Gold Coast, the new plans and attractions for Aussie World, the $20 million dollar investment in LPS, the continuing expansion of Jamberoo, the new attractions at Funfields and Adventure Park, MI3 at Adventure World, plus now this its a great time to be an amusement park lover! Looking forward to hearing more news and info as it comes to light!

Yeah just saw that myself thanks Gazza. Ah well. Still think the Disk O would be a better fit but either option still shows exciting times for Funfields!!

So did I @Patrick Dove. And for a park this size and given their target audience of mainly family attractions and not strictly thrillseekers, this makes much more sense!! If this does turnout to be the ride in question, it will make a fine addition to the line up and provide just that extra bit of motivation to visit the park!

Days?? Weeks Richard!! This thread is like the Young and the Restless- you can stop watching it for years but as soon as you sit down to give it another go, its exactly the same as you remember , the exact same characters and the same tired old plots. Still,some people call that entertainment!

To be honest I am extremely surprised that Kraken was in the list over Abyss. Kraken maybe a great themed ride but in the end it is just a Tornado- a ride that has numerous examples in Australia. Abyss is a well themed , and from all accounts- well recieved Eurofighter- which is currently unique in the Australian market.

Surely its not going to rival the "world class" example coming to Movieworld??

That's NOT what she said!!!

You are 100% correct here Spotty- both were manufactured by Danfab Engineering in Australia under license from Reverchon. The G Force at LPM was removed in early 2015 and replaced with the Power Surge. As for Wonderland's Tasmanian Devil: "The Tasmanian Devil was Built for Australia’s Wonderland in 1985 and was slightly smaller in diameter than the other explorers they built and had the capability to go backwards, for whatever reason Australia’s Wonderland chose to operate it in one direction only. The Tazzie Devil was half trailerized but not completed for travelling on the show circuit." Here is a bit more info on the Explorer ride ( Thanks to Dave Burton's Amusement Ride Extravaganza site) " The explorer was first manufactured by Reverchon Industries of France in 1980. Reverchon, a pioneer in the electric bumper car. Several units were made under license in USA and Australia in the early 1980’s with approximately 30 built worldwide before production ceased by Reverchon around 2001. The ride consists of a fast undulating rotational movement with 3 ups and downs per revolution ranging from 0.5 to 5 metres (1.6 to 16 ft), with a swinging sensation, both clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Unlike similar rides the hydraullically driven Explorer does not use a tram guide to lift and lower the cars but instead an ingenious reverse eccentric centre hub. The large 40-person ride is mounted on one 46ft trailer and can be set up in as little as 4 hours with 3 people. There are approximately 5 Reverchon units operating in Europe, at least 5 in USA and 3 Explorers in Australia - one at Melbourne’s Luna Park, one immaculate road model renamed Flashdance owned by Chant’s, and an ex-park model under refurbishment. These 3 were built in Australia under license from Reverchon in the 1980’s. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 20 two seats cars Two axis Maximum speed : 16 rpm Power supply : 80 kW Hourly capacity : 900 to 1,000 people Set-up time : 6 hours for 3 people Hydraulic unit with 4 functions Control rack for all functions Mounted on a 14 m (46 ft) trailer Road weight 24 tons"

Great post @GoGoBoy. Absolutely agree- LPS has so much potential. Its major advantage is its location- honestly what amusement park in the world can boast such a magnificent backdrop? Its unique! I too also have a lot of hope that this $20 million investment will be just the thing that LPS needs to make it a real player in the industry again. 6 new rides plus the improvements announced is just what the Doctor ordered. A refresh of the ride and attraction line up will see people and families continue to pass through its famous face. This is the refresh that it needed to have. I certainly hope that the reality will match the expectations. LPS is important to the fabric of Sydney. It NEEDS to be in existence. Not only for its historical heritage but its intrinsic value to the people of Sydney as an icon to the rest of the nation and indeed the world!! Who doesnt love getting a selfie under that smiling face with all lights on? Looking forward to getting more info as we get closer to announcements and work progression. Fingers crossed that a 2nd coaster, the ONE thing that LPS really needs, comes to fruition with this investment. There is still hope people!!

Hi @StingRay, the ride you are referring to was the Flying Saucer- a HUSS UFO. They were a natural progression from the Enterprise ride and were both from the same manufacturer- HUSS. The UFO is a much rarer ride and there are less that 10 surviving examples in the world today. LPS had an Enterprise as part of their 1982 overhaul and it was removed in the early '90's. The coasters we have cited as examples are comparable in size to the Wild Mouse- albeit some may be a BIT bigger. The Tumblebug space is roughly the same size as the Wild Mouse space and there is space behind it next to the cliff wall for overhang etc if required. Alternatively, the space directly parallel to Coney Island would also be ideal. This would then leave the space where Spider currently resides for a possible family area. I have always thought that the space on top of the carpark roof which is currently a green area would be perfect for a family area. It could accommodate several family rides easily and would just require access from below in the form of a ramp etc. You are 100% right in trusting in Brad. He has done an excellent job so far in his years at LPS and he perfectly understands the charm and heritage that LPS has to offer. I am sure that what is added will only enhance and build on this strength. Exciting times for LPS!

Thanks for the info mate!! These little parks in Victoria are expanding quite rapidly and look like a lot of fun!! Time to plan a visit!

I can definitely see a second compact coaster being added to LPS- there are numerous examples that would work. Think Zamperla, Maurer ,Gerslauter, S & S,- they all have coasters that would be a good fit for LPS. Ride noise is still monitored true but as long as a ride complies with the standard, then LPS is protected by legislation aganst such harassment and legal challenges. If the Wild Mouse can operate to the required level , then there is no reason that a new compact could not do the same. The only 2 spots that could really accommodate a new coaster is on the Tumblebug space or in Maloney's Corner. LPS has successfully run Pirate's Revenge Flume ride there a number of times and I see no impediment to them placing a new compact coaster in this area. A Gerslauter compact similar to Iron Shark/Krater or a spinner of some type would be the best that we could hope for in LPS, IMHO. One of these would be ideal!! ( Brad Loxley I hope you reading this!!!) As for their new rides- I think we are in for some surprises. There have been definite hints as to a dark ride based on something similar to Justice League, which would be an excellent addition to the park. Given that the first ride announced is a Flying Carousel , most probably from Zamperla,it could be that several more examples of Zamperla's catalogue could make an appearance. What flat rides do you see would make the best choice for LPS? Especially given we know the approximate budget? Personally I would love to see some sort of pendulum swing ride, and a Disko or Disko Coaster. I would also love for LPS ( or any Australian park for that matter) to get a Larson Flying Scooters ride- they have such an old world feel and charm, would fit in perfectly with LPS's aesthetic, plus its a unique ride for the Australian market Thoughts and discussion?

Your logic serves you pretty well here Yoshi- if we look at the current attractions at LPS we can conclude that: Rides that will be preserved: Wild Mouse Coney Island Ferris Wheel Rotor Carousel Tango Train Hair Raiser Rides that could be removed over the next 4 years: Ranger Spider Tumblebug Assorted Kids attractions- these could be in the mix for disposal Dodgems- I think these will stay but stranger things have happened Mystery Manor- This was only ever meant to be a temporary attraction but its popularity has seen it extended. I think it will make way for newer purpose built attractions, however. The question begs to be asked is where will these attractions be placed? It obviously points to a much needed rationalisation of Maloney's Corner, whilst also utilising the Tumblebug and Flying Saucer spaces. Have not had confirmed whether the expansion is for 6 rides or 11 as has been reported by some media outlets. Thinking that this is an erroneous error and that it is more likely to be 6 than 11 new rides. Hoping for 11 but 6 seems more realistic to me. Can we start thinking that a new coaster is on the way? It is definitely possible but I somehow think it is unlikely. I certainly still hold out hope for a new signature coaster but the price tag of $20 million for 6 new rides has me thinking otherwise. It does not leave a lot for a new coaster, once all other theming and ancillary redevelopment is taken into account.

I can confirm that Coney Island, Wild Mouse and Rotor are not going anywhere with the announced facelift. Although this news is not surprising, it should breathe a huge sigh of relief for lovers of the iconic fun palace. Also, in regards to the new rides, it appears that there will be a heavy emphasis on theming! This should give some clues as to how they are going to progress: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/News/2017/Community-feedback-sought-for-proposed-refurbishments-at-Luna-Park Really, Really excited for all these plans to come to fruition- this is the most exciting thing to happen to LPS since the 1995 reopening. Unfortunately, still no word OR denial about the much needed second coaster.......fingers crossed!

The news has also been reported in several other media outlets, with varying degrees of accuracy. https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/luna-park-to-get-fancy-facelift/vp-AAnXGJ0

Luna Park has hit the press again , but in a far more positive way. Please see the article in today's Telegraph. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/luna-park-is-set-to-get-a-20m-facelift-which-includes-six-new-rides-and-refreshed-food-offering/news-story/eab069440697719f9d5526be9529e7d4 It basically details that LPS are set to refresh their ride offering with 6 new rides in a facelift that will tally $20 million dollars and a new , revamped "family zone." In what I am sure is mis-infomation or poor research on the journalists part, the line " Coney Island will slowly be replaced with more modern attractions as Luna Park owner Brookfield Multiplex splashes the cash." is sure to raise some eyebrows- mine included. I will certainly be sure to get this clarified. Given the price tag of $20 million and the fact that they are planning on 6 new rides, it would seem that the chances of getting a new coaster are very slim.

Well I guess you wont be able to say that again.........

It appears they closed sometime in the early 2000's. Here is a link and some pics of the ride- looks awesome!!

Is it still there @thunder001? I have only visited Aussie World once but I certainly cannot recall seeing this ride!

Seriously how can anyone not be happy with this lineup?? Its almost unprecedented that a park in Australia has plans for 2 replacement attractions and then for a further 5 more NEW attractions. I this that this is brilliant although of course there are no time frames attached to these installations. The additions will certainly make Aussie World an excellent destination and a worthwhile attraction to visit. If the Sunshine Coast gets the proposed water park actually built, then it will certainly be a attractive proposition for families and tourists, coupled with the natural attractions that the Sunshine Coast has to offer plus Australia Zoo in the near vicinity. Yep @AlexB that is certainly Hair Raiser from LPS, @joz perhaps they have sold some surplus land somewhere? Just a thought.... Is it just me or does this pic hint of even further attractions to come? Aussie World currently does not have a Go Kart or is this a separate entity behind the existing park? Also what does the transport track The Luge refer to? A toboggan ride?

Pretty sure that the record heatwave weather was a factor here. I could be wrong though.

Visited the Big Banana over the Australia Day long weekend and the family had a ball. The waterpark, though small, was great for the kids and at sessions of an hour and and a half , never got really overcrowded. I had been up Coffs Harbour for work the previous month and noticed a huge stack of slide parts in the ice rink carpark. Thinking they were for a new water slide , I contacted the park and was delighted to receive the following info: " The slide parts you saw are part of our new attraction opening soon called 'The Racer' which is one of Australias largest and fastest indoor slides. It will be in that large white building on the hill next to the water slides. There are big things happening in our park in the near future with alot more fun attractions to come and exciting additions to the Water Park." Here is an article about the slide: http://m.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/an-82m-six-storey-rush/3105474/ You can just see the big white building to the right of my pics, which formally housed their old snow slope. This is great news that they are continuing to add new attractions on a yearly basis, which is their goal. The park was extremely popular all day and this includes not only the waterpark, but the tobaggan slide, the laser force and of course, the iconic Big Banana itself and the eatery/restaurant behind it. ( Gotta love those Chocolate Frozen Bananas on a stick!) The park certainly has a good amount of room to expand and if it adds another slide tower and a pool , will certainly be a enticing option to experience for visitors to the Coffs Coast or on their way to Queensland. Adding some more water attractions would make this the biggest water park between the Gold Coast and Sydney- a massive catchment area and ripe for expansion. Things are certainly looking positive for the park and I hope they keep their current success to build the park to being a serious player in the industry. Trivial Note: Opposite the water park on the hill there is a disused building that appears to have been an attraction at one time or another. I went up there for a drive to get a good view of the park overall and was astounded to find a Tesla Charging station here!!! Not sure how many there are in Australia, but this was certainly the last place I would have expected to see one.