Jobe

Pauuly LPS is an intrinsic part of Sydney and indeed Australia's fun park history. It should be protected at all costs. Your comments to me are a tad immature. Any park that you visit after "a billion times" would start to get boring. If you lived near the Qld parks and visited them with th same regularity then the same feeling will occur. Is LPS the very best it could be in its current incarnation? Definitely not ,but I for one am glad that this 70yrs+ piece of amusement history is still in being and feel that it could survive quite amicably with another park located in Sydney/NSW. Calls for it to be wiped out for one B&M coaster just highlights your ignorance and youth I suppose. Cheers Jobe

Gazza I too dont get why a flume ride will be bad for LPS. As a matter of fact it is a very good move for them-in all of LPS history they have never had a flume based ride other than the River Caves. As I have stated before, I would have rathered had one of the portable River Rapids ride that are also made by Reverchon-it would have been unique in Australia and would be a great family addition to the ride lineup at LPS. LPS needs a influx of at least 5-6 permanent rides that are sympathetic to the current parks footprint(ie they need to be able to fit and mould with the existing buildings) and they also need to be somewhat resident friendly ( and by this I mean not TOO noisy and any permanent structure would have to have a height restriction). Does this rule out LPS acquiring any more coasters? I think not. There are many manufacturers that could quite conceivably fit in any number of smaller coasters within the park. (Steel Hawg from Indianna Beach is at the forefront of my mind) You could also fit in a Wicked Twister style coaster in between the cliff face and the Big Top and enclose it in a Mountain type structure to reduce noise with either end coming out to face the open sky. Move the Dodgems back to under their original position under the Wild Mouse and this would free up space to accomodate a River Caves type ride that could meander out the back and intertwine with the Wicked Twister coaster under the purpose built mountain. I would also love to see a Zamperla Disk'O Coaster located in Maloney's corner-it would be an Australian first and is a moderate thrill ride that would be a great attraction. Its a pity that the owners of LPS do not share the same vision that some of us do!! Gazza, Joz I would love to hear your ideas or thoughts on the issue-perhaps Gazza you could do us one of your famous drawings?? Cheers Jobe

Thats not surprising since it is owned by Osbournes and they are based in Newcastle. Gazza apparently it is a brand new ride which will make its debut at LPS for this Xmas hols. I dont have any details as to what manufacturer it is but it is definitely not Splash Canyon. I am hoping for a portable River Rapids ride like something Sobema produces but I am not holding my breath. Still I agree with you I think it will be a very popular attraction for its period of tenure at LPS. Not one of your better thought out answers Paulie..........thats pie in the sky stuff really. Cheers Jobe

Neb old son!!! Long time no hear from!!! Have to say though-not one of your better ideas............ Cheers Jobe

Hi all, I think that returning the Mirror Maze to Coney Island is a fantastic idea that will only enhance an already extremely popular attraction. However this must be done delicately and must not disturb or remove anything of historical significance from the funhouse. Still, there is plenty of unused space in this area and it will be a sensational addition to the other old school aspects of this icon from another era. I remember that the Mirror Maze used to be housed in the Crystal Palace when I was a kid and really loved it!! I think it will be a success-can any one name another Mirror Maze attraction these days? Of course it must be done correctly and sympathetically to the historical needs of Coney Island. It does prove that Luna Park Sydney are not above exploring their past for their future. Two thumbs up from me!! Cheers Jobe Hmmm GoGoboy that is not entirely correct.Coney Island isnt the only heritage attraction at the park, but it is the oldest. The Rotor is also a heritage attraction from the Park's past and was first added in the 1950's. Similarly,the Wild Mouse is also the original attraction that was built by Ted Hopkins in the late 1950's. Closely related to these is the orginal pipe organ that used to be utilised in the original PTC carousel at the park. It IS sad that so few old school attractions remain in the park but we must be grateful for what is there and vigilant that they remain for generations to come!! Now if they return The River Caves to the park in some form would be a cause for celebration indeed!! Cheers Jobe

I agree Gazza. The Zacspin looks like fun but I would prefer a more fleshed out coaster experience. Still,if LPS were to get one I would be suitably impressed and would line up with everybody else to have a go. The resident issue has been covered ad nauseam on these boards but this is the first time I have seen anyone even remotely sympathetic to their point of view!!! Howver Mickey _079 I think your argument is inherently flawed. As has been stated numerous times, the Park has been there for over 75 years and has an inherent right to function as a fun park with all the noise and trappings that one associates with an amusement park. All the residential towers have been built around or after the Park came into existence. However you state they should not be able to build a new coaster?? Why?? The Park should have the right to offer to its patrons the latest in ride technology which will allow it to compete and attract a larger captive audience. The Government should impose a ban on any residential complaint against the Park on the grounds of noise. The simple solution is to move or soundproof your apartment. A small price to pay for having one of the best views in the world !!! I sincerley hope that one day LPS will acquire another coaster. It SHOULD be allowed the opportunity to,especially if the building of the coaster was done to comply with reasonable noise guidelines and goverment policy, and NOT residential demands. Cheers Jobe

Oh I totally agree!! Designers can virtually fit any coaster just about anywhere-its all a question of money and willingness to do so!!! Given the figures you have quoted , perhaps some of these models may be a little out of reach for some of the smaller parks in OZ to attain, but they would make a great investment nonetheless. If you have a look at Google Maps of LPS ,you will see directly next to the Tumblebug a large unused space between it and the Big Top. Looking at the S&S model it appears that this footprint would fit best in this space and quite snugly too.( I am only guesstimating between photos but it seems a resonable fit). The reason I am looking at this space is because a) it is there and not utilised, it would be partially shielded from the Big Top as a noise break, c)no other ride need be displaced to install this attraction. I personally dont think that LPS will ever install a ride like this , but it is good to know that there are definitely some options that they could consider if they ever chose to go down this route. Cheers Jobe

Yeah they all look like reasonable coasters to put into parks with limited space, however I feel that the S&S Power model makes far better use of its footprint, has far better elements involved and also feels like a "real" coaster. A Eurofighter would be perfect in any park in Australia.(Space permitting in the Luna Parks) The Intamin Vertical lift would be at home at any of the GC parks but maybe a bit large for our Luna Parks. The Zac Spin would be a great addition to either Luna Park but would probably be too small to be a major addition to any GC park. The Maurer Sohne X Car looks to be an excellent ride and its small footprint would be great in any park in Australia but I have heard that its restraints are very uncomfortable and give a poor ride experience. I dont think the S&S El Loco model would be out of place at LPS and dont feel that it would be any louder that the current rides there, however the residents probably would not agree!! Ride placement would be vital to ensure its success but if it met the current noise level restrictions it would slot in quite nicely next to the Tumblebug on the raised concrete slab, partially behind the Big Top which would act as a noise break. There are several makes of coaster out there which could slot quite easily in any of our small parks, it will just take a Park CEO with with enough nous and vision to make it a reality!! Not sure of the costs of these rides but surely they would be within reasonable expectation? Anyone fill me in here? Gazza do you know the prices for the rides you quoted? Comments? Cheers Jobe

Just searching through RCDB when I stumbled upon this recent coaster at Indiana Beach, built by S&S Power. It looks quite thrilling and packs quite a punch for its size with a maximum height of 96 ft, 3 inversions and a 120 degree drop!! Its capacity would not be huge due to it only having 4 cars with 4 people per car, but the shortness of the ride would mean that movement would be fairly constant. Its small footprint would make it attractive for any park in Australia and I could see one definitely being installed next to the Tumblebug, an area that is very poorly utilised at this current time (ironic in a park that is so limited in space such as LPS!!). Small parks take note!!! How long will it be before we get to see these type of unique rides in Australia?? Anyhow, here is the link, check it out for yourself. www.rcdb.com/id2722.htm Comments? Cheers Jobe

I must say GoGoboy I find your view on the current rides at LPS quite harsh. IMHO they are not crap 2nd hand carnival rides. Sure ,agreed, they could be presented in a much more aesthetic way by the park (via the use of SOME of themeing-even the use of a elaborate bridge would be welcomed!!) but the rides themselves are not inherently bad!! Most of the current lineup are NOT travelling models and the majority are made by HUSS, which does have a very good reputation for these type of rides. Also, the rides are fairly unique in Australia ,with the Flying Saucer and the Tumblebug being the ONLY examples of this type of ride in the country!! There are also many examples of copies of LPS rides being utilised in other MAJOR theme parks around the world which would seem to indicate that these rides are fairly successful and satisfy the public's demand for this type of attraction. Upon reflection, it can be shown that LPS does have a number of unique attractions. 1) Coney Island- One of the last surviving examples of a 1930's funhouses in the WORLD. Worthy of all the respect and nostalgia that it receives. 2) The Wild Mouse- One of 3 left in Australia and 1 of only 5 left in the WORLD. Another attraction which deserves heritage listing. And yep-it is classified a coaster 3) The Rotor-The only surviving example of this type of ride in Australia and one of the few in the world. 4) The Tumblebug,The Spider,The Ranger and The Flying Saucer-All Huss rides. All good examples of a spin and spew ride and ones that are heavily utilised by theme parks around the world. Their uniqueness in Australia has been noted earlier in the post 5)The Tango-A funfair staple and a good example of this type of ride. 6)The Carousel-A beautifully restored example that must be kept at the park. Its inclusion gives the park that much more character. Don't get me wrong-I dont for one minute believe that the current ride lineup is the absolute best that LPS could offer.However ,I do firmly believe that the current ride lineup could be greatly enhanced by small bridges or themeing which would remove that carnival type aura that does surround them at the moment. LPS should attempt to at least make their rides feel more like a permanent attraction rather than the temporary feel they have attached to them at the moment. Obviously the park is far from perfect. That has been noted upon these boards time and again and I am in absolute agreement with these views. However, if the current attractions were enhanced and new ones introduced,(The current ride linep and attraction list MUST be increased) then LPS would definitely be heading in the right direction. Just my 2 cents worth Cheers Jobe

Good point GoGoBoy. This is also a lesson that the operators of Luna Park Sydney would do well to take heed of!!. Regular investment back into a park via new attractions is a sure fire way to generate interest and extra attendance which ultimately translates to the bottom line. To stay stagnant (like LPS for 4 years with NO new PERMANENT attraction or upgrade) is a recipe for disaster and ruin. I have never visited Jamberoo myself but I find that I will be definitely packing up the family for a daytrip sometime soon,especially if their impressive future plans come to fruition!! Cheers Jobe

Does anybody else have any memories of Manly Fun Pier?? I have scoured the 'Net and these are the only pics of the place that I could find.Does anybody know of a similar fun pier or park that used to operate elsewhere in Australia? This is another rare & fantastic piece of Australian and Sydney amusement history that is extremely important and should be looked upon with much nostalgia and fondness( Especially if you had experinced it like me!!) Also, Richard, I have asked that my earlier pics of White City be added to the site's database, could this also apply to Manly Fun Pier??( I havent seen ANY pics of this park on the net and it would be great for Parkz to recognise it as its own listing!!) Cheers Jobe

Richard, Can these pics be added to the site's database-obviously they are very rare and of great historical importance to the development of the amusement park in Australia, so it would be great if "White City" could have its own listing. If so, I do have some other info about White City that I could add to add to the overall listing. Cheers Jobe

I am sorry..I dont normally do this....but what the?????? Cheers Jobe

Hi guys, This is a bit of history that I never knew existed ..I bet you all thought(like me!!) that the Big Dipper at Luna Park was the first roller coaster in Sydney?? Well I knew of the existence of a Park in that existed from about 1910 or so called White City. The same site still bears the same name as the tennis complex(soon to be redeveloped as well). Anyway it appears that at White City there existed a Scenic Railway-and from the pictures I have obtained below it looked like a fantastic example from the period! Even back at the turn of the century they understood "theming", a concept the current owners of Luna Park would do well to take heed!!! To my surprise there was also a River Caves ride,one which pre-dated the LPS example by at least 20 years!! Enjoy a trip down memory lane!! Cheers Jobe

Hi Guys!! Does anybody remember this small amusement pier at Manly?? It was located next to the Ferry wharf and was torn down in the late 80's. I can remember visiting there a couple of times...had a fantastic Ghost train!!! Its a shame that it isnt still around!! Anyway enjoy these images. Cheers Jobe

Gee it would be nice but I am a more than a little sceptical. Those supports mean that if it was a coaster of some sort it would obviously travel outside at some point. I think that if this was the case, they would have some serious noise issues and complaints from residents,given their close proximity to residential dwellings. Also have we looked at the viability angle of installing a coaster at Draculas?? When would it conceivably operate?? Only before and during show times?? Would it be enough of an attraction to open all day?? Once again, I have my doubts. Now if they were installing an indoor coaster attraction in or near the Haunted House in Surfers itself that would make more sense. The 2 attractions would complement each other and would mirror each other's opening times,making the installation of a coaster a much more viable and attractive proposition.(espcially given the longer trading hours of the Haunted House) I could be wrong( and I hope I am!!) but I really dont think I am too far off the mark. Comments? Cheers Jobe

Sorry mate i was being facetious-I really didnt mean to offend!! I firmly believe that Luna Park ,with the right resolve and management nous, could restore the balance that is sorely lacking in today's park incarnation. This is because the current owners do NOT want to run LPS as a traditional amusement park as it was in its heyday. However,the introduction of at least 4-5 new world class thrill rides that would fit in the current parks footprint could do much to alter that imbalance.(Plus improving the rides currently in the lineup) Now what those rides could be is open to speculation( I firmly have my ideas with what could be done) and I would be interested in anyone's else's opinions on the subject. Bear in mind that we would have to consider in these plans the residents (unfortunately they ARE a large mitigating factor) and the way the park now makes the bulk of its revenue(ie the LPS Big Top, which is a very succesful corporate and concert venue). So while we would all love another large coaster to be installed at LPS ,it just isnt going to happen;as is the removal of the Big Top concert venue. Lets try and keep any ideas as realistic as possible!! Comments? Cheers Jobe

Gee you resurrected a 3 year old thread for this very illuminating comment!!!! Seriously though, as much as I love Luna Park and would love to see it restored to its former glory,I doubt very much that there will be any significant improvements to the ride roster or the attractions that are currently located within the park. Simply put ,I feel that the current owners and park management have a different agenda than simply running an amusement park.(Read into that what you will.) Time may prove me wrong(and I hope it does!!) but I dont think anything new or exciting will be at the park any time soon!!This last point makes me both extremely sad and angry at the same time!! Cheers Jobe

Hi all!! I have just found a site that is called "Just For Fun" which showcases old postcards from Amusement parks spanning from the early parts of last century to the present. I have included a few pics that pertain to Luna Park Sydney, which are fantastic and are quite unique!! They come from all eras of the park,the 50's the 70's and even one from the 80's. They sadly illustrate how souless the present incarnation has become. Enjoy!! Comments? Cheers Jobe

Could you elaborate further? Cheers Jobe

Hey Guys!! Thought you might be interested in a rare pic from Luna Park's past. It is a photo of the Wild Cat roller coaster that replaced the Wild Mouse in the very early 70's. I have also included 2 pics taken of the last remaining car from the original Big Dipper. It is located next to the Tumblebug and is a tribute to another era in the park's history. Enjoy!! Jobe

The Coff's Harbour Aqua Jet was originally situated at Newcastle next to an inner city supermarket for years. It was moved to Coff's Harbour in the late 80's. Its a shame to hear that it has finally been pulled down. I have great memories of riding this in my early youth with a group of friends...in those days they used to let you form trains of riders and it wasnt uncommon to have some trains of up to 8 people zooming down the tube. The ride was fairly high and quite long..I think it would have had to have been at one time Australia's longets water slide?? Good fun from simpler times. Cheers Jobe

Hi Guys Thought this might interest some of you!!! Taken from the LPS website. "Lunar Space Park Lunar Space Park blasts off these Easter School Holidays! Your mission, to discover the new face of Luna Park from March 31 to April 30 The countdown is on for Luna Park's first ever space carnival which blasts off this Easter. Lunar Space Park will transform the harbour city’s famous landmark into a fun-filled world of aliens and astronauts. One of four new annual carnivals, Lunar Space Park will offer a glimpse of the future as seen on the computer screen and silver screen. Combining fact and fiction, it will capture the imagination of children and adults alike. Lunar Space Park runs from March 31 to April 30 and includes: An exciting new temporary look for Luna Park’s famous face Outer space exhibits including displays from the new family film, Zathura: A Space Adventure, in cinemas March 30 Alien food (including green fairy floss) and entertainment The Shock Wave which will send guests twirling into orbit! (from 14 April – 30 April) Space decorations, prizes and much more! For Lunar Space Park, Luna Park Sydney has joined forces with partners such as SonyPictures Entertainment, The Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Museum and the Mars Society Australia. Don’t miss out on all the new and exciting things we have coming just for the Lunar Space Park carnival. Session Times: Rides: * Energy Storm - operational from14/04/2006 - 30/04/2006 * Shock Wave - operational from 14/04/2006 - 30/04/2006 Zathura Costume: * Available on display till 5th April Mars Suit: * Available on display from 5th April Starlab sessions & ‘Zero In’ competition: * Before Holidays - 1st, 2nd & 8th, 9th April Saturday: 12pm - 4pm Sunday: 12pm - 4pm * School Holidays - 14th-30th April Monday-Sunday: 11am - 4pm Next carnival - Circo della Luna - June 23 to July 16, 2006 Luna Park’s version of the famous Venetian Carnival will feature Italian cuisine, music and circus, fanciful street performers and arts and crafts for the entire family. Luna National Park September 22 to October 15, 2006. Lunasea December 29, 2006 to January 28, 2007" Not a bad idea really!!! Should be a good event. At least we now know why Energy Storm isnt at the Royal Easter Show!! Comments?? Cheers Jobe

Indeed!! The pictures of LPM look fantastic!! The grand old lady looks great!! The Scenic Railway Station looks excellent..and in mint condition!! I hope that the Lindsay Fox redevelopment plans will include a new wooden Big Dipper to replace the Metropolis. It has been stated that he is going to try and bring back traditional rides and attractions back..lets hope he makes good on this promise!! Any one have any updated news on plans for LPM?? Great photos photos Richard..thanks! Cheers Jobe