Jobe

Winter Sports World is an Australian first world class $300 million indoor snow resort development planned for Western Sydney. A major demand generator for tourism and winter sports, helping put Western Sydney on the map as the Adventure Capital. It’s an exciting proposal for Sydney, the state of New South Wales and also nationally for Australia, with Winter Sports World set to bring year-round snow to Sydney. It will consist of multi-activity offerings with key features such as a 300-metre advanced ski slope, dedicated learn to ski, snow play , Olympic standard ice rink auditorium, ice climbing, hotel, conference, restaurant and cafes. Winter Sports World will cater for a wide market, i.e. from the first-time snow experience, learn to ski, corporate team bonding, schools, tourists, through to recreational skiing and advanced training. It will also be a training facility for our Winter Olympians in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snow board, figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, curling with the possibility of also catering for cross country and biathlon. Strategically located in Penrith, Western Sydney within close proximity to amenities, infrastructure and the new Nancy Bird Walton Airport. Subject to planning approvals target opening is for 2024. Winter Sports World is expected to generate around 900 new ongoing jobs, 250,000 tourist visits and of $80million per annum each year to Western Sydney. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=182610627084734 https://www.wintersportsworld.com.au/ Check out the media page here: https://www.wintersportsworld.com.au/media Exciting looking concept that appears to be well funded and also progressing well towards being a reality. Fingers crossed it gets there!!

Yeah there isnt much Hollywood left. More like DC WOOD.............

The next part of the expansion to the Big Banana waterpark has been lodged for a DA with the Coffs Coast council. The addition of a new Kids area and new tower complex with dueling raft slides will be a welcome addition to the small waterpark. The full article can be read HERE Below shows an overview of the new tower and duelling slides. This forms part of the expansion plans that were announced in December last year. The addition of the Plantation Alpine Coaster should be lodged as a DA by early next year.

We finnaly have a date for the opening of the SX360. The ride will be launching June 18th 2021. The Ballroom Blitz is also expected to reopen at around the same time. According to the park, the Blitz undertook a major reconstruction overhaul which took longer than expected. Make of that what you will. The new spinning coaster, The Rat, whilst completed, is expected to open in the last quarter of the year. Given Aussie World's issues and longevity with opening the SX360, I won't be holding my breath. Still its good to finally see some progress happening on this attraction- Aussie World is a fine litttle park and when the new attractions are all open, it will be a great family day out.

You're going to be Frank? Why can't you just be Michael?? 😆 Seriously though, this topic has come up many times before and still keeps coming up because it is still a very relevant topic of conversation. I keep bringing up the same sites as they are literally the only sites left in the park that POSSIBLY could be utilised. I have never said they would be used. There is a massive difference. Lets dig a little closer to my suggestions. The amphitheatre in between the Ferris Wheel and the Crystal Palace- This is likely the only realistic spot for space utilsation for another ride. It would mean, as correctly pointed out by @Yyosh, the loss of a small seated area which serves the Helter Skelter Cafe. However, if this was filled in and the space used for another ride, then the seated area could be expanded from what it is currently. It would mean the loss of a large secondary entrance to the park from the boardwalk and also the small amphitheatre which the park did utilise as a small performance space. I am thinking that the park will retain this space for this purpose even though it is able to utilise this space under the amended Luna Park Act for permanent attractions. The space next to the Rotor- There is room next to the Rotor that is not utilised that COULD be used in some capacity for an attraction. As correctly pointed out, the area behind here is the parks loading and unloading dock but if this could be moved somewhere else , or access was given to another point, then definitely it could be used. Its interesting to note 2 points here. This space in the 1995 incarnation was home to the original position for the Tumblebug and the Luna park Shop- it was not a loading dock or drop off point. Things change and things could change again. This space is also permissable to be utilised as a permanent attraction space under the Luna park Act. Could it be used? Yes. Would it be used? In all reality, probably not but I must point out we are talking hypotheticals here. The grassed area on top of the carpark- This area is actualy quite large and could safely accomodate at least 3 or possibly more adult attractions. ( given what they have fit into Maloney's Corner and how well they have executed that, then its reasonable to assume that this could certainly be utilised.) There is the question of whether the rooftop could take the weight of rides. Lets consider that at the moment there is several tonnes of soil and grass that is sitting on top. This would not stay if they were to utilise this space as an expansion point- it would be removed. If the rooftop could accomodate safely this weight of soil and grass , then its easy to assume that it is suffciently engineered to take the weight of 3 rides if required. The same question was asked of the Tumblebug site when the question of a new coaster for Luna Park came up ( much like this topic- one that came up repeatedly😏). Now we are seeing the new Big Dipper being built on the exact same site. Would it surprise you that the park has already considered this location as a potential site for new attractions? Whilst they have not followed through on their initial investigations , it certainly has not been ruled out as something for the future. Yes the access back to the Midway is an issue, but I am confident that an access point and ramp of some description could be engineered to connect this space in a way that is sympathetic to the Midway and the surrounding ticketing building/carousel and Helter Skelter cafe. Lastly, once again, this space has been cleared for permanent attraction use by the updated Luna Park amended act and as such, is why the park would have had initial investigations on the use of the site. Now I am not saying that this WILL be used but COULD it be, in the grand scheme of things? Absolutely. There is no real issue with the rides we are getting true. My opinion is that , however, we are one ride short for the overall family to ride as a unit- rides that both adults and children would ride together. I still believe that to be true- especially if they keep the Rock'N Tug. This is why I posted some ride examples of what Luna Park COULD add in their next expansion. The park has traditionally been populated by family rides that could be enjoyed by every family member- young or old. I feel that this balance is just a little out of whack for mine. In saying that I am not unhappy with how the park is progressing- I think the park is doing a tremendous job with the space they have and what they are installing. Its fantastic to see and I cannot wait to see its completion. If you are a 25 year old who only rides the carousel, the dodgems and the Ferris wheel, then you are not the target audience that an amusement park would be looking at. You would be in the extreme minority. I get that you love the history of the place- as much as I do. I just happen to love thrill rides and coasters just as much and this is intrinsically what Luna Park is all about. 100% Yyosh nailed it here ☝️ The park does need a dark ride of some description. I think there is a medium level chance of this happening sometime in the future. It may require some movement of rides ( particularly the Dodgems ) but it could be done. It will not happen for quite some time, however. The River Caves return, is just pure fantasy, unfortunately. It would indeed be awesome if they could do it, but with the advent of the Big Top, the Deck and the other event locations within the park and the importance of these to the overall revenue stream, this will not see these removed for the space required to return the River Caves to the park. As for your idea, I know that it entails expanding onto Lavender Green, and taking up more space from the adjoining railway sidings. Unfortunately, this will never occur. Firstly, it would take an act of parliament to gift this site back to Luna Park, amend the current Luna Park act and bring it into the overall site plan. From what we saw with Luna Park's attempt earler last year to utilise Lavender Green for semi permanent attractions and small rides, it elicited a strong dissension from the nearby residents, so strong that the DA was withdrawn. The railway sidings are planned to be in use for at least the next 7- 10 years at the earliest and there is a strong push for the railway site to be incorporated into a "High Walk" along its entire length- an idea which has garnered strong resident and local government support. Your idea to expand here is a nice one but it is actually a total fantasy that is not based on anything coming into fruition. My thoughts around expansion at least have some grounding in reality and are based on what space IS currently available. Actually you only pointed out that it needs to go in a more suitable location. Whilst I 100% agree with you, I aactually pointed out that the current location that the Tug is situated in, is NOT permissable for a permanent ride site under the amended Luna Park site act. Thats a big difference. I do agree 100% though that if the Tug is to stay, then it needs a good refurb and retheme to bring it inline with all the other new attractions. ☝️This for mine is the only way we will ever see another huge expansion to Luna Park. If this were to occur, then the sky is the limit. There are many issues to overcome if this was to happen, but it is a great idea if it were ever to become a reality in some way.

Here is a video rendering of the new attractions at the park! Looks like a pretty good addition for mine!!

Yeah 100%. This is exactly the type of ride that would be a great addition to Luna Park. It has good capacity, small footprint and would be unique in Australia. My only concern here would be the unload/load times, which by all accounts can be quite slow. However, this shouldnt prove to be too much of a problem for Luna Park. It might be , however, one of the reasons why one of our bigger parks has not installed one yet. If we could find room within the park, and removing the Rock 'N' Tug from the line up altogether, here are some mildy thrilling / family attractions that I think would work well within Luna Parks attraction offering. Please keep in mind here, that I have tried to keep rides to attractions that the whole family could enjoy , and that is fairly unique in Australia, with no examples of these units in another park, to offer that exclusivisity and attraction to ride, reride and revisit. Number one is the Huss Condor: - yes its still being manufactured!! Take a look at this brilliant example at Tivoli Gardens which is the hybrid ride that Huss is offering- there are 2 ride motions in one. Number 2 is the Chance Freestyle- a new take on the classic Trabant style ride that has been around for decades. Number 3 is a Fabbri Giant Aladdin Magic Carpet ride. Number 3 is a Huss Airboat- the spiritual successor to the Troika and the previous Tumblebug. These are smaller than the original Troika's and have a much smaller footprint. Number 4 is the Zamperla Endeavour. This is the spiritual successor to the Huss Enterprise and is probably the most thrilling ride on this list. However it would have good value as a ride that the majority of the family could ride. Its available in single seat 24 rider or 2 seat 48 rider configuration, although there are only 2 of those examples that have been built so far. Number 5 is the Gerstlauer Bavarian Express. This is the modern take on another popular ride of Luna Park's past , the Traver Tumble Bug. Aside from the nostalgia this ride would inspire, its also a great family ride that would appeal to everyone, young and old. I would much rather have seen this fit into the new Luna Land in Boomerangs helixes instead of the Zamperla Samba Balloon or Frog Hopper if i am honest. Number 6- Larson Flying Scooter- I just wanted to include one of these because I have never ridden one and they look like so much fun. They also have a retro feel about them and yet they would be unique in Australia. Why some park here have not added one of these rides is beyond me! Some park, somewhere please do it!! Its a nice what if? scenario and any of these rides would be a great stage 3 addition to Luna Parks ride offering. All these rides would have broad appeal to the entire family and each of them are unique to any ride offering in Australia, which means making a visit to Luna Park that much more attractive. All of these rides are still in production as well, it is worth noting. The only issue is where would you locate one of these in the new park? As has been stated, space is of the ultimate premium and there is not much more room. One option is of course to utilise the space between the Ferris Wheel and the Crystal Palace but this would mean altering the steps that are already there. This , for mine, would be the most logical expansion point as you could reconfigure the entrance here whilst at the same time leaving enough room for one new attraction. If we are putting in one of these rides to replace the Rock ' N Tug, then the space it occupies becomes available. However, only one of these rides , the Fabbri Magic Carpet ride would have a chance of fitting in here and I think it would be a tight fit , but doable. You could also potentially move either the Zamperla Samba Balloons or the Frog Hopper ride here to potentially fit in one of these suggested rides in Luna Land at the back. The last option for extra space would be the site ontop of the carpark, directly above the ticketing office. This could accomodate 2 or possibly 3 new rides if utilised. The park would have to find some way to connect this space with the midway and have some option for a ramp access. Any of the rides I have listed above would be a good option to fit into this space. It is worth noting that rides within the blue zone are permissable at this location under the Luna Park site act. They are also permissable in the ampitheatre space next to the Ferris Wheel and also next to the Rotor. Perhaps the Hair Raiser could be moved next to the Rotor to free up some space for anothr attraction? What is also interesting is that the current space where the Rock ' N Tug is situated, appears to be a space that is not permissable for permanent attractions, so i would expect that this ride will be moved in the near future. What other ideas or future attractions/expansions would you like to see Luna Park explore in the coming years?. What attractions could you potentially move or situate elsewhere in the park to make room for another attraction? Is a Dark Ride a real possibility for the park? One thing is for certain these are certainly exciting times as we count down to the reopening of the park.

Yeah thats exactly my point. 100%. You are looking at rides that are for the entire family that are thrilling enough for both adults and children. I still think the space above the carpark could be utilised somehow and incoporated into the Midway somehow. Ah well lets enjoy what we are getting , which is extremely good!!

Yeah agree 100%. It looks tacky for mine where it is and it looks well out of place with all the new work going on around it. It could certainly do with a revamp and a permanent looking installation. Whilst I am loving the new rides and the investment, on a closer , judicial inspection, I would offer the opinion that the park is now a little too heavy in kid rides. I think that one more family or thrill attraction would better balance out the park. Something else that all the family can ride such as a Zamperla Disko or a Sartori Techno Jump would be just the ticket for mine. I would rather see one of these than the Rock ' N Tug thats for certain.

Now we know what we know, absolutely 100%. Interesting to see that I posted that in March 2020 and the announcement came 8 months later. Goes to show this expansion has been years in the planning.

Ooooh look at that!! Coaster train goodness!! This doesn’t look to far off testing!! Great pics mate thanks for sharing!!

I dont think that the RES is devoid of atmosphere.I visited today and had an awesome time- there was plenty of atmosphere from my perspective.

Hi guys, I thought that this document deserved its own topic- it has huge historical and current information contained in its weighty pages. Have a look at the list of contents that are contained within: There are some excellent historical maps of the site- dating back to the 1800's and showing the original shoreline before it was taken over by the Dorman Long Workshops. There is for the first time that I have ever seen a map of the famed Cliff face Tunnel that was used as an air raid shelter during WW II There are condition reports on items of historical value with the park as per below: I have cherry picked a few items from within the document to illustrate what is contained within it. Its a long document but one that is packed with comprehensive information about all things Luna Park, the site, the items of historical significance and its place within the fabric of Sydney and its importance as an historical site, condition reports of the historical artworks within the park and even original plans for Coney Island and the site circa 1935. Please sift through it and enjoy the info that is contained within it- its not everyday that we have such access to so much info regarding a park that is 85 years old . This was posted on the Facebook site Lost Amusement Parks of Sydney and NSW ( a great site- feel free to join) https://www.facebook.com/groups/348435523186489 by one of the contributors there so thanks to him for finding this and bringing it to our attention. Enjoy and cheers! Luna-Park-Sydney-CMP-FINAL-December-2019.pdf

That last article is excellent- agreed. Will be looking forward to this tonight - the historical aspect of this is excellent. From the layout of the Ghost train, to the features inside the 45 year old ride to the eventual tragedy unfolding this promises to be one of the programs of the year.

The show season has kicked off this year and the first major show was in Newcastle last weekend. Due to decent weather, and a public thirsty for public events after 12 months of COVID related cancellations, the Newcastle show saw large crowds over its 3 day operations. The event has been touted as one of the most succesful shows in the region in many years. Please see this video of the side show alley- its excellent quality and showcases the major rides brilliantly. There were some old school classics appearing this year including the Hurricane and a Trabant Enjoy!!

Here is a little bit of vision from the Big Banana expansion from earlier in the year. Its a great interview with the operator of the Big Banana and includes some excellent historic photos of the Big Banana from years gone by. https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/12/23/50-million-plan-revealed-for-big-banan https://www.facebook.com/Prime7NewsNorthCoast/videos/434928240877888/

Whilst what you say is true, to be fair the North Sydney Pool is curently closed for renovations. https://concreteplayground.com/sydney/travel-leisure/north-sydney-pool-is-closing-next-month-for-a-64-million-renovation-that-will-include-a-gelato-bar

Yeah this looks to be very interesting indeed. Here is a short trailer for the series- it looks to go very indepth and looks to be exhaustively researched. Caro Meldrum- Hanna is an award winning investigative journalist and is renowed for her hard hitting expose's on the ABC's Four Corners, with two notable reports are an investigation into the treatment of juveniles at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre entitled "Australia's Shame" and an investigation into a greyhound racing live baiting scandal entitled "Making a Killing". This special about the 1979 Luna Park Ghost Train Fire is a 3 part series and will undoubtedly prove evocative and compelling viewing for most. It will also, unfortunately , prove quite emotional for any survivors and relatives of the victims that may also view this. This is a must see for anyone interested in Luna Park or even the amusement park history of Australia. It is worth noting that this still remains Australia's worst amusment park related tragedy, with 6 children and one adult losing their lives in the inferno that fateful night.

Potential? No one is arguing that they do not have the potential. But that is not what we were discussing. The big issue is would they at this current time? And the answer is a resounding no. None of the expansion plans they have put forward have even looked at any dry rides or attractions, with the exception of the Alpine Coaster. And even then the plans for one have been put on hold or indefintiely deferred. To be honest, this is the only dry attraction that would make sense at this time. Jamberoo are expanding their water park operations because that is exactly what they need to do. My information was that they had submitted the DA and then voluntarily withdrew it. Either way its on hold or not in their short to medium plans. Seriously? Look I love the Illawarra and South Coast region immensely however to compare what it offers to the Gold Coast and say they are nearly competing on even terms shows a bias that is clearly clouding better judgement. ☝️ This is all that needs to be said.

Yeah this was mentioned and noticed in the other post on launch day. Given that the train only holds 7 riders and the fact that this will probably be the most popular ride in the park, its a given that Luna Park would have and need 2 train operations. Not too sure about having 3 trains though- not 100% sure given the shortness of the ride if this is possible and it would probably be overkill , to be honest.

Definitely possible but in my estimation not likely. We may see track arrive by the time Stage One is ready to open but since there is nothing underneath the non inverting loop or sidewinder I am thinking all attention and effort will be on working on Luna Land. Sure footers may be done by then and there maybe preliminary work , but I am betting that track will not appear until after the June reopening.

Hahaha I am betting Sledgehammer to win that contest. SX360 will open , eventually. Actventure- now thats a big open ended question. I HOPE it does- it has the potential to be awesome for the Sunshine Coast. Its still very much a wait and see at this point.

Yeah saw this last night - it was a good video. Pretty well researched and could not discern any notable discrepencies or inaccuracies. I like his channel- he has some good stuff. Love his intro theme tune though- that always puts a smile on my dial!! 😄

Yeah thought so. Best to say where pics come from really though. We are all connected in some ways as enthusiasts over various platforms and it’s not cool to rip someone else’s work off and pass it as our own. Just a small acknowledgment is all that’s needed . It’s the fairest way. 👍

Yeah agree. The Grand Gorge Falls was a bit of a mouthful and Velocity Falls gives greater connotations of speed! Looking forward to it!! Bring it on!!