StingRay

Official launch (get it) information. They are doing a ceremony too, that's interesting and a great move for them. I hope they mention the past and future. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX0BYJsP_Yj/?utm_medium=copy_link

I think they are saying it's the coaster with the two tallest launches of its kind here in Aus. I mean, technically they are right.

Ashely has posted a photo of one of the original Big Dipper cars on display in the entrance queue line.

In park artist, Ashely shared this on his Instagram. Looking good. Nice to see the nod to the original with the ride vehicle and mural. Looks like the original murals are still in existence.

December 12

So it is true, Can I ask where about on Lawrence Hargrave drive this is meant to be?. I had heard about a kids amusement park (8 or so years ago) being developed for the Helensburgh area. I'm assuming this is the one. Coleman & Sons do a decent job. Even tho it would be another railway this would he one that I assume would run every weekend and during the school holidays. Last I heard about Penwood railway it had massive financial issues. Illawarra live steamers it currently going through a “changing of the guard” as in older members leaving or unfortunately pass on. I welcome something like this to this area of Sydney. Everything is normally out west or towards Sydney. Wollongong university has a science lab from memory, you got a small putt-putt complete at Helensburgh plus the small Zoo (Symbio Wildlide Park) and the HARS aviation museum down at Albion Park. So even tho this might have been delayed by 10 odd years it's the right time to get it started now. They have some rides naturally so it's a perfect fit for them. I believe they are local also to the area of Sydney. I look forward to hearing more about this.

The Wild Mouse is indeed having some are-tracking work taking place. It's also having some pretty serious work conducted to its support structure. It's all standard work tho.

It went into e-stop mode here but unfortunately was perfectly balanced. Hence why I didn't move from its inverted position. This occurred the weekend before Halloween from memory. It's had a few issues the following weekend. While It is upsetting it's not doing the 360, at least it's still operating.

Shows it was engineered in a good way for assembly/disassembly. The whole structure will easily come apart and down.

I finally managed to get out and head to LPS for its first official day of trading plus attend Halloscream for the first time. The park was at its covid safe capacity and it was great to see many people enjoying the new offerings along with the classics also. It's hard to judge everything based on it being the first operational day running of the park. Naturally, some things could be better but I put some of this down to new staff finding their feet. Once I picked up my Annual Pass and checked in I headed into the park to meet my friends. The check-in was slightly odd, from talking to the guest relations person, they are using a new ticketing system and staff ars still having to get used to it. To me, that's not a supermassive issue but I was fairly patient also. From the ride lineup it seemed the carousel was not running all day, Wildmouse was not running and the same goes for Sledgehammer. I did manage to get onto Little Nipper, I was on it when it went down and the things mentioned above are true and accurate about it going down. Luna Land to me feels great. While the theming you'd expect to see at Movieworld is not present the colours selected to make this area vibrant and great for not just families, but anyone. The interaction Boomerang has with the area is great. I can't wait to see Sledgehammer and Big Dipper 3.0 interact with this area. I’ve read some people say the temporary “bike fencing” looks cheap and tacky. It does, but it’s temporary. Outside of peak operation I’d expect to see this removed and sitting inside the Big Top for storage. The crew running Boomerang was on point. The average dispatch time was approximately 1:40 at the peak of the day. It's great to see such a high throughput. All the new rides allow adults to ride with or without kids, that's right. If you want to ride you can, Got me some cheeky new credits that are for sure. Loopy Lighthouse is my personal pick. Big Dipper is looking great. It's odd seeing it in the flesh inside the park. Still trying to figure out how the exit stairs will work, I believe you'll exit next to Coney Island/Funny Land. I also attended Halloscream, I'm not much of a Horror fan but for this being my first event it was alright. You can tell Covid affects the performers in what they can do and it's a shame but completely understandable as everyone's health is important. Some of the random shows/acts didn't seem to make a lot of sense tho. This could be due to the fact I'm not into horror or the stories being told just didn't engage the audience enough. I'd like to think the second and was the case as it seemed a little too much “cheerleader” dancing was occurring and it had me slightly confused. Overall it’s nice to have the park open again. The rides looked good and over the next few weekends operations will get better.

I visited the park today (Luna Land) and took some pictures before tonights first Halloscream event.

PUSH, is that you!

Volaré fits into the boardwalk-style of rides you'd typically see, so does Hair Raiser (loading area at least). This is a missed opportunity to continue the traditional boardwalk theme for sure. I also see them trying to be slightly different as they have been tho. You can't block an office building, and I'm sure a colour pallet had to be used to some degree to keep residents happy. The main pathway big enough for North Sydney’s largest fire truck has most likely also been a reason the back has some space and in other areas, it does not. The overall feel of the park will still be good. Yes, it's a massive shame we don't get all the amazing artwork that the front of the park has but I know for a fact the park artist Ashley is up to his eyes balls in restorations and general appearance. For him, to hand paint, many murals or signs would have taken years, that's normally the case. I'm not massive on vinyl wraps left outdoors for years also. Just have a look at the back of Coney island and you'll see why. For the park to invest in these changes without any form of government, money during this pandemic has been a miracle. While some things are left short I think they will rectify some things over time, like murals, ride signage etc.

Thanks for the photos @MrLukeCarroll. Looks like the Sydney lockdown has not caused any major delays, possibly minor, but thats about it. While the Maloney's Corner (Behind Coney Island) does look congested it will all work out. They have managed to use such a small place to great effectiveness. The Maloney's Corner section of the park is not much bigger than the entire Doomsday area (Shop, interactive games included). I cannot wait to sample these new rides, For families this while rival what the GC parks have had for many years when it comes to families. I am most looking forward to the opening weekend.

This is true, The park re-opens next week anyway so we don't have long to wait.

I think people will want to venture overseas mainly. The local market will have some positive growth but I see it being a slow growth. Even with cheaper passes on sale via a 3rd party fr Dreamworld, I don't think it's enough to sway people. However, they might get good numbers over Christmas but have a slump during that Easter period when we know international travel is all good again. I don't think VRTP are intentionally holding out for easter as I've already mentioned. They've said easter as it gives them a good amount of time to ensure the project is finally delivered. It will be a game of wait and see.

Um... holding back on a project without a reason to the GP is a reason to be asking questions. So much hype to be let down. A return on the investment... well if the QLD boarder re-opens to NSW/VIC I know many people who want to travel to QLD. Missed opportunity big time here. Sure some new waterslides at another VRTP park are alright but this coaster has had so much hype along with Trident, yet we got a opening date pushed back again. Dreamworld have got their finger on the pulse, While Steel Taipan isn't a whole precinct like SeaWorld has promised it sure as hell looks a lot better. I applaud Dreamworld for continuing to go ahead with all the plans they set out. They never chucked a tantrum during this pandemic. Instead they got down to business during a time when many other companies (AUS/Worldwide) said it was too difficult to do so. Dreamworld and Luna Park Sydney, Jamberoo and WnWGC have all proved you can get stuff done and cant use Covid as the main excuse to not get major capital projects delivered on time and on budget. Yet VRTP can deliver some water slides that have been in the planning stages for just as long as Trident at SeaWorld but for some reason cant get the new rides at SeaWorld sorted. I honestly think something is not right behind the scenes to cause such a massive delay, yet again.

Oh what a world we live in. Ironic to think Dreamworld and Luna Park Sydney will lead the charge this year for the industry when it comes to ride openings. I suppose now I can wait until Easter and see if Leviathan even opens then.

Those “bolts” or up stop bolts were commonly referred to as “mushroom bolts” thanks to their shape. The wheels only help during the corners to keep the speed up and also to balance the carriage. The Mushroom bolts do all the hard work.

River caves would be nice, Only way it would be feasible is if the Big Top got renovated and changed. That'll never happen though.

Please, The NSW government don't understand logic. Great idea though, But honestly more houses exist down that end of Lavender Bay so I don't ever really see that happening. Most of the noise complaints actually occur from the other side of Lavender bay.

Would be nice but it wont happen. The land the park have not is all they will get unfortunately. Its interesting to note though (you'll need to google it) a siding used to sit right up against the cliff wall pretty much up until just behind Big Dippers station many many moons ago.

For your Buzzsaw fix you can always count on YouTube

They definitely should, I mean you don't wanna be disappointed.

This whole "idea" of Buzzsaw going to the park is about as bad as the one from when Wonderland closed and people said Bounty's Revenge was going into the exact same grassed area. Buzzsaw is not coming to Sydney, Period.