Jobe

Apparently they re-tarred the whole park. Included new rides were actually small. A Wave swing ship, a Kamikaze style Ranger ride(I think its Huss, not 100%) and they were supposed to get a new coaster called the Vortex which was supposed to be a Pinfari looping coaster but there were problems getting it overseas. The majority of the money was spent on the Philadelphia Toboggan co Merry go Round(Only 1 left outside of Mainland USA) and restoration of said ride.Apparently it is in excellent condition ( as it should be as it has a heritage order over it!!) and is really something to see!! There was money spent on restoring the Scenic Railway(the trains were repainted and restored and there was work done on the structure and supports but not to my knowledge was there any re-tracking done The rest of the money went on restoring the famous "Mr Moon" entrance which cam up a treat!! The other existing rides were given refits and a new coat of paint and relocated around the park There may have been some other flat rides introduced but I am not sure..I will get back to you on that one Oh..I think they got new Dodgem cars and that they are now housed in the restored building that they used to be in!! Anything else I can think of I will post back!! Cheers Jobe

Once again Flea you to have a look at the times that The River Caves was around-in the late 30's and early forties Luna park was the one place to go to meet a girl and the chance to cuddle one real close in the relative privacy of the River Caves was too tempting. I t might seem tame to you now( I presume you arent that old) but then it was considered one the "in thinga to do. And even now I am sure if the River Caves were still in existence they would retain a certain amount of rustic charm and would still be considered a great family ride.Sure the themed environments would look quite tacky by 2days standards but that would still be a part of their overall appeal. I have heard that North Sydney Library is an excellent source of articles and information on Luna. In fact much of Sam Marshall's book owes alot to North Sydney Library. As yet i havent had a chance to go and research for myself but I will endeavour to do so one of these days!!! So we await and see if the current re-incarnation of Luna will cut the grade. I still feel it needs another major ride(be it indoor coaster etc River Caves ride) to be viable.Time will tell- and I sincerely hope that it does!!! Cheers Jobe

Flea you have to remember that the River Caves ride was installed in 1935-it was in fact one of the original rides to be installed in Luna Park Sydney and in fact madethe transitional move from Glenelg in South Australia. Yes it was a Tunnel of love type ride but for people of the day they were transported to another world-Deepest Darkest Africa, Toyland etc. In fact it was the park's second most popular ride after the Big Dipper. The River Caves ride was torn down and sold in job lots after the Ghost train fire of '79-sometime in 1980 I would think. Luna Park Melbourne had their own River Caves ride(Remember they were essentially the same park except for some minor ride differences). It was deemed unsafe due to it being considered unfireproof.and as a consequence it was torn down in 1982. A tragic loss as its historical value was not realised at the time. Luna Park Melbourne's Big Dipper followed suit in 1989 and this is even a more sad event than the demise of the River Caves. The Dipper was torn down ,again for safety reasons, even though a heritage order had been slapped on the structure. Its passing (9 years after the Sydney Big Dipper) brought to an end both Luna Park's love affair with Woodies( I think theywere built by the Philadelhia Toboggan Co). They both looked like an exciting ride and one that I fervently wish i could ride today!! It is especialy frustrating as the Melbourne Big Dipper could have and should have been saved.(It was a deal that was sweetend by the fact that Luna Park Melbourne were promised the Titan from Expo Park in Brisbane but this never eventuated and the ride went to Wonderland as The Demon.) Its historical value today would be inestimable. A tragic, sad loss for Australian theme park History. However I am sure that if they ever do build a "new" River Caves ride it would be the modern equivalent..as has been stated before like Bermuda Triangle and Wildwest Falls. I hope one day it is installed. As for Sam Marshall's book Luna Park- Just for Fun it was commissioned for publication for the re-opening Of Luna Park in '95. I am sure it is out of print and that it would be unavailble form bookstores as it was only available for sale at the park. Although containing some fantastic photos of the park in its Heydey, it is far from the what i would call the definetive publication on Luna Park. However it is unfortunately in all my years of searching the only real book or source of information on Luna Park. And this includes the Internet as both official sites(Melbourne and Sydney) view on previoushistory is sketchy at best. Maybe one day I will create a site that would be worthy of all the wonderful history that both Luna Park's have to offer.....the cavalcade of rides that passed through them both deserves to be catalogued at the very least!!! Nowadays I would love nothing more than to see both Luna Parks enjoy a healthy rebirth. This includes campaigning for a new Coaster(whatever the type) to replace the Metropolis in Melbourne and see it gain some quality flat rides and also to see the re-introduction of the River caves and a Indoor -Themed mine car coater cum Ghost Train ride in Sydney. Both plans would be excellent IMHO and would be a great precursor to a rise in popularity for both parks. Comments??? :?: Cheers Jobe If any one else has any questions about Luna park dont hesitate to ask I will do my utmost to answer them for you!!!

Apparently there are plans to reintroduce the River Caves ride into the park at some point. What about a partially enclosed mine train ride....put it on the cliff side utilising the tunnels...intersperse it with the River Caves ride and you would have 2 attractions and rides that would make it worthwhile to visit Luna park. Couple this with the Luna Circus and the other flat rides , and you would have a fun place to visit!! I maintain that Luna Park should have bought Rail Chase from Sega World when it closed down....they could have got it for a bargain price!!. Add this to the atmosphere of Luna Park ( which IMHO is or was the best of any park in OZ-there is something about riding at night and looking over that magnificent harbour!!) and Luna Park would be an excellent small fun fair to visit!! I think Luna Park Sydney would benefit enormously from the introduction of a River caves ride that could be similar to Bermuda Triangle or Wild West Falls and the introduction of a enclosed Mine train ride like Eureka at Dreamworld. These could be quite easily fit into Luna Parks small area and would greatly enhance its viability Comments?? Luna Park in Melbourne however is another story. For such a place steeped in history it is run pathetically. There is no regard to the unique place that Luna Park Melbourne holds in Australian theme park history. If they invested some money properly, they have the room to mark the past respectfully( by fully restoring the Scenic Railway-retracking etc) and moving forward(Installing a new Woodie like the old Big Dipper which was tragically torn down under extenuating circumstances). New rides could mark the past as well as the future...(who would love to see a new Giggle Palace complete with all that todays technology has to offer? or a new River Caves ride like Wild West Falls??) Still if they get a new coaster its a start but for the most part Melbournians have had to put up with second best!! Cheers Jobe

Hi guys!!! I know that Sega World in Darling Harbour closed down a few years ago but i was wondering what happened to its coaster "Rail Chase?" Rail Chase (4 those who dont know) was a indoor mine train themed coaster. It wasnt a bad ride and with some extra theming could have been quite excellent!!! I was wondering if anyone knows who bought it and where it was sold?? It is my opinion that when Sega World closed down, Rail Chase should have been bought by Luna Park Sydney and rethemed. It would now be the perfect solution as it was indoors so no noise complaints from the whingy neighbours!! It would have filled the large void left by the Big Dipper going to Dreamworld. Luna Park need to get something similar to this ride or Eureka Mt Mine train that is partially enclosed. It would be the dual attraction that is needed to kepp the park viable!! Cheers Jobe

This has to be one of the worst decisions ever made by a park in Australia!!! This coaster is an ACE coaster classic!!! Was there anything wrong with the operation of the coaster that hastened the closure?? This coaster was one of Wonderlands drawcards...a great way for younger people to be introduced to the joys of coasters and only one of three proper woodies in Australia......its just criminal!! Wonderland should reintoduce the Beastie ASAP. In closing the ride Wonderland have deprived Australia and the chance to ride this fantastic coaster should be restored immediately!!!!! Cheers , Jobe

Any news on the Grand old dame of Melbourne ,Luna Park?? They were supposed to get a new coaster last year sometime but it did not eventuate. Instead they refurbished the Pinfari travelling coaster they already had. I feel that with some money injected this old park would be the perfect combination of old and new. There is more than enough room for a new coaster of some type...be it wooden or steel. Personally I would love to see a new Woodie be built in the tradition of the old Big Dipper(which should never have been torn down in 1989!! a huge historical loss to Australia). What typoe of coaster would you guys see going into the park to replace the Metropolis?? Any other ideas for the park( It doesnt have the same problems Luna Park Sydney has -ie noise/residents and is a little larger in size I believe. So...what do you think?? Cheers John

"Just For Fun" was Luna Park's original slogan when it opened way back then in 1935. Having just been to the Royal Easter Show in Sydney I have just ridden an Australian first....The Crazy Mouse Spinning coaster!! Its excellent!! My point is that Luna Park could have one of these installed VERY easily....perhaps make it indoor for a dark ride...it would be excellent.!!! They have a rediculously small footprint ,give reasonable thrills and are unique in Australia and could be themed quite well!! Voila!! There you have an attraction that people will want to go and see and ride and take in the whole park!! Part of Luna Park's attraction for me is that you used to be able to go on a Fri or Sat night and ride!! It makes for a whole new ride experience riding in the dark!!! The atmosphere is fantastic!! Anyone have any ideas for a "River Caves Themed ride?? Keeping in mind the space needed and the space available at Luna Park..any ideas?? I also feel that a Mine ride like "Dreamworlds" Eureka mine train would work quite well in Luna Park...Its partially enclosed so noise isnt a problem..you can build around and on it...so space SHOULDNT be an issue.It could be part mine train part ghost train(like Scooby Doo). If only I was the one advising Metro Edgley.....Oh well... What do you guys think??? Cheers Jobe

Richard, Is there any news on when or how soon this coaster will be open?? I am chaffing at the bit to ride it..it looks awesome!!! Also because of the fact it is unique in Australia..perhaps the world. Cheers, 8) Jobe

Hi guys!! This is my first post in this forum....I would just like to extend to Richard my hearty congratulations on an excellent site that is growing all the time!!! Well i am here to discuss my favorite park since I have been a kid....a place that held so much magic !! Luna Park Sydney!! Recently it was announced that the Metro Edgely proposal was approved by the govt and I sent forward an e-mail ascertaining a few questions. Here's what I asked... Hi, My name is John and it is with distinct pleasure that I read that Luna Park has finally been given the green light for a revitalisation!! I have fond memories of this marvellous place from my childhood and would love to take my children there to sample the joys that i experienced!! However I have a number of simple questions that need answering if you would do me the pleasure. I have researched the history of Luna Park extensively and have a fair knowledge of its workings,rides and attractions from 1935 to present. *Firstly: The site says that the character of Luna Park will be preserved. But with no Big Dipper,(ie no main attraction) what will be its main focus now?? Do you think that the Luna Circus( a great idea i admit) will be enough to make the park viable?? *The site states that the Tumblebug,Rotor,Tango,Dodgems, Ferris Wheel,Wild Mouse, Coney Island and childrens rides will be retained. However what is to happen to the UFO ( a great thrill ride!!), The Spider( a great family ride that should be retained), the Ranger( ok it was a bit carnival but a fantastic white knuckle ride) and the Octopus( a family favorite) Why cant these be incorporated into the new park(other than room) and do you feel that the cutting of the number of rides and attractions will lessen the viabilty of the project?? ( I feel that this is a mistake and that as many rides as possible should be retained to KEEP Luna Parks unique character.) *Now that the Dipper is gone and you have stated the rides to be retained. Can you elaborate on any new rides or attractions that will be added or are planned?? Perhaps a River Caves ride??( this would be fantastic and a REAL drawcard if done properly) Any other thrill rides?? * what are the chances of Luna Park getting another coaster?(something smaller the the previous Dipper, how about something that can be put indoors??There are plenty of US and European models with small footprints that can be put into an indoor structure and fit quite nicely within Luna Parks confines. This would be a great attraction indeed, coupled with the new Circus and would also be unique in Australia(other than the Spooky coaster at Movie World) How about the Beastie coaster from Wonderland?? This is currently standing but not operating and would harken back to the days of the old wooden Dipper!! Classic!!(Something that should never have been torn down IMHO) This is something I feel that the park needs to bring back visitors and keep them coming back... a world class ride that WONT annoy the residents. Has this idea been considered or discussed??? If not why not?? and will it be reviewed?? * Lastly if you may, can you give me an overview of of the whole park as it is going to be, with ride locations and new attractions? maybe a map or etc?? This would be fantastic. I look forward to hearing from you. I must admit to being a little disappointed about having a Luna Park with no major coaster and a lessening of rides( an opinion which seems to be in the majority to the people i have talked to) However i am gladdened to hear that the park is going to survive and be for the general public again. I live by the old Luna saying: Just for fun!!!!!! Regards John Graham Boingo95@Hotmail.com Note the slant towards and ever hopeful desire for a coaster of some type!! Well here is the reply that i received!!! Dear John Thank you for your email and your enthusiastic support for Luna Park. To answer your queries:- 1) Metro Edgley initially submitted two proposals to the selection panel for Luna Park - one incorporating the Big Dipper and the other without. Unfortunately for people such as yourself, the second proposal was selected. The Big Dipper is now enjoying a new life as "The Cyclone" at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. With the court ruling restricting its hour of operations, it just was not a feasible option to keep it at Luna Park. 2) The new Luna Circus will fit well into the matrix of Luna Park. It will be able to feature the best of Australian and overseas "non-animal" circuses as well as being used for concerts, magic shows, conferences, banquets and exhibitions. This, together with the improved function facilities and new cafes, will certainly make the Park viable. 3) The UFO will remain at Luna Park in its current location, ie above the administration building. With regard to the Ranger and Octopus, it was just a question of trying to find some space in which to locate them. Metro Edgley was keen to keep all the rides however it has been a compromise between finding sufficient space and also being a considerate neighbour. 4) It has always been Metro Edgley's dream to return the River Caves to Luna Park and even though they are not part of the current plans, it is hoped that in the not to distant future they can be built. Space permitting, it is hoped that new rides can be leased for the holiday periods to give our visitors a different experience when they return. 5) Unfortunately the small size of Luna Park prohibits the introduction of another rollercoaster however you will find that the refurbished Wild Mouse ride will be as exciting, if not more, than any rollercoaster ride! Currently we do not have any plans that can be emailed to you, however in a few weeks we will have sign boards up around the Park showing the location of the rides and venues. Also I think you will find that there will be a similar number of rides operating as there were when the Park was opened in 1995. Entry to the Park will be free and visitors will only have to pay for the rides they want to ride. We look forward to welcoming you back to Luna Park in 2004 - Just for Entertainment! Just for Weddings! Just for Conferences! Just for Lunch! and of course - Just for Fun! best regards Anna Hearne Functions Manager Luna Park Sydney So there you go!! River Caves in the not to distant future( Translation: No money now and we will wait and see if the park is viable) Only coaster will be the Wild Mouse as there is not enough room!!! Rubbish!! They obviously havent seen too many designs for some of the more compact coasters that could be housed indoors....any one have any ideas or suggestions here guys?? So...while i am happy that Luna Park is to survive and hopefully thrive I hold out for hope that they gain in the near future a world class coaster or white knuckle ride to put the smile back permanently on Mr Moon's face!! Cheers Jobe