I've posted trip reports from the parks I hit on my recent business trip to Australia.

Luna Park Sydney:
https://www.bannister.org/coasters/trips/2023/0203.htm

Green Valley Farm:
https://www.bannister.org/coasters/trips/2023/0204.htm

Sea World, Dreamworld:
https://www.bannister.org/coasters/trips/2023/0205.htm

Gumbuya World, Luna Park Melbourne:
https://www.bannister.org/coasters/trips/2023/0211.htm

Aussie World:
https://www.bannister.org/coasters/trips/2023/0212.htm

Really enjoy reading your trip reports as always - was there a particularly memorable moment from any of the parks that stood out for you this time round?

Quote

The only major difference is the addition of a swing launch that goes forwards, backwards up a twisted spike, and forwards again. This was a novelty, and I have to respect management’s desire to do something unique, but I’m honestly not sure that I’d regard the change as an improvement. The initial acceleration feels weak, and there is a long straight and level section between launches that doesn’t add anything to the overall experience. An airtime hill in this section (or indeed anything) would make things much more interesting. I found myself wondering whether the ride could be retrofitted at some point in the future into Steel Taipan II; changing out one piece of track shouldn’t cost an enormous amount in the grand scheme of things.

100% this. It's like 10 seconds riding forwards or backwards on a straight bit of track at a moderate speed.

54 minutes ago, Slick said:

Really enjoy reading your trip reports as always - was there a particularly memorable moment from any of the parks that stood out for you this time round?

If I had to pick something, I'd say sitting in the airport at 7:00am on Saturday morning awaiting a flight to Armidale and thinking "what the hell am I doing with my life"? :)

Edited February 18, 20232 yr by Noxegon

Yeah a airtime hill there would be so fun! but then what? There is always going to be something that could be improved. I am sure it was looked into but the average person won’t care/realise there is better things then just a straight launch.  But we should start a donation website to help raise funds for a airtime pop in the steal taipan launch track.   Forget the starving children and the koalas I want a hump in the ST launch.

38 minutes ago, Dean Barnett said:

100% this. It's like 10 seconds riding forwards or backwards on a straight bit of track at a moderate speed.

Yeah a airtime hill there would be so fun! but then what? There is always going to be something that could be improved. I am sure it was looked into but the average person won’t care/realise there is better things then just a straight launch.  But we should start a donation website to help raise funds for a airtime pop in the steal taipan launch track.   Forget the starving children and the koalas I want a hump in the ST launch.

Not sure why it made two of them? I can’t edit it now so please ignore the 2 of the same comments. not sure what happened there?

10 minutes ago, REGIE said:

Yeah a airtime hill there would be so fun! but then what?

Add a kicker magnet on the launch track right before the climb

Edited February 18, 20232 yr by Dean Barnett

If they did add the hump wouldn’t be too hard to add this at the same time.

Seems like you had an alright time. Yes at Gumbuya World Project Zero always closes at 10-11am and 2-3pm due to maintenance, maybe something to do with Buzzsaw's unreliability? Unfortunately for you TNT broke down but at least you got a go. It is most intense at the back IMO, when it comes to MW people will find it is very thrilling for a family coaster.

And also as you said, the waterslides are more popular than the rides. IMO I feel like TNT is the most popular land ride, followed by Project Zero, Tree Swing and Mining Race Coaster. The queues are very short on Rebel and Rush Hour, on the latter I had to wait 10 minutes for others to get on as I was the only one in line. Buzzsaw is in a great home now where it actually gets queues now TBH.

GP definitely also prefer coasters over flat rides. but probably slides over coasters.

My take is i don't mind The extended period coasting backwards on ST because when you eventually do hit the bank of LSMs it takes you by suprise.

 

 

@GazzaThe first launch is 😴 even a bit of theming would give you something to look at instead of seeing back of house stuff.

@Noxegoni'm presuming Flying Pirouettes wasn't with you for this trip? #sadface

I loved reading both your TRs from your last Aussie trip but I must confess, I enjoyed M's a little more...

That part of my life is long since over.

Apologies I wasn't aware. I'll insert my commiserations or congratulations as the case may be and let you take whichever one suits you best. 

Going to theme park by yourself definitely has its perks and it's my preferred method.

9 hours ago, DaptoFunlandGuy said:

Apologies I wasn't aware. I'll insert my commiserations or congratulations as the case may be and let you take whichever one suits you best. 

All good