Hi folks, Thought you might enjoy a post on my blog, Melbology... Top 5 So-Bad-They're-Good Theme Parks in Melbourne Leigh

I didn't even know there WERE 5 theme parks in Melbourne lol

They aren't really theme parks, more glorified picnic areas. These are the sort of places that would one day like to be as good as Aussie World's kiddie section was 10years ago. To call them theme parks is a bit like calling your local park with swings a "theme park", or calling Jupiter's Casino "World class", it's very misleading.

I think 'fun park' is the most appropriate term in General. Been to 3 out of the 5, all awesome when you are 12-13 years old. Though, I'm sure I'd stop into Gumbuya if I was in the area and try out that concrete toboggan.

So many memories.....but I think you missed Fairy Park in Anakie, near Geelong. (Although, it really fits in the so-bad-its-bad category). I remember going there 20 years ago as a kid, it was lame then. Took our kids a couple of years ago, nothing had changed.....

To be fair, LPM has never marketed itself as anything other than a funpark in all of its 100 year history. And in this list , it is probably the closest in being a true funpark more than any other mentioned. It must be noted that LPM was the original precursor to todays modern "Theme Parks" and for this fact alone , it is extremely important to Australia's themepark history and landscape.

LPM really need to lift their game, when it comes to upkeep. When I visited in early January the roller coasters were is poor condition. Expecially the iconic Scenic Railway. I wish I took my camera, because the supports for the ride were falling apart, with some piece of wood completely split in two. I know it is the oldest roller coaster in continuous operation but this is a safety issue. Another issue throughout the park is plants. It appears as if they haven't trimmed the weeds and plants around the rides for years as they are growing into the rides. The scenic railway has weeds growing through the tracks. Even their newest ride, power surge has maintance issues, you could hear a bad grinding sound as if the joints were scraping each other. Its in a condition were the park should be shut down (until repairs are made) for safety.

Edited May 20, 201213 yr by Cruiseshipfan

Does Piss-Weak World count? ;P

LPM really need to lift their game, when it comes to upkeep. When I visited in early January the roller coasters were is poor condition. Expecially the iconic Scenic Railway. I wish I took my camera, because the supports for the ride were falling apart, with some piece of wood completely split in two. I know it is the oldest roller coaster in continuous operation but this is a safety issue. Another issue throughout the park is plants. It appears as if they haven't trimmed the weeds and plants around the rides for years as they are growing into the rides. The scenic railway has weeds growing through the tracks. Even their newest ride, power surge has maintance issues, you could hear a bad grinding sound as if the joints were scraping each other. Its in a condition were the park should be shut down (until repairs are made) for safety.

Agreed that LPM (and LPS for that matter!!) could be a whole LOT better that in their current states!! However I find it surprising that Scenic Railway was in the condition that you described. She has just recently finished a fairly intensive refit ( to fit in with Heritage conditions) and has been reported to be in good running order. The Power Surge was a temporary holiday ride and is a travelling unit and therefore not LPM's responsibilty.