Melbourne’s forgotten theme parks: what happened to them?
MELBOURNE has loved — and lost — many theme parks over the years. From safari parks where lions roamed free, to bell helicopter rides, here are some of our favourite and forgotten spots.
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MELBOURNE has loved — and lost — many theme parks over the years.
From safari parks where lions roamed free, to bell helicopter rides, Melbourne’s amusement parks have given visitors unforgettable memories for more than a century.
We take a look back at the history of Melbourne’s most loved and forgotten theme parks.
Do you have a favourite memory of Melbourne’s forgotten theme parks? Share your story by leaving a comment below.
ASHTON’S BACCHUS MARSH LION SAFARI
It may be hard to picture now, but weekends were once spent driving through an open safari where lions would literally latch their paws onto cars.
Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari opened in 1970 and several incidents including the death of a 12-year-old boy led to the park’s demise.
It was run by the Ashton family, of Ashton’s Circus fame.
Filmmaker Darcy Prendergast, whose father Ron ‘Prenda’ Prendergast, worked at the park, was inspired to make a documentary called WILD LIFE, which looks at the park’s rise and fall.
Prendergast, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh, said very few people of his generation did not know of the park’s existence.
“My dad was 17 when he first started and the narrative leans on his memories and tales as the structural backbone, but also looks at the wider reach of the park.,” he said.
“He was attacked and mauled on more than one occasion.”
Stringent animal regulations and costly upgrades caught up with the park in 1985 and it closed for good.
Anyone with photos or video footage can email: Darcy@ohyeahwow.com
BULLEN’S AFRICAN LION SAFARI
Bullen’s African Lion Safari was located on the Western Highway in Rockbank and operated during the 1970s.
This park was owned by a well-known circus family, the Bullens, who had other lion parks in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Much like Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari, it was a drive-through safari that had lions, tigers, bears, elephants and giraffes.
On a Western Suburbs Memories Facebook post about the lion park, Sylvia said: “remember going there in a bus and we s*** ourselves because the lions were pushing through the doors and we were screaming.”
Narelle said: “Grew up very close to Bullens and heard the roars of lions many nights.”
The kiosk and toilet blocks still stand today.
It’s believed that a man was severely bitten on the shoulder after a bear attacked him through an open car window on January 3, 1977.
The site is now a nursery and a restaurant.
WHISTLE STOP AMUSEMENT PARK
Whistle Stop Amusement Park was a fun park located in Frankston.
It opened in 1966 and operated for about 10 years.
The park featured a steam railway, go-karts, a merry-go-round and a large lake with an island.
The park was established by Jack Griffiths and all rides were created or renovated in-house.
His granddaughter Jane Griffiths still holds fond memories of the park.
“I could go in whenever I wanted to with my friends and go on all the rides,” Ms Griffiths said.
When Whistle Stop closed in 1974, the steam train’s engine went to Puffing Billy Railway and the chairlift went to Caribbean Gardens in Scorseby.
There is now a small park called Whistle Stop Reserve in Skye Rd which covers some of the area. It is now a housing estate.
WOBBIES WORLD
Wobbies World in Vermont South opened in 1970 and promised fun for all the family.
Who could forget taking a ride in the bell helicopter?
The park also featured a mini log ride, monorail, golf course, trampolines and several food and drink kiosks.
The bell helicopter currently sits in a paddock on Dandenong-Frankston Rd.
The park closed down in 1999 and is now the site of the new Forest Hill Police Station.
LEISURELAND FAIR
Leisureland Fair was located in Langwarrin and operated from 1984 to 1992.
The park had a steel roller coaster, waterslides, log flume, mini golf and a function centre.
It is now a housing estate with the only reference to the park being a street named after it called Leisureland Drive.
LUNA PARK
It’s the oldest theme park in Australia and the only one in the world to have the oldest continually operating roller coaster — the Great Scenic Railway.
Luna Park opened on December 13, 1912, and thousands of people flocked to its opening to test rides that had never been seen before in Australia.
Luna Park chief executive Mary Stuart said at the time of its opening, the park was absolutely cutting edge with the latest and greatest in amusements.
“Millions of people have been on the Scenic Railway since it opened in 1912,” Ms Stuart said.
“It’s one of the park’s most popular rides and the only one of its kind being a wooden rollercoaster with a standing brakeman in control,” she said.
Ms Stuart said many of the park’s visitors held fond memories of rides that were now demolished.
“The River Caves was a treasured icon of the park where many couples would share their first kiss,” she said.
“The Big Dipper was also a favourite, but sadly demolished in 1989.”
She said Luna Park held a special place in the heart and lives of Melburnians.
“The park is part of Melbourne’s cultural DNA and it will continue to be for many years to come.”
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