Luna Park Sydney counts down to opening of new Big Dipper ride
Luna Park Sydney’s project to upgrade its attractions with the addition of nine new rides is approaching completion with the amusement park icon looking to have all the new rides running for the Christmas holidays.
Luna Park Sydney’s $30 million investment has seen eight of its new rides, including six new children's rides, all now operating while the largest of the new additions, The Big Dipper, the first inline seating launch rollercoaster in the world, is now in the commissioning stage with engineers from the ride’s Liechtenstein-based manufacturer Intamin currently completing the project.
Taking its named from a wooden rollercoaster that operated at Luna Park from 1935 until 1979, The Big Dipper is a 'one-seat wide' train.
Commenting on the additions, Luna Park Sydney Director, Warwick Doughty told Australasian Leisure Management “eight of the new rides are operational with the two coasters and Sledgehammer (a 360 degree swing ride) being extremely popular.”
Doughty noted “like most in our industry we are struggling to find sufficient casual staff to work through to the end of January. This is affecting the catering division as well but it’s good to see the clients are flooding back and we have sold out many of the venues for the festive season.
“(However), the shortage of suitable staff has put the opening of the new Wine Bar ‘Amphora’ on hold until early in 2022.”
Adding that he expects The Big Dipper “to be a great ride for all our guests” and expecting it to be open by Christmas, Doughty went on to say “our NYE in the Park will be the same as last year being a family event which is on sale and will sell out.”
Last week, Luna Park Sydney hosted the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year ceremony.
Luna Park Sydney is currently looking to recruit a new Head of Marketing.
Click here for details of the vacancy on LinkedIn Jobs.
Images: Concept for The Big Dipper at Luna Park Sydney (top) and Luna Park Sydney's concepts for its nine new rides (below).
Related Articles
Published since 1997 - Australasian Leisure Management Magazine is your go-to resource for sports, recreation, and tourism. Enjoy exclusive insights, expert analysis, and the latest trends.
Mailed to you six times a year, for an annual subscription from just $99.
Get business and operations news for $12 a month - plus headlines emailed twice a week. Covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism, and venues.