Luna Park Sydney opens restored wild mouse rollercoaster

Luna Park Sydney has today reopened its Wild Mouse ride after a two-year multi-million dollar restoration.

One of only three of its kind operating in the world, the ride, first installed at Luna Park Sydney in 1963, has long had the status as one of the most popular rollercoasters in Australia. The unique and thrilling gravity-fed coaster was designed to be semi-mobile and was a regular feature at both Sydney’s Royal Easter Show and the Brisbane Ekka.

Closed in 2023, the two-year renovation program saw the park's team rebuild the ride from scratch, relying on 60-year-old German blueprints. Their recrafting saw a team of expert technicians and trades using traditional methods, supported by modern technology.

Explaining the process, Luna Park Sydney Maintenance Manager, Raees Rafeeq explained "we've basically replicated every element on the old ride and then made it much better. We've got better timber structures, we have newer control systems."

The ride’s 400 metre laminated timber track, supported by timber jack towers, features two-person cars with riders seated one behind the other. After a traditional chain lift to its highest point, riders experience a series of top level zig zags or ‘switchbacks’ featuring flat, slightly sloped 180 degree turns. The zig zags are followed by a series of steep drops or ‘bunny hops’ producing abrupt negative g-forces separated by vigorous curves. The ride moves back and forth and up and down in a rectangular plan shape.

Luna Park Sydney Chief Executive, John Hughes noted “the excitement of the ride is built by the speed generated by steep gradients combined with tight turns so that when passengers approach a corner it makes it feel like you’re flying above the harbour.”

An asset of the NSW Government that is maintained through a Heritage Infrastructure Fund which is funded from Luna Park Sydney revenues, the Wild Mouse rollercoaster is preserved as directed by a Conservation Management Plan framework which ensures ongoing conservation and protection of the Wild Mouse and other heritage items within the Luna Park site including Coney Island and the Luna Park Face.

Hughes added “restoring a 60-year rollercoaster in a modern setting required us to work with specialist engineers, fitters, welders and heritage experts to ensure every component was true to the original design along with ensuring the ride met all current standards for engineering, electrical and safety.”

With the park entering its 90th year, Hughes went on to say “we want Luna Park Sydney to be the best experience destination in Australia, anchored in the best of the old and the best of the new. We are proud to reintroduce the Wild Mouse to new and old visitors.

“Along with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the Wild Mouse remains a timeless favourite and a cornerstone of Luna Park’s enduring legacy.”

Images of the restored Wild Mouse ride courtesy of Luna Park Sydney.