Reflect on the early Australian Frontier, a place once alive with boundless excitement and adventurous thrills. The Snowy River Rampage brought hearts to race with its white water rapids, while the Tasmanian Devil promised a whirlwind of fun.
In its heyday, the Bush Beast stood as the southern hemisphere’s most magnificent wooden roller coaster, offering a most extraordinary experience. Patrons had the pleasure of savoring culinary delights at Stockman’s, Cobbs Kitchen, Swaggies Rest, and Banjo’s Bakery.
The Bush Beast, with its ‘Figure-Eight’ design, was celebrated for its rapid turns and dramatic drops. Crafted from wood, it possessed an inherent charm, echoing a sound and creating a sense of speed and power that steel coasters could not replicate. Spanning two minutes and 20 seconds, the ride was a thrilling tribute to the daring spirit of Australia’s Goldrush era. For approximately 57 seconds, riders would experience the exhilaration of free fall or coasting, reaching heights of 26 meters and lengths of 975 meters, secured by 30,000 bolts and 13,500 kg of nails.
Two trains, each with seven cars, would traverse the $2.7 million track, the construction of which spanned seven months. Yet, beyond the mechanics and the investment, it was the thrill that rendered the Bush Beast an iconic adventure, offering a challenge that was irresistible to many. Even with its advanced electronic braking control and split-second failsafe system, the ride never failed to excite.
After the intensity of the Bush Beast, the Snowy River Rampage was the perfect way to cool down, sending riders splashing through turbulent waters.
For the brave at heart, The Funnel Web lurked with its dark arms ready to snatch up thrill-seekers, while Ned Kelly’s Getaway provided a towering ascent and a rapid descent, each holding its own set of surprises.
In the era of the Goldrush at Australia’s Wonderland, life was genuinely bold and daring.
