A make-believe world of knights and dragons. Of damsels and court jesters. It’s the world of Sir Lancelot and King Arthur: the world of Merlin the Magician. A spell-binding world where Wizard’s Fury can send a chill of excitement through you: where mischievous pirates cavort aboard the Toohey’s Tall Ship, The Buccaneer. And you can capture it all with Wonderland Memories, where Kodak supplies the best quality film and cameras, they’ll even lend you a camera for the day so your memories will be forever.
Oh boy, did Medieval Faire know how to rock the boat back in the day! The Bounty’s Revenge was an experience that truly embodied what being all at sea was about. The 15-meter-long ship used to carry 50 passengers at a time—50 passengers who hopefully didn’t get seasick. With its swing like a giant pendulum, the Bounty would take its revenge with a breathtaking 360° swing. It was always advisable to try that before eating at Lancelot’s Feast or Marion’s Kitchen!
Not quite as wild, but equally thrilling, were the performances on Toohey’s Tall Ship. The Buccaneer, represented in Australia’s Wonderland logo, used to be the park’s centerpiece. Moored in Endeavour Bay, right inside the park entrance, it was an imposing sight with its 20-meter high masts. Even before entering the gates, the ship captured your attention, with its masts towering over the skyline.
Acrobatic pirate shows were a daily spectacle aboard the ship, with contemporary Blackbeards leaping from hidden trampolines onto special rigging or using the catwalk yardarms to launch at an adversary. Around 5000 park visitors could witness the action from terraced seating around the Bay or the three restaurants that overlooked the scene, along with other observation areas.
The Buccaneer was renowned for its cannon, setting off water spouts that made the battles seem all too real. The pirates, skilled acrobats, and athletes, would engage in vivid sword fights high above the water, and their spectacular dives from the masts to the deck or into the water were unforgettable. And there was always a chance some of the more villainous characters might attempt to row ashore and “kidnap” the young audience members!
All things considered, it was once the stage for some of the world’s most spectacular stunt shows.
