Old Sydney Town
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Old Sydney Town was a small theme park which operated from 1975 until 2003 in the town of Somersby, near Gosford New South Wales, Australia. The park was intended to be a living tribute to Australia's colonial past.
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[edit] History
The park was opened in 1975 by Gough Whitlam. [1] It was developed by architect Frank Fox with the help of the Federal Government and the Bank of NSW. The Wran state government took over the federal investment shortly after the Fraser government took power at the end of 1975.
During its lifetime, the park had 6 million visitors [2]
When the park was closed in 2003, the operators blamed the closure partly on what they call the "instant gratification" generation that demands computer games and thrill-rides, rather than a leisurely stroll through history. [3]
After the park closed to the public, it has been let for movie shoots.
[edit] Attractions
The Town was set out according to James Meehan's map of Sydney in 1803 and consisted of over 30 authentically reconstructed buildings. [4] Somewhat ironically, this reconstruction of 1803's Sydney closed exactly 200 years later.
- "Sydney Cove" - a recreation of Sydney Harbour [5]
- Soldiers on parade.
- Thundering cannons.
- Pistol duels and convict rebellion.
- Magistrate's Court.
- Convict punishement
- Bullock Rides, Horse-drawn wagons
- Craft stores
- Kiosk, Tea Shop, Barbecue Facilities
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald - "Farewell to Old Sydney Town forever" (2003-01-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ ABC AM Radio 702- "Old Sydney Town to close" (2003-01-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald - "A historic theme for Australian fun parks: failure" (2003-01-04). Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ Travellers in Time: Living History in Australia By George Gunton Page 79. Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
- ^ Travelmall - "Hunter and Central Coast Attractions". Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
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