Australia's Wonderland to Close

Australia's Wonderland to Close

Australia's largest funpark, Wonderland Sydney, today announced its decision to cease trading on 26 April 2004, due to "consistent losses incurred and difficult market conditions."

Operators of the theme park attributed the closure to a combination of the challenges faced by the tourism & leisure industry over the past few years, the Asian financial crisis, September 11, War on Iraq, HIH collapse and the skyrocketing insurance premiums, the Bali terrorist attack, the devastating bush fires, SARS and the Asian bird flu.

Mr Stephen Galbraith, CEO Leisure Theme Parks Sunway Group said today, "When we took over eight years ago, the park's future was uncertain. Since then, we have lifted the overall performance of the park, completely rebuilt its image and brand awareness."

Although Wonderland Sydney yielded two "Brass Ring" awards for outstanding marketing from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and has achieved recognition in the Tourism NSW Awards in Australia, operators said this has simply not been enough to sustain the park.

Wonderland Sydney has said it will provide a range of initiatives to assist and support staff in finding new employment. Plans for the future of the theme park's animals and rides have not yet been revealed.