History
The steel roller coaster, designed by Arrow Dynamics, was constructed at a cost of A$8,000,000 during the 1994 redevelopment of Luna Park Sydney. Opening in 1995, the new roller coaster became a point of contention with residents, and was cited as the main example of the noise pollution generated by the amusement park. After appeals to various courts by both the "resident action group" and the park's new owners, it was decreed that the roller coaster could only operate at certain times, and under strict conditions. These conditions caused major shareholder Wittingslow Amusements to consider 'walking out' on the operating company. The park's administration was doubtful of Luna Park's survival under the restrictions, and was proven correct when Luna Park closed in February 1996.
The roller coaster remained on site until late 2001, operating on several occasions for charity-supporting events, including those for the Variety Club and The Spastic Centre. Between 1996 and 2001, the roller coaster was filmed for sequences in the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen film Our Lips Are Sealed and for Farscape Season 3 episode Infinite Possibilities Part I: Daedalus Demands.
Developers looking to redevelop Luna Park were sold the land on the condition that the Big Dipper be sold prior to any developments. The ride was dismantled in the latter half of 2001, and sold to Macquarie Leisure Trust, the owners of Dreamworld. The new owners transported it to their Queensland amusement park, where it reopened on 26 December 2001, in a ceremony dedicated by Peter Beattie and Merri Rose MPs. The ride still currently operates.
Read more about this topic: Cyclone (Dreamworld)
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