Reminds me of Wonderland

I have been to three theme parks in my life so far, but the one that generally comes into my mind when playing the Tubes' song Theme Park is Wonderland. I think it has closed down now, but it used to be in a suburb of Sydney and two train rides and a short bus trip would take us there from where we used to live.

My son's first excursion to Wonderland was quite an event. He had heard the song on the album several times, but had little idea of what a theme park was. I had explained that it was something similar to the Royal Easter Show, with rides, special foods, games, and prizes. He recalled the ice cream, the carrot and apricot samples, the show bags, and the candy - he wanted to go!

We caught the two trains to the correct suburb, being informed by station staff to transfer to a bus on arrival. We were not quite sure where it was, but followed the small crowd of about a dozen people to a bus stop, looked at the information on a board, and assumed we had the correct bus stop. We did. Along came the bus and took us to Wonderland. I recall how we had arrived an hour too early, so had to wait a few minutes and then pop into the wildlife park first. I had hoped to go afterwards. Petting kangaroos and emus was quite fun for us both though, despite the change of plan.

I do not recall very much, other than worrying about my son who was minding my purse while I went on a more adventurous ride. I was partial to the type that went upside down, spun around, and did all sorts of weird maneuvers, though only intending to ride one, due to my son being so young. I also recall taking him on the dodgems; he wanted to drive! I allowed him to do so for most of the time, snatching at the wheel each time he ferociously approached a barrier. I was also grabbing the wheel if we went towards another car on several occasions, as despite seat belts, he was very young and I had to be careful. A little bump was fine, but a head on CRASH collision bump was something best avoided.

My son also rode a vintage car ride, all alone to his pride. We played a few throwing or tossing games, rode the trackless train, and ate a lot of rubbishy yet tasty treats. We enjoyed our day out, going three times in total before moving further south and further away.