Exploring Sydney's Abandoned Movie Studio Theme Park

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Origins of Fox Studios Australia
3. The Opening of Fox Studios Australia Backlot
4. Attractions at Fox Studios Australia Backlot
   1. Babe: The Set Recreation
   2. The Simpsons Down Under
   3. Titanic: The Experience
   4. The Hall of Cool Stuff
   5. Lights, Cameras, Chaos
5. The Decline and Closure of Fox Studios Australia Backlot
6. The Legacy of Fox Studios Australia Backlot
7. Exploring the Remnants of the Park
8. Controversies Surrounding the Closure
9. Conclusion

The History of Sydney's Abandoned Movie Studios Theme Park: Fox Studios Australia Backlot

Imagine stepping into a world of movie magic and experiencing the thrill of being on the sets of some of Australia's biggest films. This was the promise of Fox Studios Australia Backlot, a theme park located in Sydney. However, despite its grand opening in November 1999, the park would be short-lived, closing its doors just two years later. In this article, we will explore the rise and fall of Fox Studios Australia Backlot, its attractions, and the reasons behind its closure.

1. Introduction

Located on a parcel of land on the outskirts of Sydney's CBD, Fox Studios Australia Backlot was the result of a lease agreement between the government and 20th Century Fox. The studio had plans to build a working film studio on the site, but they also saw an opportunity in the success of movie-themed amusement parks like Universal Studios and Disney. Thus, Fox Studios Australia Backlot was born, with the aim of providing a unique entertainment experience for visitors.

2. The Origins of Fox Studios Australia

To understand the significance of Fox Studios Australia Backlot, we need to go back to the origins of Fox Studios Australia itself. For 116 years, from 1881 to 1997, Moore Park was the official home of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. However, with plans to move the show to the newly built Sydney Showground at Olympic Park, the government opened up a large parcel of land for lease proposals. Surprisingly, the winning bidder for the 99-year lease was 20th Century Fox, one of the major American film studios.

3. The Opening of Fox Studios Australia Backlot

On November 7, 1999, Hollywood came to Sydney as Fox Studios Australia Backlot opened its gates. The grand opening was marked by a star-studded gala, attracting Attention from locals and tourists alike. The park initially had a handful of attractions, including a recreation of the set from the popular Australian film "Babe" and "The Simpsons Down Under," an experience that allowed guests to be animated through motion capture and take part in a recut version of the classic "Bart vs. Australia" episode.

4. Attractions at Fox Studios Australia Backlot

4.1 Babe: The Set Recreation

One of the early attractions at Fox Studios Australia Backlot was a set recreation from the film "Babe." This immersive experience allowed visitors to step into the world of the beloved movie and see firsthand the locations where the film was shot. It was a unique opportunity for fans to Interact with the set and relive their favorite moments from the film.

4.2 The Simpsons Down Under

Another popular attraction at the park was "The Simpsons Down Under." This experience offered selected guests the chance to be animated through motion capture and become a part of an exclusive Simpsons episode. After the animation process, visitors could meet their favorite Simpsons characters and explore famous locations from the show, adding an interactive and immersive element to the park.

4.3 Titanic: The Experience

Undoubtedly the star attraction of Fox Studios Australia Backlot was "Titanic: The Experience." This multi-million dollar walkthrough attraction was Based on the success of James Cameron's blockbuster film "Titanic." Visitors were taken on a Journey through the famous ship, experiencing the grandeur and tragedy of the ill-fated voyage. The attraction included props from the film, recreations of set locations, and a dramatic finale that featured the iconic grand staircase of the Titanic.

4.4 The Hall of Cool Stuff

For movie buffs, the Hall of Cool Stuff was a must-visit attraction at Fox Studios Australia Backlot. This props warehouse showcased items from popular Fox film franchises such as Alien and Predator. Visitors had the chance to see iconic props up close and immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite films.

4.5 Lights, Cameras, Chaos

Lights, Cameras, Chaos was the largest show at the park and offered a unique Australian twist. The show centered around Flying Fox Films and introduced visitors to legendary kangaroo film director Eric Von Roux and his glamorous stars, Carmen Cockatoo and Leonardo De Kangaroo. Audience members were invited to participate in completing the most expensive film of all time, "Space: The Musical," in this interactive and entertaining show.

5. The Decline and Closure of Fox Studios Australia Backlot

Despite its star attractions and grand ambitions, Fox Studios Australia Backlot struggled to attract visitors. The park's attendance numbers fell far short of expectations, with an average of only around a thousand ticketed guests per day. This was a far cry from the predicted 1.5 million guests within the first year of operation. The high ticket prices, lack of rides, and limited number of attractions were major factors contributing to the park's decline.

6. The Legacy of Fox Studios Australia Backlot

Following the closure of Fox Studios Australia Backlot, the area was absorbed into the working film studios of Fox Studios Sydney. The Main Street became an outdoor filming location, the Simpson stage transformed into an audio recording studio, and the Titanic experience building became one of Australia's largest sound stages. The lights, camera chaos theater still exists as a hireable venue with audience seating. Though the park may be gone, its legacy remains in the memories of those who experienced its unique attractions.

7. Exploring the Remnants of the Park

Today, remnants of the Fox Studios Australia Backlot can still be seen at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. As time passes, more of the park's structures are being removed, leaving behind uninspired buildings. While the theme park itself may no longer exist, exploring the remaining traces of its past can provide a glimpse into the once vibrant world of Fox Studios Australia Backlot.

8. Controversies Surrounding the Closure

The closure of Fox Studios Australia Backlot sparked much speculation and controversy. Some argue that the park was designed to fail due to its small size and limited attractions, as it may have been a requirement imposed by the New South Wales government. Others suggest that a sharp decline in international tourism after the 9/11 terrorist attacks played a significant role in the park's closure. However, the truth behind the closure and the controversies surrounding it may Never be fully revealed.

9. Conclusion

The story of Fox Studios Australia Backlot is one of ambition, grandeur, and ultimately, disappointment. Despite its short lifespan, the park left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry in Sydney. While the attractions may be gone, the memories of Fox Studios Australia Backlot Continue to captivate those who experienced its unique Blend of movies and theme park magic.