swings and a wooden pirate ship. The "razzle-dazzle" was a popular circular ride, originating from White City Pleasure Grounds at Rushcutters Bay as was the flying fox and ticket boxes. The ride was said to emulate an ocean voyage, built in 1914. From White city, Robert Swan also acquired strength-testing machines and coin-operated machines through which customers could view silent films. Six boat swings came from Putney Park. A dance hall was built around 1930. Also around that time, netting was installed around a small sandy beach on the river for swimming. Certain dancers were known to take a train to Chatswood, then walk downhill to the eastern side of the river, then call for boats to take them across the river to the dance hall. After the construction of Fullers Bridge, a road was built down from Delhi road. Parking was available for 120 cars. In wet weather, the parking area became soaked, with cars being bogged. Closure In the mid 20th century, Fairyland lost much of its popular appeal. Particularly with the expanding suburbs of Sydney, the diminishing remoteness, the rise of the motor car and the opening of the Epping Road bridge. After a series of floods in 1967, 1968 and 1969 Fairyland closed. The area was purchased by the National Parks of New South Wales in the late 1970s. Little evidence of the park exists today, particularly after the severe fires of 1994. The access road off Delhi Road is currently closed, overgrown and barely recognizable. A pair of rusted gate holders and some asphalt are all that remain. After the area was abandoned, invasive weeds have been particularly troublesome. Much work by bush regenerators has continued into the 21st century. Today, the 42 hectare area is home to three Endangered Ecological Communities. Notable wildlife so close to the city of Sydney here includes the Powerful Owl, Osprey and Echidna. Fairyland is on the Great North Walk. References History of Sydney Defunct amusement parks in Australia Chatswood, New South Wales Lane Cove River