Carousel Support and Information: National Carousel Association

The NCA Proudly Presents:
Melbourne Zoo Carousel
Melbourne Zoo, Zoos Victoria
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Made by Robert Tidman and Sons / G&J Lines, England, c.1886
Presentation courtesy of Patricia Mullins

The Melbourne Zoo Carousel dates from c1886, and is a set of English Gallopers. Originally driven by a Tidman center steam engine, it is a 3 abreast machine with English horses made by G&J Lines, London. 20 of these original horses remain. Around the 1970s the 10 outside row horses were replaced with German horses also dating from the late 19th century.

Around 1997, the carousel was heritage listed and received a grant for its restoration. The mechanism and platform were rebuilt in order to bring the carousel up to Australian safety standards for operation.

During restoration the original center panels were conserved while the rounding boards were replaced. The Tidman engine was cleaned but is not operational. New scenery panels were painted depicting endangered animals. In 2004-2005 the 30 horses were restored, again with heritage funding.
Melbourne Zoo Carousel, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
German Outside Row Jumper
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
German Horse From Neustadt an der Orla
German Outside Row Jumper and LInes Inside Row Jumpers
Rounding Boards and Shields
Rounding Board and Shield Detail
Early Paint Detail on the Rounding Boards
Rounding Board Detail
Original Upper and Crown Center Panels
Original Surround
Original Tidman Steam Engine

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Carousel Support and Information: National Carousel Association

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