Civic Carousel - Canberra, Australia
Posted by: 
Tealby
S 35° 16.785 E 149° 07.933
55H E 693918 N 6093848
The Civic Merry-Go-Round is located outside in the pedestrian mall - City Walk, Civic.
Waymark Code: WM1MN2
Location: Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date Posted: 06/03/2007
Views: 132
Information extracted from the ACT Library website:
The merry-go-round and organ were purchased for $40,000 for the people of Canberra at public auction in September 1973. After extensive restoration work, the merry-go-round began operating in a colourfully painted pavilion in Petrie Plaza in the centre of Civic during Canberra Day celebrations on 13 March 1974.
The merry-go-round started operating in 1914 at the St Kilda Esplanade in Melbourne. It was designed and built by Herbert Thomson of Armadale, Victoria, for German showman Anton Weniger.
The organ and the fifty two hand carved wooden horses and two elephants were specially imported from Germany. The twisted brass upright poles were made in Scotland.
The German fairground 69 key pipe organ was restored to working condition by the Carousel Organ Restoration Group following its arrival in Canberra. Because of its fragile condition, the organ is stored separately from the merry-go- round.
Volunteers from the Australian National University’s Research School of Physical Sciences restored the steam engine in the centre of the merry-go-round. Because of its age, the boiler cannot be used. The merry-go-round is operated by a modern electric motor.
Carousel Location: Mall
Is the Carousel operational?: Yes
Does the Music work?: No
Cost to ride:
$3.00 per person - an adult may ride for free if they are accompanying a small child
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thu 10am-4pm
Fri 10am-7pm
Sat 9.30am-4pm
Sun 11am-3pm
Related Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a photo of your self at the location or a picture of your favorite animal on that carousel.
If you are lucky enough to take a ride on your visit, tell us what animal you rode.