Showtime for thrillseekers
Thrillseekers will be spoilt for choice with the amount of adrenaline-pumping rides at this year's Perth Royal Show.
There are nearly 60 rides this year, and Royal Agricultural Society of WA chief executive Peter Cooper said they offered something for everyone.
"The more-extreme rides appeal to the teenagers, but we also have rides that cater to younger children and the more-traditional rides like the merry-go-round and bumper cars," he said.
"We've got some rides that are well in excess of $1 million."
Royal Show senior mechanical engineer Ian Thompson said all the rides had undergone stringent testing to ensure riders' safety.
The West Australian sent resident ride tester Annelies Gartner to check out the thrill level on some of the new and most-popular attractions.
After four rides within a short amount of time, Gartner - a self-confessed adrenaline junkie who loves rides - realised that the best way to enjoy the attractions is to space them out throughout the day. Unlike some of the other ride volunteers, Gartner was happy to say her breakfast was safe . . . but only just. Freak Out
The Freak Out is guaranteed to turn stomachs. Picture: Danella Bevis/The West Australian
Description: One of the most popular rides travelling the world now. Fresh from Holland, this ride is not for the faint-hearted. Pulling up to 5-G of power, going 25m high, you'll feel like you're flying.
Verdict: I feel like I'm still swinging. Unfortunately, someone on the ride looked like they were going to be sick. The person next to me yelled "I want it to stop" the whole time. But it was great, fun and adrenaline pumping. I would do it again . . . but not right away.
Speed 2
Try this if you have the need for speed. Picture: Danella Bevis/The West Australian
Description: Newer, higher and faster than the original 100km/h Speed ride, Speed 2 has more than 6000 LED colour-changing lights.
Verdict: I was apprehensive about going on that one because of the height. I had to close my eyes a couple of times. The most scary thing was being up the top and waiting to come down, and just dangling in the wind. It was great.A good adrenaline rush.
Thunderbolt
Description: Get on the Thunderbolt for the fastest ride both backwards and forwards.
Verdict: A little tamer than the other ones, but it would suit people who don't like to be thrown around too much. Good family-fun ride.
Star Flyer
Star Flyer will put you in a spin. Picture: Danella Bevis/The West Australian
Description: You will be lifted 30m into the air, rotating as you are lifted, then swung over the crowds and flown over Sideshow. Think Wave Swinger on steroids.
Verdict: It's like an airborne merry-go-round. Something all the family can enjoy. You get a nice overview of the whole showground.
Hurricane
Description: Feel the power, 144km/h. High speeds and 1200psi of compressed air combine to launch you into orbit until gravity has you thundering back down. Everyone's favourite white-knuckle thrill ride returns due to popular demand.
Gravitron
Description: How many G forces can you withstand before being sent into orbit?
Mega Drop Ride
Description: This ride takes you 45m into the air and drops you, reaching a speed of 205km/h in 1.8 seconds with an added G-force of five. This ride is the ultimate adrenalin rush.
Nitro
Description: Number one in quality fairground entertainment. The ultimate thrill ride with a unique swinging rotating action.
Orbitor
Description: Extreme fun challenging the laws of gravity with a G-force of five.
Python Loop
Description: Non-stop action for the ultimate thrillseeker, with jaw-dropping dips and a 360-degree loop. Rage Ride
Description: Australia's fastest ride. Sit down and hang on . . . because this ride is fast, furious and fun. Forwards or backwards, speed is what it is all about. Ranger
Description: Experience 360 degrees of adrenaline-pumping action.
Sizzler
Description: The Sizzler is a high-speed spinning ride the whole family can enjoy.
Skywalker
Description: Australia's most extreme ride returns to Perth for some white -knuckle action. Thirty metres high, spinning on three axes, one awesome experience.
Space Roller
Space Roller is only for the brave. Picture: Danella Bevis/The West Australian
Description: Riders on the freely rotating, floorless gondolas will gain a real sense of being airborne while suspended and flipping above the ground.
Splash Down
Description: The newly renovated Splash Down could be just the thing you need to cool down this year. Great fun for all the family.
Super Nova
Description: A real show stopper. It's a stomach-churning, jaw-dropping, hold-on-to-your-hat type of ride. Pendulum swinging to the left and right with views of the whole Sideshow at the top of the swinging motion. Superbowl
Description: Three-way action. While you're lifted 45 degrees in the air, the bottom rotation spins you clockwise while the top rotation spins you anti-clockwise for one of the most thrilling adventures of the Show.
'''Waveswinger
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Description: A fantastically presented ride for the whole family. Take a swinging ride.
XXXL
Description: Australia's most extreme ride pulls 4-G of power while spinning and turning 30m in the air - the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
