Iconic NSW Ayers Rock Roadhouse destroyed by fire
An iconic NSW mid-north coast roadhouse which began as a theme park created by explorer celebrities the Leyland Brothers, has been destroyed by fire.
The Ayers Rock Roadhouse, which was shaped like Uluru, has sat mostly empty next to a service station on the Pacific Highway near Tea Gardens for years.
NSW Rural Fire Service’s Ben Shepherd told AAP 18 crews arrived at the site on Tuesday evening to find it well alight.
He said crews were trying to prevent the blaze reaching fuel and gas stored in tanks and bowsers at the nearby service station.
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The roadhouse, known by thousands for its towering kitsch aesthetic, had been gutted, NSW RFS confirmed. No-one was injured in the blaze, NSW Police said.
18 fire trucks from the #NSWRFS and #FRNSW are fighting a fire at ‘The Rock’ Roadhouse at North Arm Cove on the Pacific Highway (Mid Coast) The structure is completely alight & crews are protecting fuel storage facilities on site. There have been no reported injuries. pic.twitter.com/sgdgGbW48Y
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) July 31, 2018
Crews will remain on scene to ensure the blaze is extinguished.
Fire investigators are expected to tour the site to establish the cause of the blaze on Wednesday once it is declared safe.
The site was first opened by explorers and documentary makers Mal and Mike Leyland in 1990 and included amusement rides, a playground and roadhouse.
But Leyland Brothers World couldn’t stop the siblings going broke and it didn’t make reserve when it went under the auction hammer just two years later.
NSW Police said a crime scene had been established.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
