GC’S Mickey Mouse out of hibernation
Kids lo ved Raymondo, especially when he was on stage and a lot of people had their photos taken with him Magic mountain theme park illusionist Arthur Coghlan
HE was the Gold Coast’s answer to Mickey Mouse, entertaining kids and posing for photos at one of the city’s most famous theme parks.
But Magic Mountain mascot Raymondo Rabbit disappeared from the limelight at the height of his fame in the 1980s.
His whereabouts were unknown since he last appeared at the Nobby Beach theme park in mid-1987. Until now.
Raymondo, first spotted at Magic Mountain in the early 1980s, hopped back to his old stomping ground this week to see how much it has changed since his heyday.
It was his first public appearance since the late Bob Hawke was Prime Minister.
And didn’t take the sevenfoot-tall brunette bunny long to turn the clock back 35 years and conj ure up the old magic, waving at children and strutting out his classic blue three-piece ensemble, complete with cape and bow tie, while walking along Chairlift Ave at Nobby.
Magic Mountain is long gone, its castle replaced by a unit development, but it will always be home to Raymondo. So what happened?
It turns out he has enjoyed a quiet retirement on the Glitter Strip.
Raymondo was the theme park’s mascot and a 1980s Gold Coast fixture, seen daily patrolling the park, waving at fans and taking photos.
He also appeared on stage with master illusionist Arthur Coghlan and his daughter, accomplished illusionist Helen Coghlan, in its famous magic show.
Magic Mountain closed in mid-1987. Its owner ASC Property Trust faced mounting costs after spending more than $16m to expand the park in the early 1980s.
Like all the other employees, Raymondo was out of a job but found a home with Les Ward, who owned the land.
Sections of the park continued to be operated occasionally on a limited basis for several years, but the park as a whole never reopened.
The Gold Coast’s more prosperous theme parks bought up many Magic Mountain rides. Dreamworld took the Miami headland’s famous chairlift and many staff.
But Raymondo decided to pull an Ash Barty and hang up his cape at the top of his game. In the early 1990s Mr Ward sent him to live with a new family in Helensvale.
His long retirement was broken by the occasional performance, including appearing at a 1997 birthday party.
This month he moved again, taking up residence in Southport with Bulletin reporter Andrew Potts who found him for sale online.
Mr Coghlan, who was Magic Mountain’s resident magician for nearly a decade, said he was delighted to hear Raymondo was in good health.
“Working Raymondo was just great, he was a really wonderful character,” the 89year-old said this week.
“The kids loved him, especially when he was on stage and a lot of people had their photos taken with him.
“Heck, yes! I have fond memories of that time, I even remember when Raymondo appeared at the Carnival of Flowers parade and he even travelled with us to promote the Gold Coast.”