Old Sydney Town Could Finally Reopen After More Than 20 Years

For anyone who remembers school excursions to Old Sydney Town, complete with marching redcoats, cannon fire and convicts roaming the streets, there's some exciting news. The much-loved Central Coast attraction could be making a comeback more than two decades after closing its gates.

In a major development for the abandoned theme park, Central Coast Council has voted to progress plans to transform the historic site at Somersby into a sprawling new tourism destination, potentially bringing Old Sydney Town back to life alongside new family attractions, restaurants, playgrounds and an expansion of the neighbouring Australian Reptile Park.

But before anyone starts planning a nostalgic family day out, there's still a lengthy approval process ahead.

Old Sydney Town's Reopening Takes a Major Step Forward

On Tuesday 27 October 2026, Central Coast Council narrowly voted 7-6 in favour of progressing a rezoning proposal for the former Old Sydney Town site.

The decision could pave the way for a major redevelopment of the approximately 120-hectare property, which has remained largely abandoned since the historic theme park closed in 2003.

The ambitious proposal, put forward by landowner World Cultural Tourism Village Pty Ltd, would transform the site into a new tourism and recreation precinct while preserving its historic buildings, expanding environmental conservation areas and creating hundreds of jobs.

According to economic modelling presented for the project, the redevelopment could generate 579 ongoing on-site jobs and attract thousands of additional visitors to the Central Coast.

However, the council vote doesn't mean construction can begin on the full redevelopment just yet. The proposal must now progress through the NSW Government's planning approval process.

Remember Old Sydney Town? Here's a Little History

For an entire generation of Sydney and Central Coast families, Old Sydney Town was a school excursion favourite and a popular weekend destination.

Opened on Australia Day in 1975 by then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, the open-air museum recreated Sydney's early colonial settlement, complete with historic-style buildings, cobblestone-era streetscapes and costumed characters.

Visitors could watch soldiers marching through the streets, witness dramatic convict rebellions, hear cannons firing and experience what daily life might have looked like in the early years of European settlement. There were horse-drawn carriages, recreated shops, military demonstrations and plenty of theatrical performances bringing history to life.

The attraction welcomed an estimated six million visitors during its 28-year history before closing in January 2003, following declining visitor numbers and financial difficulties. Since then, the once-bustling colonial village has largely fallen into disrepair, although many of its distinctive buildings remain standing.

Now, more than 20 years later, there's renewed hope that at least part of this piece of NSW tourism history could welcome visitors again.

What Will the New Old Sydney Town Look Like?

 

The vision is to create a major Central Coast tourism precinct combining heritage attractions, family recreation, dining, nature experiences and accommodation. The proposed development could eventually include restaurants, cafés, cultural attractions, museums, galleries, walking and cycling paths, adventure activities and landscaped public spaces.

Importantly, the existing Old Sydney Town buildings would be refurbished and protected through heritage listings, helping preserve an important part of the site's history.

​​​​​​​The first stage of the project already has a separate development application lodged, with plans for a destination restaurant, visitor information centre, café, landscaped open spaces and children's playgrounds. Later stages would introduce additional tourism and recreation facilities across the wider site.

However, anyone hoping to see the original theme park return exactly as they remember it should temper their expectations. The proposal focuses on restoring heritage buildings and creating a new visitor destination rather than simply recreating Old Sydney Town in its original form.

Australian Reptile Park Could Also Get a Major Expansion

Another exciting part of the proposal involves the neighbouring Australian Reptile Park, one of the Central Coast's best-known family attractions.

The redevelopment would help secure the park's long-term future and provide opportunities for a substantial expansion.

Australian Reptile Park Managing Director Tim Faulkner has welcomed the proposal, describing it as a "once in a generation opportunity" for tourism on the Central Coast.

While specific new animal exhibits and experiences haven't been confirmed, the expansion could be a significant development for one of Australia's most popular wildlife parks.

What About the Bushland and Historic Buildings?

Environmental protection is another major component of the plans.

The proposal would increase land zoned for environmental conservation from approximately six hectares to 35 hectares, preserving more of the surrounding bushland and natural landscape. The site also contains areas of Aboriginal cultural significance, including rock engravings and artefacts, making heritage considerations particularly important as planning progresses.

Existing Old Sydney Town buildings would be retained and refurbished, with formal heritage protections proposed to help safeguard their future.

Developers have indicated that the wider precinct would be designed around its natural setting, incorporating outdoor recreation, green spaces and opportunities for visitors to explore the landscape.

Why Has the Redevelopment Been Controversial?

While the prospect of bringing Old Sydney Town back to life has plenty of nostalgic appeal, the proposal hasn't been without opposition.

One of the biggest sticking points has been the inclusion of residential housing alongside the tourism development. The current plans include approximately 256 residential lots, representing around 30 per cent of the overall site, with average lot sizes exceeding 1,000 square metres to maintain a rural character.

Concerns have been raised about traffic, infrastructure, environmental impacts and the site's proximity to industrial areas.

To address these issues, council has included a key safeguard in its decision: the first stage of tourism facilities must be completed and operating before any residential homes can be built. The proposed planning conditions also place restrictions on commercial and retail development to help ensure the precinct remains focused on tourism and employment.

When Will Old Sydney Town Reopen?

Unfortunately, no one has confirmed when Old Sydney Town will reopen.

The October 2026 council decision is a significant milestone, but it's only the first step in the next stage of the planning process.

The proposal will now be referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination. If it progresses, the plans will be put on public exhibition, allowing residents and community groups to provide feedback before the council makes a final rezoning decision.

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