Opening in 1982 as Leisureland, the park rebranded to be themed around the Murray Ball cartoon Footrot Flats in 1984.

After the popularity of the animated film Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale (1986), the park's management secured a licensing deal with cartoonist Murray Ball, and rebranded as a Footrot Flats-themed location, where actors would walk around the park dressed as the characters from the cartoon.

[2] In the late 1980s, the theme park came across financial difficulties, especially after the 1987 stock market crash.

[3] This led Safari Land's animals, including lions, tigers and monkeys, to be rehoused at the site.

[4] A range of rides and attractions were a part of the fun park, including:[2]