Welcome to Luna Park Melbourne!
Over 110 Years of Fun!
Welcome to the whirlwind of wonder that is Luna Park Melbourne! Nestled by the sparkling shores of Port Phillip Bay, Luna Park in St Kilda has been a beacon of fun and frivolity since its grand opening in 1912. But oh, dear reader, our tale begins long before then!
The very first Luna Park was constructed in 1903 on Coney Island New York and included a popular ride called ‘A Trip to the Moon’. The success of the park inspired scores of other Luna Parks around the world – including our very own in Melbourne!
Once upon a time, in the land down under, there was a merry band of dreamers who envisioned a fantastical place where joy knew no bounds. And so, Luna Park was born, a playground for the young and the young at heart alike!
St Kilda’s first amusement park located on the current site, was called ‘Dreamland’ but closed after only a year due to the park’s lack of commercial success. After laying dormant for a few years, the Greater JD Williams Amusement Company acquired the lease – there were no commercial ties back to the original. No expense was spared, with a Mr TH Eslick, who had extensive experience in building amusement parks around the world, was employed as the builder. The three Phillips brothers from North America arrived to oversee the management and remained here for the rest of their lives.
Picture this: it’s December 13th, 1912. Luna Park flings open its gates for the very first time, welcoming wide-eyed adventurers into a realm of enchantment. With its iconic entrance adorned by the grinning face of Mr. Moon, Luna Park quickly became the talk of the town, drawing crowds from far and wide.
The most famous of the Park’s attractions is its Roller Coaster – The Great Scenic Railway, a large wooden coaster that projects its passengers, at high speed, around the outside of the entire Park. It boasts the title of being the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world and the only one of its kind with a standing brakeman (person!) in control aboard its moving carriages. This world-famous roller coaster will not only provide you with heart-stopping dips and turns but also the most stunning views of Port Phillip Bay St. Kilda has to offer.
The park has continued to evolve over the years with a generous mix of heritage-listed attractions and new thrill rides to satisfy all thrill seekers. Luna Park Melbourne continues to reign supreme as the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and fun-lovers alike.
And so, dear friends, our story continues to unfold with each passing day. From the echoes of laughter on the Speedy Beetle, to the dizzying heights of the Great Scenic Railway, Luna Park Melbourne is a timeless treasure, a place where memories are made and dreams take flight.
So come one, come all, and join us on this wild and wondrous journey. Step right up and let the magic of Luna Park Melbourne sweep you off your feet! A day at Luna Park cannot be missed when visiting Melbourne, no matter your age.
Luna Park also offers much much more with Family Fun days, Events spaces, Special Events (like Melbourne’s biggest Halloween dress-up party, ‘Luna Dark’), School Activities Week, Physics days and kid’s parties, and Christmas party venues. Visit our Events page for more details.
