School holiday start, Luna Park say " Hello "

Luna Park (Melbourne) is a historical amusement park situated at the picturesque Port Phillip Bay inSt Kilda, Melbourne. Opened since 1912, Luna Park continues to draw large crowds and has been enjoyed by families for generations.

In November 1906 a vaudeville performer, Mr Salambo, opened a theme park called "Dreamland" situated approximately where Luna Park stands today. The park failed after 3 seasons, thought to be as a result of high prices. Later, in 1911, the Greater JD Williams Amusement Company obtained a lease on the land to build an amusement park. With JD Williams, the Phillips brothers, dozens of designers, builders and fun fair experts from all over the world Luna Park was constructed!

Luna Park opened in December 1912 and was an instant success drawing huge crowds!! A popular attribute of Luna Park was the live entertainment which included bands, acrobats, performing animals and more. Some of the original attractions still remain today including the Ferris Wheel, Terrace Tea Gardens, Scenic Railway and Pharaohs Daughter.

In 1913, when Williams returned to the USA, the Phillips brothers stayed on and transformed the park - adding to rides, renovating and repainting. The seasons that followed were also a success, with crowds reaching between 8000 and 10000 on Saturday nights. However, in 1916, Luna Park was forced to close for the War - after that it was only opened for patriotic events.

Nowadays Luna Park is jam-packed with rides, food and entertainment - guaranteed fun for the whole family! From knee-knocking thrill rides like the G Force, Shock Drop and Pharaoh's Curse to adventure rides for the little ones like Arabian Merry, Silly Serpent and the Carousel - there is something for everyone.

Luna Park is home to the oldest, continually operating roller coaster in the world - the Scenic Railway! Opened in 1912, the Scenic Railway is one of just 10 remaining. Travelling 50km/hour it offers brilliant views of Port Phillip Bay - if you dare to look!

One of the focal points of Luna Park is the Carousel. Located at the heart of the park, the Carousel has been a popular ride for generations. The Carousel was originally constructed, in 1913, for an amusement park in Sydney. Upon the Sydney park's closure, in 1918, the Carousel was purchased for £15,000 and moved to Luna Park - where it has remained ever since.

The Carousel was restored in 1999, from the bottom up, after neglect led to it's degeneration in the late 1980s. It took two years, 50 skilled professionals and cost over $2 million, but the Carousel is now restored to it's former glory. It still boasts the 68 original horses, 2 roman chariots and 36 cherubs - all hand painted and elaborately decorated.

There are a number of function options at Luna Park. Upon arrangement, you can hire out the park for a day, enjoy a Birthday Party Pack or utilise one of the great Function Rooms. Luna Park is open Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 6pm. It is open everyday during Victorian School and Public Holidays.