Luna Park is Melbourne's most adored family attraction, and boasts a rich history.
Since its opening in 1912, Luna Park has evolved to cater for the changing entertainment
and leisure landscape without compromising its wonderful heritage and identity.

1912-The park opens, attracting massive crowds who come to marvel at its interesting design,
with rides arranged around the outside, and live entertainment in the middle. Original attractions
include the Scenic Railway roller coaster, the River Caves, the Ferris Wheel, the Pharoah’s Daughter
(also known as the Egyptian Theatre), the American Bowl Slide, the Palais de Folies (also known as
the Giggle Palace), the Palace of Illusions, the Crystal Tangle and the Terrace Tea Garden.
Live entertainment includes acrobats,

performing animals, the Luna Park Band, high wire performers, a swedish diver who
dived whilst alight, and the Luna Park band.

1913- Revamp of the park takes place with the introduction of new attractions-
Ping Pong Pitch, Poker Toss, the Chocolate Derby, the Egyptian Palace of Fortune,
the Arabian Dart game, and the Melbourne Joy Club.

1914 -The Argus reports that Luna Park was drawing 8,000 to
10,000 people each Saturday night.

1917-Luna Park closes its doors (despite having a successful year), as a result of World War One.
The Scenic Railway is the only attraction in operation, with the remainder of the park only opening for patriotic events.

1926-27-The Dodgem Cars are installed on the first floor of a
French-Chateu style building, which is erected in the centre of the park.

1928 -The Goofy House is added, and the Water Chute now becomes
the Jack and Jill.

1920’s- Attendance levels average around 1,400 people per day.

1923- Luna Park re-opens after significant changes are made to the interior.
The Big Dipper, the ultimate thrill ride at this time, and the grand Carousel now call Luna Park home.
Other attractions introduced are The Whip, a Water Chute, Noah’s Ark. The River Caves are rebuilt to look like the tropics.

1931- Attendance levels dramatically fall as a result of the depression and terrible weather.

1934- Attendance begins to rise, and investments are made in new attractions such as The Ghost Train, The Whirler and the Caterpillar.

1937- Luna Park celebrates its 25th anniversary, decorating the Carousel to look like a giant birthday cake.

1939-1945- Luna Park remains open during the War, but operates under blackout conditions.

1951- As the economy begins to recover, investments are made again, through the form of restoration to existing attractions and the introduction of the Rotor.

1953- Luna Park is refurbished for the coronation and a very special visitor- Queen Elizabeth II.

1960’s- Changes to the park and its attractions are few and far between.