Melbourne Hotels near Luna Park

Luna Park History

In the pre-Depression days of the 20th century, St. Kilda was a beachfront playground offering the Melbourne upper crust an escape during the heat of the summer. St. Kilda fell into decline during the ‘60s and ‘70s, but the prospect of all that beachfront saw the return of developers beginning in the ‘80s, and St. Kilda is back.

With its return, St. Kilda has injected new life into its most famous landmark, Luna Park Melbourne, a beloved grinning-faced relic of the amusement park culture of long ago. Luna Park, which provided Melburnians their cutting-edge fun and frenzy when it opened in 1912 with attractions like the Scenic Railway roller coaster overlooking Port Phillip Bay; the River Caves Boat Journey; and the Great American Bowl Slide, has amazingly avoided the developers’ wrecking ball and is on the way back.

The Scenic Railway, in fact, has never stopped operating. It remained in service even when Luna Park was closed during war time and for refurbishing, making it the oldest continuously running roller coaster in the world. That kind of never-say-die spirit also accounts for the salvaging and restoration of Luna Park’s Magical Carousel, which was granted heritage designation in 1998, and underwent a two-year, $2.2 million renovation.

Luna Park Melbourne Attractions

Luna Park Melbourne offers, along with the Scenic Railway and the Carousel, mega-thrill rides like the Metropolis Roller Coaster and The Pharaoh’s Curse, which gives those riders who can keep their eyes open a chance to view Port Phillip Bay while inverted.

Luna Park has sausage rolls, chips, fairy floss, hot dogs, cake, ice cream and all other necessary forms of carnival food in plenty. For those who prefer solid ground beneath their feet to stomach-churning rides, there are plenty of games.

Accommodations at Luna Park Melbourne

Those visiting Melbourne who want to take a break for some old-fashioned fun at Luna Park will find terrific beachfront accommodations a short stroll away, at The Novotel St. Kilda Hotel.