Luna Park is one of Australia and Melbourne’s most historic amusement parks and should be ticked off that bucket list while visiting this beautiful city. Situated just a short tram ride from the city centre and overlooking the stunning suburb of St Kilda, a mere 6km south east of Melbourne, lies Luna Park.
It has been open since the start of the 20th Century and boasts rides to suit all the family. Although, aimed towards kids, I can honestly say it was one the best days we’ve both had while visiting Melbourne. Although I am not the best at theme park rides, having visited Disneyland, Paris three years ago I think all my fear was lost having gone on one of the bigger rides there. However, let me tell you a little bit about the park.
Just look at the magnificent entrance! Oh and little me standing in front.... !
Getting There
As we are living in the western suburbs of Melbourne, it did take us a quite a while to get there, close to 90 minutes however from the city centre there are multiple trams that will get you there within 25 minutes or less. We hopped on the number 16 outside Federation Square which is situated on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Street and this will drop you off directly outside Luna Park.
We had arrangements after Luna Park in Brunswick so we got the number 96 to East Brunswick via Bourke Street in the city centre. There are plenty options for you when travelling in either direction and Public Transport Victoria have a great site outlining all the options available to get to any destination, this can be found here.
There is lots of Customer Service representatives at the tram stop also, guiding somewhat lost looking tourists which is very handy for first timers!
Luna Park Opening Hours
Opening hours change throughout the year therefore it is best to confirm online before visiting. It is however open weekends, Victorian school holidays and every public holiday except Christmas Day. Opening hours range from 11am – midnight, but again best to check in advance.
Their website is incredibly informative so check be sure to check it out!
Luna Park Ticket Prices
Prices range from $16.50 (child under 3) to $47.50 (adult) and this grants you unlimited rides for the day and includes taxes. As the park is free to enter ride tickets can also be purchased individually and they range from $4.95-$10.95 each.
On entering the park through the magnificent façade you’re met with the ticket booths from which tickets can be purchased however tickets can also be purchased in advance online here.
Rides
There are lots of rides to choose from, including the largest ride, The Great Scenic Railway that circles the amusement park down to the little train for kids that does the rounds slowly within the grounds.
Full list of rides can be found here.
We visited the park last weekend and unfortunately some of the rides were not in operation due to the high winds and impending rain. Luckily the rain remained at bay and we really enjoyed our visit. We enjoyed the other rides however which were great fun including The Ghost Train, Spider, Carousel &The Silly Serpent!
Is Luna Park Worth The Price Tag?
The cost of a theme park visit is never cheap, no matter where you go. Therefore although the $47.50 price seems a little, it’s worth noting that this allows you unlimited rides, and with queues (at least this time of the year) being very short, there’s no reason why you cannot hop on each ride quite a lot.
Their friendly staff also advised us that there’s an option to leave and come back a little later in the day. With free entry, it’s well worth the visit even for anyone who isn’t interested in any one particular ride. There is a good café on site selling hot foods and coffees and also a stall half way through the park selling the most delicious churros!
Therefore, Luna Park is in my opinion worth the price tag!
If you have been there recently too, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
***We were guests of Luna Park Melbourne but all opinions are my very own***