Melbourne’s beloved Luna Park has officially turned 113 years old, marking more than a century of laughter, memories and seaside magic in the heart of St Kilda.
To celebrate this milestone, Luna Park invited families, long-time friends, staff, and community guests – including us – for a special birthday evening that honoured the park’s history while looking firmly toward its bright future.
For our family, Luna Park isn’t just an amusement park – it’s a tradition. A place our kids adore during school holidays, and it’s a landmark that generations of Melburnians return to year after year. And yes… we use our Small Ideas membership to save 25% off entry, during our visits during the year.
A Living Piece of Melbourne History
Luna Park first opened its doors on 13 December 1912, when Mr Moon grinned wide for the very first time and welcomed thousands through his iconic entrance.
Since then, millions have wandered through those famous teeth, from locals enjoying a weekend by the water to visitors who return to Melbourne decades later just to relive their favourite childhood ride.
As one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world – and the oldest in Australia – Luna Park is both a funfair and a cultural treasure. Its story intertwines with St Kilda’s seaside heritage, once a bustling holiday destination dotted with grand hotels, dance halls and oceanfront attractions.
Today, more than a century on, Luna Park continues to hold a special place in the city’s heart – a rare example of living history where nostalgia and new memories collide.
Major Heritage Works: Restoring the Magic for Future Generations
To coincide with its 113th anniversary, Luna Park shared updates on several major restoration projects designed to protect and rejuvenate this iconic landmark for generations to come.
The Luna Palace Revival
Thanks to a $5 million investment from the Victorian Government and a $17 million contribution from Luna Park Melbourne, the historic Luna Palace building is undergoing a complete revival.
Once home to the Penny Arcade and Dodgems, the building had suffered hidden water damage and has been closed for some time.
Now, it’s being carefully restored and transformed into a vibrant new events and entertainment space – a project guided by heritage architects and supported by Heritage Victoria.
This isn’t just a renovation. It’s a preservation of Melbourne’s joyful spirit.
A Glow-Up for the Face & Towers
Following the 2022 rejuvenation of the beloved Mr Moon entrance, Luna Park has spent recent months refreshing the iconic towers.
Architectural details, trimmings and lighting have been restored to reflect the nostalgic glow of 1912, complete with a fresh coat of paint that brings the towers back to life.
Every brushstroke honours the park’s history while ensuring it remains picture-perfect for families who snap that classic shot under Mr Moon.
Celebrating a Century of Stories – With Our Kids Right in the Middle of It
Attending the birthday celebration felt like stepping into history. Our kids raced from ride to ride, laughing the same way children did here 10, 50, even 100 years ago. That’s the magic of Luna Park – it has an uncanny ability to feel both timeless and exciting, no matter how old you are.
The Scenic Railway rattled along its wooden track, the carousel shimmered in sunlight, and families – ours included – created new memories in one of Melbourne’s most treasured places.
And as a family of seven who visit often, especially during school holidays, being surrounded by Luna Park’s community of workers, friends and long-time supporters made the morning feel even more meaningful.
A Carousel With a Global Award
One of Luna Park’s crown jewels, the 1913 Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel, was recently honoured by the National Carousels Association USA with a prestigious historical award.
With all 68 original hand-carved horses and its rare band organ intact, it remains one of the most beautifully restored carousels in the world.
It’s not just a ride – it’s art, history and joy in motion.
Why Luna Park Will Always Matter
Luna Park is more than a fun day out.
It’s: a heritage landmark, a symbol of Melbourne’s seaside culture, a place where multiple generations return to relive the same magic, and a destination that visitors from across the globe associate with Melbourne itself.
With major restorations underway and more planned, Luna Park is preparing not just to survive another century – but to thrive.
And as the park officially celebrates its 113th birthday, one thing remains true: the thrill of stepping through Mr Moon’s smile never fades.
Plan Your Visit
📍 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Luna Park is in full swing over summer, with longer opening hours throughout December and January. Most weekends the Park runs from 11am–10pm, with selected Fridays and weeknights open from 6pm–10pm. During the busy school-holiday period, Luna Park opens earlier and stays open later so families can make the most of the warm weather and seaside fun. Public holidays are also covered, with the Park open from 11am–10pm on most dates.
🎟️ Small Ideas members save 25% off entry
🕰️ Open during restoration works – rides and attractions continue as normal
Tel: (03) 9525 5033 Website: lunapark.com.au
A perfect school-holiday outing for families, locals and visitors returning to Melbourne. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Luna Park remains one of Victoria’s most joyful traditions – a place where history, fun and family come together under the glow of a century-old smile.
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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