in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Luna Park Melbourne
Historic amusement park with iconic grinning face entrance dating to 1912. Enjoy classic rides, roller coasters, and nostalgic carnival atmosphere right on St Kilda Beach.
Luna Park Melbourne is a heritage-listed amusement park on the foreshore of St Kilda, a beachside suburb 6 kilometres southeast of Melbourne's CBD. Opened in October 1912, the park is one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the world and occupies a compact site on the Lower Esplanade, flanked by the St Kilda foreshore promenade. The park's signature feature is its entrance: a massive grinning clown face — known as Mr Moon — through whose open mouth visitors walk. This design has remained largely unchanged since the park's opening and is one of the most recognised images in Australian popular culture.
The park contains approximately 15 rides across heritage and contemporary attractions. The Scenic Railway, built in 1912, is the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world still requiring a live seated brakeman on every car — a feature preserved as part of the ride's heritage listing. The roller coaster climbs 30 metres and descends along a wooden track at speed, offering glimpses of Port Phillip Bay between the dips. Other rides include the Carousel (circa 1913, featuring original hand-carved horses), the Ghost Train, a log flume, a Ferris wheel, and several children's and family rides. Vintage sideshow alley games, carnival food stalls, and a designated function venue complete the precinct.
Luna Park sits directly opposite St Kilda Pier and the Esplanade Hotel, meaning a visit pairs naturally with a foreshore walk, a stop at the St Kilda Esplanade Market (operating weekends), and a meal on Acland Street or Fitzroy Street. St Kilda Beach is accessible across the road. The best photography of the Mr Moon entrance facade is taken from the median strip on Lower Esplanade, ideally against a late afternoon sky.
Tickets are sold as session wristbands covering unlimited rides for a set time block of approximately 2.5–3 hours. Adult tickets are approximately AUD $55 and children AUD $45 for a standard session. Individual ride tokens are also available for visitors who prefer selective rides. Buying tickets online in advance offers a 10–15% discount. Luna Park operates on selected weekends, school holidays, and public holidays throughout the year — not daily. Summer Friday and Saturday evening sessions run past 10 PM. School holiday peak periods bring queue times of 20–30 minutes for the Scenic Railway.
Hours: Hours vary by season; typically 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Best for: families, couples, nostalgia seekers, photographers
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
-37.8681, 144.9772 — View on map
Highlights
- Scenic Railway — built in 1912, the world's oldest continuously operating roller coaster, with a heritage-listed live brakeman on every car
- Iconic Mr Moon grinning face entrance, one of Australia's most recognised heritage structures, unchanged in design since 1912
- Heritage Carousel with original hand-carved horses dating from 1913, offering a gentle ride for all ages
- Foreshore location opposite St Kilda Beach, combining the park with foreshore walks, the Esplanade Market, and Acland Street dining
- Evening sessions in summer running past 10 PM, with illuminated rides and a distinct carnival atmosphere
Tips
- Buy online for discounted tickets
- Combine with St Kilda beach and pier visit
- Scenic Railway is heritage-listed roller coaster
FAQ
How long does a visit to Luna Park Melbourne take?
A standard session wristband covers approximately 2.5–3 hours of unlimited rides. Families typically use the full session. Evening adult sessions run longer. Combining the park with a St Kilda foreshore walk or meal makes for a half-day outing.
Is the Scenic Railway suitable for young children?
The Scenic Railway requires a minimum height of 85 cm for children riding with an adult, and 130 cm to ride alone. The heritage wooden coaster is thrilling but not extreme — most children aged 4 and over manage it comfortably with a parent present.
Can visitors buy individual ride tickets rather than a wristband?
Yes, individual ride tokens are available for visitors who prefer selective access rather than a session wristband. This suits those wanting a single heritage ride — such as the Carousel or Scenic Railway — without purchasing unlimited access.
Accessibility
Several rides including the Carousel are accessible to visitors using mobility aids, with staff assistance available at the entrance. The main pathways through the park are paved and level. Not all rides accommodate wheelchairs — contact the park directly for the current accessible ride list. Accessible restrooms are available on-site.
When to visit
Weekday afternoon sessions during school term are the least crowded. School holiday periods in January and Easter bring the longest queues, particularly for the Scenic Railway. Arriving at session opening reduces wait times significantly. Summer evening sessions offer a lively atmosphere with illuminated rides.