Luna Park Sydney

Luna Park opened at Milsons Point in 1935 on the site used to build the Harbour Bridge, and its entrance, a vast grinning face flanked by art deco towers, has been rebuilt several times but remains one of Sydney's most recognisable images. The park is heritage-listed, including the Coney Island funhouse of 1935 with its wooden slides, rotating barrel and mirror maze, largely unchanged and rare anywhere in the world. Modern rides have been added around the historic core, and the Ferris wheel gives a view straight across the water to the Opera House. Entry to the grounds is free, with ride passes sold separately, and the park closes periodically for maintenance.

History

The Cammeraygal people are the traditional owners of the North Sydney area, and the land at Milsons Point, granted after 1788 to a soldier, Robert Ryan, was later settled by James Milson; Billy Blue began the first ferry across the harbour in 1830. From 1924 Dorman Long used the site to make the steel for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and once it was finished the council sought tenders; Herman Phillips and his partners, owners of Luna Park Glenelg in Adelaide, took a 20-year lease on 11 September 1935, shipped their rides to Sydney and employed almost 1,000 workers, and the park opened on 4 October 1935 to immediate success (Wikipedia, Luna Park Sydney).

The main sights

• The face entrance - the giant grinning gateway under the art deco towers.
• Coney Island - the preserved 1930s funhouse with slides and mirror maze.
• The Ferris wheel view - the harbour, bridge and Opera House from the top.
• The heritage midway - restored deco buildings around the rides.

When to go

Year-round, though opening days vary by season and the park sometimes closes midweek outside holidays. Evenings are atmospheric with the lights on. Check the calendar before travelling, as private events close it entirely at times.

Good to know

Ride passes are expensive for the number of attractions, and the park is small compared with major theme parks. Queues build quickly in school holidays. Noise restrictions from neighbouring apartments have limited some rides over the years.

Nearby

Milsons Point and the bridge walkway are adjacent; Kirribilli lies just east.

Key facts