Luna Park Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest and most beloved amusement parks, perched on the foreshore at St Kilda since 13 December 1912. Its iconic giant Mr Moon face entrance and 1912-vintage Great Scenic Railway — the world’s oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster — have made Luna Park a Melbourne institution for over a century. With 17 main rides, two licensed bars, summer fireworks and the unmistakable beachside St Kilda location, Luna Park combines heritage charm with classic family fun.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a Luna Park visit: pricing options (single-ride vs unlimited), the best rides by age group, opening hours, accessibility, food options, the surrounding St Kilda attractions, and tips for avoiding queues and getting the best value. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teens — or just want a heritage Melbourne experience — this guide has the right info.
Luna Park at a glance
| Address | 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sat-Sun 11am-6pm; daily during school holidays; closed Mon-Tue outside holidays |
| Single ride ticket | A$15 per ride |
| Unlimited Rides Pass | A$59 (off-peak online), A$72 (peak/door) |
| Junior Pass (90cm-105cm) | A$29 |
| Best transport | Tram 96 from CBD (25 min) |
| Best for | Families with kids 4-12, heritage / Melbourne icon visit |
| Time needed | 3-5 hours for full experience |
How to get to Luna Park
By tram (recommended)
Tram 96 from Bourke Street in the CBD runs directly to the St Kilda Beach stop, a 2-minute walk to Luna Park. Travel time: 25-30 minutes. Tram 16 along Swanston Street also stops at the St Kilda Esplanade. Use Myki — A$5.50 for 2 hours.
By car
Paid parking on Cavell Street, Acland Street, and the Lower Esplanade — A$3-5 per hour, or all-day at the Wilson Parking on Acland Street (A$15-20). Parking on summer weekends is challenging — arrive before 10:30am or after 4pm.
By rideshare
Uber drop-off zones are along the Lower Esplanade. Expect 10-15 minutes from the CBD; longer during weekends.
Tickets and prices
Luna Park entry is FREE — you only pay for rides. Choose between single-ride tickets or unlimited passes:
| Pass | Online (off-peak) | Door (peak) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | A$15 | A$15 | One ride |
| Junior Unlimited (90-105cm) | A$29 | A$36 | All rides for height range |
| Unlimited Rides Pass | A$59 | A$72 | All rides |
| Family Pass (2A + 2C) | A$179 | A$199 | Unlimited for 4 |
| VIP Express Pass | A$99 | A$129 | Unlimited + skip-the-queue |
Best value: Buy online at lunapark.com.au at least 24 hours in advance for the off-peak rate. Group bookings (10+) get a 10-15% discount.
Height restrictions: The Junior Pass is for kids between 90cm and 105cm — a great-value pass that gives access to about 8 rides suitable for that height. Above 105cm, the standard Unlimited Pass is required.
Iconic Mr Moon face entrance
Walk through the giant smiling Mr Moon face — one of Melbourne’s most photographed sights. The face dates from 1912 and was designed by sculptor Felix Brodbeck. The entrance arches are heritage-listed and have featured in countless films, postcards and tourism campaigns. Even if you don’t ride, walk through the face for the photo opportunity.
The rides
The Great Scenic Railway (the must-ride)
The Great Scenic Railway is the world’s oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster, opened in 1912 and still using a brakeman who stands in the train to control speed by hand. The ride lasts 90 seconds, climbs 33 metres, and offers stunning views over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline. Heritage-listed and recognised by the American Coaster Enthusiasts Association as a “coaster classic.”
- Height min: 105cm
- Suitable for: Ages 6+
- Intensity: Moderate (not as intense as modern coasters, but views and authenticity make it the must-ride)
The Big Dipper / Coney Island
The 1923-built Coney Island ride is a smaller wooden coaster, suitable for younger kids (95cm minimum height) and a good first roller coaster.
The Ferris Wheel
The 18-metre Ferris Wheel offers the second-best aerial views (after the Scenic Railway) over the bay. Each rotation takes 4 minutes; ride duration about 8 minutes for two full rotations. Suitable for all ages including infants.
Best rides for younger kids (under 8)
- Carousel: Heritage 1913 carousel, beautifully restored. Min height 90cm with adult.
- Silly Serpent: Family-style coaster designed for kids 4-10.
- Red Baron: Spinning aircraft ride, kids’ favourite.
- Power Surge: Mild swinging boat ride.
- Mini Disc-O: Low-intensity spinning ride.
- Pharaoh’s Curse: Pirate ship swing.
- Rotor: Centrifugal-force spin (taller kids).
- Junior Pirate: Mini pirate ship for under-8s.
Best rides for thrill-seekers
- Pharaoh’s Curse: 360-degree pirate ship swing
- Twin Dragon: Side-to-side swing pendulum
- Power Surge: 8m vertical drop
- Sky Rider: Slow but vertigo-inducing height
- Enterprise: Spinning vertical wheel
- The Great Scenic Railway: Heritage classic
