Luna Park Melbourne (2026): Tickets, Rides & Family Tips
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- Melbourne Tourism Guide
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- August 20, 2026
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- 11 min
Luna Park Melbourne — historic St Kilda amusement park since 1912. Tickets, 17 rides, the world-famous Scenic Railway, family tips and opening hours.
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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
When is Luna Park open?
Luna Park’s hours change seasonally and around school holidays:
- Term-time weekends: Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm
- School holidays: Open 7 days, 11am-6pm (extended Friday-Saturday until 9pm during summer holidays)
- Public holidays: Open 11am-6pm
- Closed: Christmas Day; reduced operations on some weekdays in winter (June-Aug)
Always check lunapark.com.au before visiting — the operations calendar updates monthly.
Best time to visit
Quietest: Term-time Saturdays at 11am opening, or Sundays after 4pm. Queues are minimal and unlimited passes get full value.
Busiest: Mid-summer school holidays (mid-Dec to late Jan), public holiday Monday afternoons, and Saturday afternoons (1-4pm). Expect 30-60 minute queues for the Scenic Railway.
Best weather: Late spring (October-November) and early autumn (March-April) have the most pleasant weather. Some rides close in heavy rain or strong winds.
Special events
Friday Night Fireworks (summer)
From mid-December to late January, Luna Park hosts Friday-night fireworks at 9pm — free to view from the St Kilda foreshore (you don’t need a Luna Park ticket). The display lasts 8 minutes and lights up the bay. Best vantage points: from the St Kilda Pier or directly opposite the entrance on the Esplanade.
Halloween Fright Nights
Late October sees Luna Park transformed for “Fright Nights” — themed haunted house experiences, scare actors, and adult-only late sessions. Tickets A$45-65; recommended ages 14+.
Christmas at Luna Park
December sees the park decorated in lights, with Santa visits, themed entertainment and reduced family pricing.
Food and drink
- Pavilion Bar & Bistro: Sit-down restaurant in the historic 1913 Palais building. Mains A$22-32, kids A$14. Licensed.
- Mr Moon’s Carnival Treats: Fairy floss, hot dogs, dagwood dogs, fries, soft serve. Most items A$8-15.
- Coney Island Café: Burgers, chicken nuggets, fries. Kid-friendly.
- Multiple kiosks: Coffee, slushies, pretzels, doughnuts dotted around.
Outside food: Picnic baskets are not permitted inside Luna Park. However, the St Kilda foreshore directly outside has multiple cafes (Stokehouse, Pony Café, Republica) and the iconic Acland Street cake shops, ideal for pre- or post-park meals.
Family tips
- Free entry to non-riders: One adult can supervise kids without paying — only the rider needs a ticket.
- Pram-friendly: All paths sealed; pram parking near major rides.
- Ride swap: Adults can take turns on rides while one watches the kids — ride staff will swap you in without re-queuing.
- Photos: The Mr Moon entrance is the most photographed Melbourne icon; arrive at 10:50am for crowd-free photos.
- Souvenirs: Mr Moon t-shirts, pin badges, postcards. The gift shop is at the exit.
- Toilets: Multiple locations including changing tables.
- First aid: Located near the main entrance.
What’s around Luna Park
Luna Park’s St Kilda location makes it perfect for combining with other attractions:
- St Kilda Beach (5 min walk): Melbourne’s most popular city beach.
- St Kilda Pier (10 min walk): Free penguin colony viewing platform at sunset (year-round).
- Acland Street (5 min walk): Famous cake shops (since the 1950s) — Monarch Cake Shop and Acland Street Cantina.
- Sea Baths and St Kilda Sea Pool (5 min walk): Heritage 1925 saltwater pools.
- The Esplanade Hotel (“the Espy”) (5 min walk): Historic 1878 pub; live music venue.
- Stokehouse Restaurant (10 min walk): Beachfront fine dining.
For a full St Kilda day trip, see our St Kilda Melbourne guide.
Accessibility
Luna Park is wheelchair-accessible — sealed paths, accessible toilets, and most paths are flat. Some rides have specific access requirements (the Scenic Railway is not wheelchair-accessible due to vintage construction). Companion Card holders enter free with the cardholder.
Sensory considerations: Luna Park can be noisy and visually intense. Quieter visiting times are weekday school holiday mornings (11am-12pm). Earplugs are recommended for sensory-sensitive visitors.
Heritage and history
Luna Park opened on 13 December 1912 — the same year as Sydney’s Luna Park. It was modelled on Coney Island and opened with the Scenic Railway, the Carousel, and the Devil’s Castle (still operating). Mr Moon’s giant face was designed by sculptor Felix Brodbeck and has been an icon ever since. The park has been operated by the Linke family since 1923.
Luna Park was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 1982. The Scenic Railway, the Carousel, and the Mr Moon face entrance are all individually heritage-protected.
The rides, from gentle to thrilling
Luna Park, on the St Kilda foreshore, has been thrilling Melburnians since 1912, and you enter, famously, through the giant smiling face of Mr Moon. Inside you’ll find a mix of heritage and modern rides: the star is the Scenic Railway, the world’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster, where a conductor rides along to brake it by hand — a genuine piece of living history. There are gentle carousel and dodgem rides for little ones, mid-level fun for primary-age kids, and a handful of bigger thrill rides for teens. The vintage seaside-fun-park atmosphere is half the appeal — it’s nostalgic, photogenic and unlike anywhere else in the city.
Tickets and what to know
Entry through the famous face is free; you pay for the rides, either with single-ride tickets or (better value if you’re riding a lot) an unlimited rides pass, with cheaper rates for children and discounts for booking online. Height restrictions apply to the bigger rides, so check if you have younger children. Opening days and hours vary by season (it’s open more days in summer and school holidays, fewer in winter), so always check the schedule before you go. Allow a couple of hours to half a day depending on your kids’ ages and ride appetite.
Make a day of it in St Kilda
Luna Park sits in the heart of seaside St Kilda, so it’s easy to build a full day around it: the beach and foreshore, the Esplanade, the famous Acland Street cake shops, and at dusk the chance to spot little penguins on the St Kilda breakwater (free). It’s a classic Melbourne family combination of fun-park thrills and beachside charm. Pair it with the rest of our Melbourne with kids guide, and for the after-dark penguins and St Kilda’s evening scene, see our things to do at night guide.
Luna Park for toddlers vs big kids
The park works across ages, but the experience differs. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, the gentle heritage rides — the carousel, the smaller spinners and the kid-sized attractions — are the draw, and the free-to-enter forecourt lets you soak up the atmosphere without committing to a full pass. For primary-age kids, the mid-level rides and the dodgems hit the sweet spot, and most will be tall enough for the beloved Scenic Railway. Teens gravitate to the bigger thrill rides. Check height requirements before buying an unlimited pass, especially for younger children, so you choose the ticket that matches what they can actually ride.
A slice of living history
Part of Luna Park’s charm is that it’s a genuine heritage attraction, not a modern theme park. Opened in 1912, it’s one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, and Mr Moon’s grinning entrance face is a Melbourne icon that has welcomed generations of visitors. The Scenic Railway, dating from the park’s opening, is heritage-listed and the oldest continuously operating roller coaster on earth — riding it, with its hand-braking conductor, is like stepping into another era. That blend of nostalgia and seaside fun gives Luna Park a character the big chain parks simply can’t match, and it’s a big reason it remains such a beloved fixture of a St Kilda day out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Luna Park Melbourne cost?
Entry is FREE. Single ride tickets are A$15. Unlimited Rides Pass is A$59 online (off-peak) or A$72 at the gate. A Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) is A$179 online.
How many rides are at Luna Park Melbourne?
Luna Park has 17 main rides plus several smaller children’s attractions and arcade games. Major rides include the Great Scenic Railway, Pharaoh’s Curse, Twin Dragon, Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Sky Rider, Enterprise, Power Surge, and the Silly Serpent.
How long has Luna Park Melbourne been operating?
Luna Park opened on 13 December 1912 — over 110 years ago. It is one of Australia’s oldest amusement parks and the world’s oldest continuously operating wooden coaster (the Scenic Railway) is here.
Is Luna Park suitable for toddlers?
Yes — toddlers (ages 2-4) can ride the Carousel, Mini Disc-O, Junior Pirate, and Power Surge with adult supervision. The 90cm height minimum opens up many rides; some have a 60cm with adult minimum. The Junior Pass (90-105cm) is excellent value for this age group.
Can you bring food into Luna Park?
Outside food is not permitted inside the park. The St Kilda foreshore directly outside has many casual food options — eat there before or after.
Is Luna Park open on weekdays?
During school holidays, yes (open daily 11am-6pm). Outside school holidays, Luna Park is mainly weekend-only (Sat-Sun 11am-6pm) and on public holidays. Always check operating hours before visiting.
Is the Scenic Railway scary?
By modern standards, no — it’s a heritage 1912 wooden coaster with moderate intensity. The 33m height drop and authentic 1912 ride feel make it more atmospheric than terrifying. Suitable for ages 6+ (105cm minimum). It’s a must-ride for the experience and views, not for thrills.
What’s the difference between Luna Park Melbourne and Sydney?
Both opened in 1912 and share the iconic Mr Moon face design (different in detail). Sydney’s Luna Park is harbour-side at Milsons Point; Melbourne’s is beachside at St Kilda. Sydney has slightly more modern rides but lacks the world-famous wooden coaster of Melbourne.
Plan your visit
Luna Park is one of the must-do family experiences in Melbourne, and pairs naturally with St Kilda Beach for a half- or full-day in St Kilda. For more family planning ideas, see our Melbourne with kids guide, our St Kilda guide, and our Melbourne playgrounds guide.