1935 - 2020
EXPLORE
Since the 1930s Luna Park has brought a shared laughter to generations of Sydneysiders. But much like the rides it contains, Luna Park’s history is one of ups and downs, twists and turns.
A HISTORY OF LUNA PARK SYDNEY
1924 – 1932
In its natural state the cliffs on the harbour were very rugged and were excavated in the 1890’s for the construction of the North Shore Railway extension to Milsons Point. In the 1920’s it was further excavated to build the workshops for the construction of the Harbour Bridge. Following the completion of the Bridge, the workshops were demolished and the NSW Government and North Sydney Council agree an amusement park and swimming pool should fill the space to stimulate commercial activity.
The Harbour Bridge Paves the Way
Oct 8, 1930
Based on the success of the first Luna Park in Coney Island, New York in 1903, American entrepreneurs bring the idea to Australia and open Luna Park Melbourne in 1912 and Luna Park Glenelg, Adelaide in 1930.
Let the Fun Begin
1930 - 1935
Luna Park Glenelg is successful through the Depression, however refusal to allow expansion of the park from the local Council force the owners to search for a suitable place to relocate, eventually discovering the vacant ex-Harbour Bridge factory site at Milsons Point.
A Change of Scene
4 October, 1935
Luna Park Sydney opens with immediate success alongside rides relocated from Luna Park Glenelg including the Big Dipper and River Caves and featuring fantasy architecture in the Art Deco style of the 1930s.
Bringing the Fun to Sydney
1935 – 1969
The Park runs smoothly under the same owners until 1969, closing every winter until 1972, providing an opportunity to overhaul rides and for the managers to travel overseas in search for new rides and attractions. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, a series of new rides are installed. These include the Rotor and Wild Mouse which still operate today.
The Early Years
1969
The remaining 6 years of the lease and equipment of Luna Park are sold to a group who apply to redevelop the site as a multi-storey Trade Centre. The application is refused due to the government’s determination to preserve what is left of the open spaces on Sydney Harbour’s foreshore. Following the refusal, the principal shareholders form the Luna Park (Holdings) fund and continue to run the site as an amusement park.
Attempts to Redevelop
1970s
A group of popular Australian artists including Martin Sharp and Peter Kingston are commissioned to redecorate the Park.
The lease expires in 1975 with the Park continuing on a weekly basis as the managers are unable to negotiate a long-term lease. With limited investment in Park infrastructure, older rides are replaced with portable rides. A Brief Reprieve
9 June, 1979
A fatal fire on the Ghost train sadly claims the lives of seven. The lease is terminated and the NSW Government are unable to find a suitable replacement operator.
Luna Park’s Darkest Day
1980
While the park remains closed, “Friends of Luna Park” is formed, including a large collection of Australian artists who are commissioned to revitalise the park in the 1970s. These include Martin Sharp, Peter Kingston, Richard Liney, Gary Shead, Tim Lewis, Leigh Hobbs and many others. Although very little of the art created at that time can be seen in the park today, this group of artists make a huge contribution by campaigning tirelessly to save Luna Park during the 1980s and early 1990s when it was threatened with demolition.
Friends of Luna Park
1981
NSW Government grants a lease to a new operator, but there are disputes with the previous leaseholder over the value of the fittings remaining in the Park. The Government orders the old leaseholders to vacate and many of the artworks and amusements are auctioned off or removed.
Out with the Old
1982-1988
A new leaseholder is appointed and the Park re-opens in May 1982 with a mix of new and reconditioned rides. However, The Park closes again in 1988 for renovation after an unsuccessful attempt to redevelop the site as an adult entertainment centre with high rise towers is made public.
In with the…
5 June 1990
After the leaseholder fails to meet a deadline to re-open the amusement park, the lease is terminated through the Luna Park Site Act 1990. The government through The Luna Park Reserve Trust takes control and a heritage study is commissioned.
The Government Takes Over
1992 – 1994
Major restoration of the main buildings begins, a new public foreshore boardwalk is created and a new roller coaster and other rides installed.
A Time to Rebuild
1995, 20 January
Luna Park re-opens jointly managed by the Luna Park Reserve Trust and a private carnival operator. Residents initiate a legal challenge against noise from the Big Dipper resulting in a reduction of the ride’s operating hours.
Doors, please
1995, 20 January
Due to financial difficulties Luna Park closes once more in 1996. NSW Parliament passes the Luna Park Site Amendment Act 1997 which after public and private consultation provides for a wider range of uses for Luna Park (such as restaurants, function rooms, and more) becoming classified and placed on the register of the National Estate.
Is History Doomed to Repeat
1999
The Park lease is awarded to a group including the owners of the Metro Theatre in Sydney and The Edgley Group.
NEW OWNERS
2000s
In 2001, due to noise complaints, the iconic Big Dipper is sold and moved to Dreamworld, Queensland. In 2002, the leaseholder formed a new company, Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd to assume the 40-year lease and new construction and total refurbishment of buildings and rides begin.
a major loss, and a major gain
4 April 2004
Luna Park as we know it now reopens. The new redevelopment is based on keeping the site’s unique identity and heritage features while providing a new 2,000 seat Big Top auditorium, onsite carpark, restaurant and refurbished function facilities.
Just for Fun
2014
Luna Park launches its first new ride since the park reopened in 2001 - the exhilarating Hair Raiser!
Something old, Something New
2018
Luna Park’s long-term viability is in doubt as the process for approving new rides or modifying existing ones is lengthy and expensive. However, policy amendments triggered by a NSW Land and Environment Court ruling with overwhelming support from the Sydney community allow Luna Park to introduce new, low impact rides and amusements through a simpler planning pathway.
Save Luna Park (again)
March, 2019
Luna Park Sydney launches Sydney’s first new permanent ride since 2014 – Volare – Australia’s highest and largest Wave Swinger.
Oh, Volare!
