Luna Park

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Luna Park, in Melbourne, Australia, is an historic amusement park. Opening originally in 1912, it has been open almost continuously since then. This park is open all year around and has 19 rides available.

One of the two existing roller coasters is famous; the Scenic Railway, built in 1911, is the oldest continually-operating roller coaster in the world. In fact, it is one of only two roller coasters that require a brakesman in the middle of the train. Due to these distinctions, the Scenic Railway has been named an American Coaster Enthusiasts ‘Coaster Classic’. Theme park enthusiasts and roller coaster junkies travel from around the world simply to ride this roller coaster.

Luna Park located at St Kilda

Another old, but historic, ride is the Magic Carousel. Constructed in 1913, this is one of only a few examples of the renowned Philadelphia Toboggan Company that is located outside the United States.

Of course, Luna Park continues to add modern rides, with the Coney Island Top Drop opening in 2010. This is a popular type of ride, a vertical drop attraction on which guests are taken to a height of 13 metres (43 feet) before being dropped and raised several times.

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1 Review

1. Good, fun, exciting day out.

   Rory August 22, 2011 (Sydney)
   One of Melbourne's most iconic attractions, with its wide-mouthed façade cropping up in numerous artist impressions of the city. Here, you'll find several roller coasters, a ferris wheel, dodgem cars, a haunted house, an old-fashioned carousel and many more rides designed to thrill and excite both the young, and the young at heart. Visiting Luna Park, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps it's the tinkling music of the carousel, the excited screams of young children or the smell of popcorn and hotdogs in the air, but the place evokes the charm of an old-style amusement park, adding to the charisma of this popular tourist attraction. While there are many rides to choose from, there is a noticeable standout. If you haven't got a problem with heights, I definitely recommend taking a ride on the Scenic Railway. Not only is it one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still operating in the world, but the views of St Kilda that you get from the top are breathtaking. Add to that the sound of the wheels clacking over the wooden rails, and the sense that the entire structure might collapse due to old age (don't worry, it won't!) and you have one nerve-wracking yet thrilling ride! If you want a memento of your ride as you hurtle down the main slope of the rail, photographs are available to buy afterwards. For a laugh, it's worth looking at the photos just to see the facial expressions on some of your fellow riders. While it is free to enter the park, you do have to pay if you want to go on the rides. If you're planning on spending the day there, it is probably more affordable to purchase an unlimited ride pass. Just make sure that the weather is good before you visit, because there is limited shade and some rides do get temporarily closed due to bad weather.