Luna Park Sydney: a Short Guide

It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential Sydney experience than walking under that famous entrance and enjoying a ride on the iconic Luna Park ferris wheel. Luna Park is a classic old-school amusement park located on Milsons Point in Sydney. The (kinda terrifying) grinning face entrance to the park, the flashy lights, and the electric atmosphere symbolize all that’s fun about Sydney. Luna Park offers plenty of rides and attractions for children, families, and thrill-seekers alike. We’ve been there a number of times over the years just because it’s a no-pressure outing and easy fun. This is a short guide to Luna Park Sydney!

Luna Park has been a source of fun and entertainment for locals and tourists since it first opened its gate to the public in 1935. However, it wasn’t the first of its kind. The first Luna Park opened in 1903 at Coney Island in New York (just in case you had that familiar feeling–you weren’t wrong!). It was only after the park’s wide success that other branches opened all across the globe.

Luna Park Sydney has been shut down quite a few times despite its popularity. Following its latest closure in January 2021, the park added nine new rides to the premises. The last time we visited was in July 2019 but I’m looking forward to going back.

Rides at Luna Park

At Luna Park, there are rides for people of all ages and preferences. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones below:

The Ferris Wheel

You can’t come to Luna Park and not ride the infamous Ferris Wheel!

The giant ride standing approximately 40 meters above the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House is a must for anyone visiting the park. The bright lights combined with the picturesque view set the perfect background for an unforgettable selfie photo. And the best part is the ride is open to everyone, no matter your height or age.

Coney Island

For a blast from the past, don’t forget to enter Luna Park’s Coney Island, the perfect depiction of a funhouse from the 30s. Come and enjoy the weirdness of the indoor attraction and the Turkey Trot, Slides, Joy Wheel, and more.

Little Nipper

Has your little one been bugging you to take them on the roller coaster?

Well, here’s your chance!

The Little Nipper, one of the new rides at the park, is the ideal roller coaster for kids that lets them experience the thrill while staying out of any danger.

Boomerang

The Boomerang is Australia’s first-ever G-force G-rated roller coaster that will give the whole family the thrill of a lifetime. The coaster not only drops, twists and turns but then does the whole thing all over again, backward!

Sledgehammer

This monster of a ride will spin your world right round. With its 360-degree rotation, this beast spins, swings, dips, and spins the riders 30 meters into the air!

The Big Dipper

The Big Dipper is back, and it’s higher and faster than ever before. The newly refurbished ride is Australia’s tallest and fastest multi-launch roller coaster, and you guessed it, it’s for adults only.

Sideshow Alley

Containing many of the all-time favorite rides like the Carousel, knock ’em down, shoot ’em, and Dodgem City, the Sideshow Alley gives you the ultimate carnival experience. And what’s more, is you get great prizes for every win and not the average teddy bears you get at the local fair.

Information for Visitors

Tickets & Fees

There is no fee or ticket for entering the park; it’s free (which is perfect if you just want the atmosphere and to take crazy pictures). However, you have to buy day passes if you wish to take the rides. The rates of these passes differ depending on the age of the individual. For kids under the age of fourteen, the passes cost $34. While for adults, the price starts from $44 for a single-day pass.

Timing

Luna Park (currently) opens only four days during the week, from Fridays to Mondays. The opening hours vary depending on the day. On Fridays and Saturdays, Luna Park remains open from 11 am to 10 pm. While on Sundays and Mondays, the park opens for a shorter duration, from 10 am to 6 pm, and 11 am to 4 pm, respectively.

Food & Refreshments

With all the time you spend having fun and enjoying the rides at Luna Park, it’s only a matter of time before you start getting the hunger pangs. You’ll find numerous options to satisfy your hunger at Luna Park. Common grab-and-go type amusement park items such as candy floss, hot dogs, and delicious sugary treats are readily available at food stalls and kiosks throughout the park. But if you’d rather sit down to eat, stop by the Lighthouse Café for some juicy hamburgers and meat pies. Or you can also indulge in scrumptious nachos and tacos at the Hungry Horse, one of many eateries in Luna Park.

FAQs: Luna Park Sydney

• Is Luna Park Sydney still closed?

After closing in January 2021, Luna Park is now up and running since reopening on the 26th of June 2021. The park was closed down to add nine new state-of-the-art rides to the venue, including family-friendly ones like The Tango Train and other adult-only ones like The Big Dipper.

• Are you allowed to bring food inside the park?

While there are plenty of dining options available at Luna Park, you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks.

• Does Luna Park accept cash or credit?

At present, Luna Park does not accept cash payments. Their official website mentions that the park is a “cashless venue.”

• Does Luna Park have a loyalty program?

Yes! The park’s new Luna Perks Loyalty Program is open to all annual pass holders since launching in January 2022. The program will also extend to other park visitors from July 2022 onwards.

Through the loyalty program, you can get special offers and accumulate points to redeem for toys, food, and other great prizes.

For more information, head to Luna Park’s website.

One of the things I love about Luna Park is that it embraces its nostalgic value while not taking itself too seriously and isn’t afraid to add in new things. Luna Park Sydney is such a fun day out and is definitely worth doing the next time you’re in Sydney!