Stepping through the giant Luna Park mouth is like stepping back in time with its faded art deco facades and old school rides. Taking its inspiration from the iconic Coney Island in New York, this Luna Park is unmistakably Sydney thanks to its stunning harbourfront location. It is this backdrop that makes almost any photo you take on the Ferris Wheel immediately become a family favourite.
So, it was on the Ferris Wheel that we began our Luna Park adventure on a warm, Spring Sunday, with the harbour waters lapping at the shores and the sun beaming high in the sky. Having never been to a theme park before, my four year old was more than a little excited as our carriage left the ground and steadily rose up into the sky. The view is truly spectacular, offering a bird’s eye view of the harbour, a full 360 of Luna Park and a close-up of the Harbour Bridge.
We were visiting with family, so all up there were four very excited little boys aged one, two, four, and five tugging their way from ride to ride. The Ferris Wheel was quickly followed by a visit to a timeless classic, the Carousel, and the Tango Train which offered pure escapism for adults too. The latter ride offers two speeds – Mild or Wild – depending on your appetite for thrills, so make sure you get in the queue for the right one! All rides were clearly signed and had good height and safety information at the beginning of each queue so there was no confusion as to who was allowed entry.
Next, the dodgems proved a popular hit with our group. Once in the driving seat, the boys and their dads took turns steering the dodgems round the track with squeals of laughter rippling out through the Dodgem City arena. We couldn’t resist the sideshows so the boys had a go at Gone Fishing using a net to catch a fish – the heavier the fish, the bigger the prize! Thankfully, all three of them managed to snare a fish and nab a fluffy toy as a reward!
Needing a pit stop to refuel, we headed to the Hungry Horse to enjoy pizzas and nachos. A kids’ birthday party was happening nearby – an ideal venue if you need somewhere indoors but with a spectacular waterfront view. Party bookings are available on the weekend only and for a minimum of 10 paying guests. Luna Park has a range of packages but all come with unlimited rides for all guests so a great day out!
After everyone was fed and watered, we strolled along the waterfront boardwalk to get to the second part of the precinct housing nine new rides, due to a $30 million upgrade last year. Plenty of these were suitable for our little boys so we spent a couple of hours here, riding on:
- Freaky Frogs – coloured, frog carriages that leap up and down
- Little Nipper – shark-themed, family-friendly rollercoaster
- Silly Sub – underwater thrills above air in a yellow submarine
- Bug – bug-shaped, mini ferris wheel for teeny tinies
After several hours here, it was time to leave and head home. As we reluctantly made our way back to the carpark, it was clear that many parents were reliving their own precious childhood memories and making new ones as they introduced their kids to Luna Park. It is these sorts of joyous days out that live on in children’s memories for years to come. So if you’re in need of a memorable family day out, look no further than Luna Park Sydney. Your children will thank you for it (and we dare you not to love the Tango Train!).
Cost: A Day Pass (unlimited rides) to Luna Park ranges from $34-$65 for a child (13 years and under) and $44-$75 for an adult (14 years and over). Cheaper prices are accessible when you book in advance of your visit. Parking starts at $10 per hour and goes up to $36 for 3-4 hours.BusineFor more info, visit the Luna Park Sydney website or Instagram.
