MELBOURNE'S LUNA PARK REVIVAL WINS STATE BACKING
04 Jun 2025
Works to reopen the Melbourne landmark has taken a step forward with the state agreeing to help fund the rescue and restoration of Luna Park’s Luna Palace building at St Kilda.
The oldest amusement park in Australia, Melbourne's Luna Park attracts 800,000 visitors each year and supports more than 250 jobs. For decades the Palace Building was home to attractions central to Luna Park's appeal including the Penny Arcade and Dodgems, in more recent times however the more than 100-year-old building has fallen into disrepair and been closed to the public for safety.
The Victorian Government has committed $5 million in its 2025-26 Budget to help restore the building that is home to the Penny Arcade and dodgems. Luna Park Melbourne, which manages the site, will contribute $17 million to the restoration project.
The work includes an expansion of the arcade space and function venue so the building can host events, creating an ongoing revenue stream for the park. Restoration work is also under way on Luna Park’s towers with architectural features renewed, repainted and relit.
In operation since 1912, Luna Park is one of the few heritage amusement parks left in the world with 20 rides in operation, including the award-winning Carousel which was built in 1913. The Great Scenic Railway is one of the world's oldest continually operating roller coaster operating under its original mechanism and has been voted as one of the top eight roller coasters worldwide.
Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said Luna Park was an important part of Melbourne's history. “We are so lucky to have places like this in Melbourne, which are nationally and internationally significant and we are proud to make sure it continues to be a family favourite for locals and international visitors to our great state.”
Work has begun and the Luna Palace is scheduled to open by November.
