From 1924 onwards, the future site of Luna Park Sydney was used extensively by the Dorman Long firm…read moreto fabricate and assemble steel components for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which officially opened in 1932. Once the bridge was completed, North Sydney Council opened up applications for tenders to develop the site. Consequently, the owners of Luna Park Glenelg won the tender for the North Sydney site and began a 20-year lease on September 11, 1935, forming Luna Park (NSW) Ltd. The rides from Glenelg were dismantled and transported to Sydney over a three-month period. Construction of the park employed almost 1,000 engineers, structural workers, fitters, and artists. Less than one month later, it opened.
The park's signature entrance face, designed by Rupert Browne, was placed between two Art Deco-style towers with spires imitating New York's Chrysler Building. The Big Dipper roller coaster was an instantly popular attraction. After a successful opening season, the park closed down for the winter months so that rides and attractions could be overhauled and repainted, and new ones could be added. In 1936, the North Sydney Olympic Pool was also opened on an adjacent site.
During WWII, as non-essential uses of electricity were curtailed in wartime, the park's neon lights were disconnected and many ride facades were dimmed. The park's external lights were also 'browned out' in case of a Japanese sneak attack on Sydney.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the park changed hands and also management style, not allowing for the routine maintenance the park needed in the off season. As a result, it almost became a site for several high rises but was rejected by the then Governor. Instead, in the 1970s, the park went through transformations and renovations, trying to find its "identity" among the ever-changing taste of its customers. Unfortunately, this led to drastic measures in the 1980s of tearing down the old park and rebuilding it, after which there were several disputes over its name and elements of the park that were saved and put into storage.
It wasn't until the 1990s that a historic trust was established to finally bring the park back to life, though still riddled with lawsuits, it had a hard time staying open. As of today, it is open with new rides to enjoy!
Our Experience: The park is still struggling, though continues to operate year-round with it being reduced to a limited experience in the winter, which means just three rides are open and a couple of food stands and games.
At night, it takes on a more eerie feeling - the lights are on but everything is closed, yet you can still walk through it.