Image: Sydney's iconic amusement park, Luna Park. Wikimedia Commons
by ASPEN ABNER
The iconic Luna Park at Milsons Point is on the market for the first time in 20 years, coming with a price tag of $70 million.
Luna Park first opened its doors in 1935, built by American Herman Phillips, who was inspired by Coney Island’s design.
Battling a series of closures and reopenings, Luna Park reopened permanently in 2004. Since then, Luna Park has been on the NSW State Heritage Register. It currently features 17 amusement rides.
Previously, the park was closed due to a fatal fire on the ghost train, resulting in the death of six children and one adult. As a result, the park was closed for several years.
The park reopened in 1982 and again in 1995 before once again shut down in 1996 due to financial troubles. The troubles stemmed from residents who complained about the noise, specifically the Big Dipper ride that was later relocated to Queensland.
The amusement park is owned by the state of New South Wales and managed by the Luna Park Reserve Trust.
Despite the sale, North Sydney Council mayor, Zoë Baker, expressed it was vital that Luna Park remains an active amusement park.
“Council and our community have fought many battles over the past 40 years to conserve Luna Park, not only for its iconic architecture, public art and historical value.”
The venue now has over 1.1 million visitors a year and in 2023 celebrated its 20 millionth visitor since reopening in 2004.
Despite the ongoing sale, park operations will resume as normal for visitors and Sydnersiders alike.
