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1912.
Luna Park, St Kilda, opened on Friday, 13 December. A record crowd
of....
The 'Wire Walking
Elephant' was one of many live acts to perform at Luna Park in 1912.
A
record crowd of 22,319 people entered through the mouth of Mr Moon.
Attractions included 'the Great Scenic Railway', 'The River Caves of the
World', the 'Palais de Folies' (later known as 'The Giggle Palace'), the
'Crystal Tangle' (a mirror maze), the 'Egyptian Theatre' (where
miraculous feats were performed) and numerous sideshows.
There
were also numerous live acts such as 'The Luna Park Band', the 'Wire
Walking Elephant' (two men dressed as an elephant on a tightrope),
performing animals, acrobats, trick cyclists and a troop of midgets.
 Luna
Park was the second of three amusement parks to be set up at Coney
Island and was considered to be the World's first theme park. The
intention was to pretend that the Park was in fact on the moon. More
versions of Luna Park opened around the world with seven Luna Parks
opening in Australia. Only the Melbourne and Sydney Parks remain
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 : Melbourne landmark
Luna Park will receive a $10 million revamp when it closes its famous 'Mr
Moon' mouth to the general public on April 23. Dr Ron Bassett, senior operator of
the park said the redevelopment will see all of Luna Park's facades and
rides, some of which are heritage listed, returned to their former
glory. File picture
luna
park website
1939-45.
Luna Park remained open during World War 2 but operated under black out
conditions.
Soldiers
have their photo taken at Luna Park while on leave in 1939.
During
the War Luna Park was a very popular attraction for the scores of
visiting American servicemen. Due to post war restrictions, however,
little investment was made in Luna Park until 1951
.
1951.
With a recovered economy, existing Luna Park attractions were either
scheduled for renovation or rebuilt.
A
new ride, the 'Rotor' was introduced to Luna Park in 1951. Photo
courtesy of Mr T Ingram.
1951.
'The Rotor' was just one of the new attractions to be installed.
1953.
Luna Park is refurbished for the coronation, then the visit of Queen
Elizabeth II.
1977.
UFO landed at Luna Park and Giggle Palace destroyed.
The
Giggle Palace, shown here in its early days, was destroyed by fire in
1981.
1977.
The UFO replaced The Rotor. Noah's Ark was replaced by The Scat.
1981.
Fire destroyed the Giggle Palace along with the Company's office and the
Shoot-em-up gallery. Sadly, many of Luna Park's records were also
destroyed
1989.
Big Dipper demolished and the Australian Heritage Commission steps in...
The
Big Dipper, shown here inside the Scenic Railway, was demolished in
1989.
1989.
Despite the St Kilda council refusing to allow the demolition of the
aging 'Big Dipper', the then Minister of Planning over ruled the
decision in the anticipation of securing the 'Boomerang Roller Coaster'
from the Brisbane Expo. Sadly, The Boomerang never appeared. The Galaxy
roller coaster now operates on the old Big Dipper site.
1990.
A group called the 'Friends of Luna Park' was formed as a result of the
demolition of the Big Dipper and the declining condition of the
carousel.
1991.
The Australian Heritage Commission placed Luna Park on the National
Estate register.
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