“White City?” Does that name conjure images of gleaming towers or perhaps a pristine beach? Actually, the White City I’m about to describe was an amusement park. It was a place of laughter and thrills. This White City existed in Melbourne.
But sadly, not anymore.
Let me tell you about Melbourne’s bygone White City. It was a place of pure entertainment. Australia’s first amusement park was Princes Court. It opened in 1904. It was located on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Visitors enjoyed a range of amusements. These included a 70-foot-high water chute ride and toboggan tracks. There was also a Japanese tea house.
Then came Dreamland. It was another early amusement park in Melbourne. Dreamland opened in St Kilda in 1906. It featured Robson’s Figure Eight rollercoaster and “The Trip to the Moon” ride. Visitors could experience a simulated San Francisco earthquake and fire.
In 1912, Luna Park opened in St Kilda. It was built on the site of the failed Dreamland. Luna Park quickly became a success. It drew huge crowds.
Luna Park had attractions such as the Scenic Railway. There was also the Palais de Folies and the River Caves of the World. People enjoyed the Penny Arcade and a high-wire act.
Luna Park closed during World War I but reopened in 1923 with new rides. These included the Big Dipper rollercoaster and a water chute. There was also Noah’s Ark and a carousel made in 1913. This carousel had previously been at White City in Sydney.
Over the years, Luna Park added dodgem cars and a ghost train. It was refurbished in the 1950s. The Rotor was added in 1951. A fire destroyed the Giggle Palace in 1981.
Today, Luna Park still stands. It has the iconic Mr. Moon face entry and the Scenic Railway. The Scenic Railway is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the world. The carousel and ghost train also remain.
While White City is gone, Luna Park continues its legacy. The laughter and excitement live on. So, though White City may be a memory, Melbourne’s amusement park spirit thrives. It is a testament to the city’s love of fun and entertainment.