From the Archives, 1935: Luna Park in Sydney is officially opened

First published in The Sydney Morning Herald on October 5, 1935

"The entrance is through the mouth of a monster face..." Luna Park, 1935.

LUNA PARK.
New Harbour Amusement Ground.

Luna Park, a new amusement ground situated in Lavender Bay near the northern end of the Harbour Bridge, was opened yesterday.

It covers about five acres on which are all kinds of entertainment apparatus housed in buildings or frameworks, the principal of which is a big undulating railway known as 'The Dipper," on which passengers are carried around twice by gravitation with steep runs at intervals down which the cars shoot with breath-taking velocity. Other thrill-giving mechanical contrivances are in various places about the front, and on the bay side, all embellished with fantastic designs or grotesqueries in vivid colours.

The entrance is through the mouth of a monster face near the landing wharf. Just inside is an enormous spider or beetle, under which are cars on a circular rail in similar shapes, the apparatus being known as the "tumble bug."

Next to it is a structure in the shape of a gigantic straw hat that can be seen a long way off from the harbour. It is entitled the "goofey house," in which strange effects against the law of gravitation are obtained.

The "ghost train," housed in a railway station on top of which are engines bestridden by gigantic skeletons, carries passengers in small cars for a ride of thrills of various kinds, in which the sense of direction is entirely lost.

"The crowd seemed to find the amusement ground to their liking." Luna Park, late 1930s.Credit: Staff

The "river caves" carry passengers in boats on a stream of water through scenic and model effects. A big building is furnished with a variety of entertainment in the way of slides, revolving floors, swing bridge, shuffles, and so on.

The 'dodgem," which has come into favour at holiday resorts in recent years, is on the waterside. Other diversions are numerous. At night the buildings are outlined with lamps and the grounds brilliantly illuminated.

The proprietors of the park are Messrs HF and L Phillips, of Melbourne, who have had considerable experience in that class of amusement catering. Two and a half million feet of timber and 60,000 bags of cement were used in the construction. The ground will be closed on Sundays. Between the entrance and the bridge tower the new municipal swimming pool is being constructed.

"At night the buildings are outlined with lamps and the grounds brilliantly illuminated." Luna Park on October 8, 1935.Credit: Staff

A large number of guests visited the park yesterday at the invitation of the proprietors including aldermen of the North Sydney Council, and members of the State Parliament.

The show was formally opened by the Chief Secretary (Mr Chaffey), who took the place of the Deputy Premier (Mr Bruxner), the latter having had a recurrence of his illness, and being unable to attend. Mr Chaffey said the rights had been obtained by the proprietors by competitive tender and an agreement had been made providing for a clean, bright, healthy playground. It had been largely due to Mr Primrose, MLA, that North Sydney had received considerable advantage when the decision was made as to the utilisation of the resumed lands connected with the building of the bridge.

Mr H N Newell, Main Roads Commissioner, said it had appeared when utilisation of the ground was being considered, that something could be placed there which would assist in the re-establishment of that part of North Sydney disturbed by the bridge construction, and it was part of the agreement that £80,000 should be expended within six months. Mr Phillips had spent more than that, and three months ago there had been nothing on the area.

"The Heyday is sure to be popular, and also the Whip." Night scenes from Luna Park, late 1930s.Credit: Staff

Mr H F Phillips said he was sure the playground would bring a great amount of pleasure to the people, and it had considerably helped in the unemployment problem as the wages bill had averaged £2000 a week nearly £30,000 having gone in wages.

THE OPENING.

Workmen feverishly drove home the last nails, dabbed the last patch of paint, and ran to cover. The turnstiles clicked, and the crowds poured through the smiling mouth under the gargantuan teeth. Luna Park was open. Sydney put on its old clothes and became young again. By 8 o'clock queues 50 yards long were waiting at the gates. To ride on the Big Dipper is to add a new chapter to life. The Heyday is sure to be popular, and also the Whip. The Dodgem cars made an instant appeal. Then there is the lure of the Ghost Train and Noah's Ark. In the latter may be found dark alleys, gusty floors, sliding panels, and a host of hilarious surprises. The crowd seemed to find the amusement ground to their liking. Every age was represented.