Luna Park: The Intriguing Story of Sydney's Famous Fun Park

by Helen Pitt

The dazzling, rollercoaster story of Australia's iconic amusement park on Sydney harbour.

'All the thrills, spills and tragedy behind that iconic grin, brought to life by a masterful storyteller.' Wendy Harmer

'A rollercoaster ride through some of Sydney's brightest and darkest stories. A compelling tale, vividly told, and history every Sydneysider should know.' Richard Glover

For decades, the young and the young at heart have loved the Luna Park face and its promise of laughs and thrills - and a whiff of danger.

Helen Pitt has uncovered Australia's intriguing Luna Park story. It's filled with con men and criminals, crooked cops, failed politicians and movie moguls. Like the circuses, from which amusement parks evolved, this is a tale with elephants, performing snakes and many ringmasters.

The story starts in late 19th-century America, and follows the eight fun parks that opened—and closed—across Australia. The most famous of them all, Sydney's Luna Park, has a history that's truly a roller-coaster ride like its trademark Big Dipper, which was shipped piece by piece from South Australia for its 1935 opening.

From the engineering feats of its construction in the dark days of the Depression to the tragic deaths of six boys and a father in the 1979 Ghost Train fire - one of Sydney's most heartbreaking unsolved mysteries - and despite financial disasters, legal battles and closures, Luna Park survives, glittering by the water.

'A hugely enjoyable rollercoaster of a book' Delia Falconer

'An irresistible ride from start to finish' Heather Rose

'A compelling page-turner that will make you look at that beaming grin across Sydney Harbour with fresh eyes' Kate Mulvany

'A timely reminder of how lucky we are to still have an amusement park with one of the best locations in the world' Sam Marshall

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 4, 2026

Reviews

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first 90 pages, which covered the history of similar amusement parks who influenced Sydney’s Luna Park slow; however once I got past that the book was very enjoyable. It was interesting to see how connected to Sydney’s history Luna Park is and to learn more about the future of the park. The ghost train fire was covered in extensive detail and formed a large part of the book. It’s definitely worth a read.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished “Luna Park” and absolutely loved it. What a history it has- not all linear- complex but full of intrigue. So, the way the author, Helen Pitt, has packaged the facts and details into historical narrative is simply brilliant!
One of the many things that resonated - just at the very end- was the healing power of music. I can understand why Mary needed it, and the experience of accompanying the boys and that huge school production at that time. I know people, who, after profound tragedy, throw themselves into music - like Mary, accompanying individuals and groups, playing at masses and concerts. The healing power of music is mystical but so real.
I thoroughly recommend this book, not just for Sydneysiders, but anyone who went to Luna Park, had a connection with it, or any entertainment parks in Australia and beyond.

[Peter Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna Park, just for fun ...... well, Helen Pitt's book provides more than just the enjoyment of reading an extremely good book. The background to this Sydney icon is as varied as it is broad and, tragically, includes the deaths of seven innocent people who were there only for harmless pleasure.

For those who have spent delightful days at Luna Park, to those who have never visited, this book is a must read. The whole Luna Park story is fascinating, with more ups and downs than the big dipper(s), which holds the reader's interest with what seem to be completely unrelated tidbits, such as the Chocolate Brownie's history, that really do have a nexus with one of Sydney's greatest attractions!

This book truly has been a project of passion of Helen's, and is a delight.

[Deborah Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. If you love Sydney you will love this book. It feels as though you are reading it on the Mighty Mouse or the Rotor, it moves at such a pace. There are so many interesting characters and also the terrible sadness of the ghost train fire is written with compassion. Luna Park is a great story.

[Rozanna Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating history focused on Sydney's Luna Park but also encompassing earlier Australian amusement parks. I especially enjoyed the 19th century material. Revisiting the Ghost Train fires is harrowing - Pitt argues that underworld involvement is highly likely but that there is insufficient evidence to ever call it.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the focus of this book is on the history of Sydney’s Luna Park, it also discusses other historical parks that were (and in the case of Melbourne still are) in Australia. The stories about the treatment of some elephants was not easy to read, but otherwise I found this interesting and engaging.

[Gary Vassallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great trip down memory lane! Brought back memories of my childhood as well as educating me on many things I didn’t know about. Very informative, entertaining and well written. Highly recommended.

[Rex William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Luna Park.
For anyone who knows anything about Luna Park this is a must read.
I cant recommend it enough.
Full marks to Helen Pitt.

Rex Barnes

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney history will never not be juicy, sinful, and secretive. Love this book so much

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully well researched and written book containing an extraordinarily interesting history of Luna Park. A real surprise package.