The World's Oldest Continuously-Operating Wooden Roller Coaster Is A Record-Breaking Melbourne Destination
The 1910s were a defining decade for Australia. Major milestones include the country's exploration of Antarctica, its entry into World War I, and the opening of Luna Park Melbourne on December 13, 1912. Located on the coast in St Kilda, Luna Park Melbourne is still going strong and is the oldest theme park in Australia. What's perhaps even more incredible is that visitors today can experience the thrill of a ride that has been around since opening day: the Great Scenic Railway. This has earned it a Guinness World Record as the oldest roller coaster operating continuously, and Luna Park Melbourne states that it was even kept running during World War I.
Plus, the Great Scenic Railway is on the Victorian Heritage Register. This means this historic attraction is protected by the state, helping to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy it. Yet the Great Scenic Railway is technically not the oldest coaster that exists. That would be Leap-the-Dips (built in 1902 and inactive since 2023, though still standing at Lakemont Park in Pennsylvania). Still, there's no denying that the Great Scenic Railway is a monumental structure. Made of timber, the coaster can be credited to LaMarcus Adna Thompson, who also designed coasters on Coney Island, Atlantic City, and pleasure piers in the U.K.
Strikingly, the Great Scenic Railway was constructed to wrap around the theme park. That is, the bright white-painted coaster surrounds the park's other attractions, which are clustered in the center. According to Luna Park Melbourne's website, the Great Scenic Railway is 16 meters tall (or around 52 feet), with a track that spans 967 meters (more than 3,000 feet). Another standout highlight? The Great Scenic Railway features a brakeman.
The Great Scenic Railway is manually operated
While the Great Scenic Railway may not be one of the tallest wooden roller coasters in the world, it does allow you to witness a brakeman in action. This individual rides along with you to control the Great Scenic Railway's speeds (the coaster tops out at 37 miles per hour). They operate the coaster's handbrake and, keep in mind, they are standing on the coaster while doing this. In an interview with content creator Tom Scott (via YouTube), one brakeman, Freya Timmer-Arends, detailed the driving process. They explained that weather plays a crucial role (wind, for example, can cause the train to come to a halt). "Every cycle you run is different, you've got to be able to make those judgement calls," they stated.
On Reddit, one former passenger described what riding the Great Scenic Railway is like. "You race up the crooked lift hill. You undulate up and down the hills," they said. Not to mention that visitors can expect spectacular aerial views of the seaside from the top of the track. Although reviewers on Google agree that the Great Scenic Railway steals the show, many say that wait times can be lengthy, especially on weekends. Closures can happen as well; you can check Luna Park Melbourne's Instagram for updates.
The park is open year-round, and tickets can be purchased online. They provide unlimited rides on its attractions, which also include a whimsical carousel from 1913. However, the Great Scenic Railway is not the only coaster in the world that's equipped with a brakeman. You can also experience this on Rutschebanen at Tivoli Gardens, one of the highest-rated theme parks across Europe. Famed for being the world's second-oldest operating amusement park, this oasis is in the heart of Copenhagen.