It’s been a sad four years since Melbourne’s iconic (and often much-maligned) ferris wheel ground to a Covid-induced halt. Now, the owners of the Melbourne Star have officially confirmed that the infamous attraction is opening up again – and is due to start spinning in Docklands (hopefully) by the end of 2026.
The 120-metre tall wheel has been standing tragically still since it shut up shop in the September of 2021, with many people assuming this was the end for the Melbourne Star, which had been in operation for 13 years. But now, in excellent news for ferris wheel enthusiasts, the sky-high attraction is coming back, baby.
While an exact opening date is yet to be announced, the team has confirmed a few key details about the Melbourne Star’s renaissance. It’s set to be managed by Skyline Attractions (the same people behind Skyline Melbourne and the St Kilda ferris wheel) in partnership with technology solutions agency the Robu Group and US-based carnival and entertainment company Ray Cammack Shows.
The relaunch of the observation wheel has been described by Lord Mayor Nick Reece as “a huge moment for Melbourne and a vote of confidence in the future of Docklands,” – with the City of Melbourne supporting the project.
Further details – including ticketing prices and related activations are yet to be announced, but based on what we’ve seen from the Skyline Attractions team at their other venues, we’re expecting big things. According to the organisers, visitor numbers in the first year are estimated at a quarter of a million.
In the meantime, you’ll just have to get your spinning fix at Skyline, which is located by the Yarra River.
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