Melbourne Star Observation Wheel to spin no more

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has ground to a permanent halt as Victoria’s sixth lockdown deals another blow to the city’s tourist attractions.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel will close permanently in the latest Covid blow to the city’s tourism offering.

The company behind the Docklands attraction on Monday announced it was closing the giant observation wheel and placing itself into liquidation.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel general manager Nicole Hill said the decision to permanently shut the wheel was taken “with a very heavy heart”.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Picture: Brendan Francis

“A giant observation wheel has been a part of the city’s skyline for more than 15 years, during which time we have welcomed millions of guests from Australia and all over the world,” Ms Hill said.

“Unfortunately, the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions and sustained shutdowns, adding to pre-existing challenges of operating amid increased high-rise development and changes in the Docklands area, has made it impossible to sustain the business.”

Ms Hill said employees will be paid their full entitlements.

“We thank our staff, the Victorian community, partners, suppliers and supporters for enabling the Melbourne Star to provide a world-class experience for millions of people from around Australia and the world,” she said.

The closure comes amid the city’s sixth lockdown and follows the tourist attraction being bought by the Swiss-based Robu Group in February for an undisclosed sum.

The 120m tall observation wheel has a problem-plagued history.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel will close permanently. Picture: Visit Victoria

It is believed to have cost $100m to build but was forced to shut down within weeks of its opening in late 2008 due to cracks appearing in the structure.

It did not reopen until 2013 while an engine malfunction in 2018 left close to 100 people stranded in the air for more than an hour.

Originally published as Melbourne Star Observation Wheel to spin no more