The Reef Eye ferris wheel returns to Cairns Esplanade western events lawn
Work has started on a massive spectacle expected to enhance the Cairns CBD with some business owners excited to see an increase in foot traffic. SEE WHAT IT IS
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CAIRNS locals and visitors will again have a chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city when the Reef Eye ferris wheel returns to operation from Friday, June 24.
Westshell operations manager Georgia Cantwell said the attraction had already gained the attention of passers-by.
“A lot of people are eyeing us off as we are setting up and coming up to us wanting to know when it’s opening,” she said.
“The success of the Reef Eye over the three-month trial we had in 2019 was amazing.
“Patrons from near and far came to enjoy a most unique experience while absorbing views as far as Green Island and right across the CBD.”
In its second incarnation, the attraction will be bigger and better with a 35-metre wheel set to dominate the skyline.
“The gondolas are a bit different this time as well, these are white,” she said.
“This has a state of the art lighting package with a grand entrance at the front.”
“Due to Covid, our return was delayed, but we are so excited to be coming back to Cairns long term.”
The ferris wheel will be up and running by Friday, but this time the spectacle at the Western Events Lawn is expected to stick around for a lot longer with a long-term contract secured for the next four years.
Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden said it would be around for seven months of the year.
“It gives the lawn an opportunity for a break but also, we know it comes back and it is exciting and new,” she said.
“One of the reasons it goes away in the cyclone season is for safety. We get some hardcore rain.”
Cr Eden said it was a great activity for the city.
“The tickets are reasonably priced for families and they get a bird’s eye view for city,” she said.
Despite some negative feedback from nearby unit dwellers, Ms Eden said most reviews had been positive.
Businesses in the area are also excited to see the ferris wheel being built.
“I personally think it’s amazing - anything to draw more foot traffic into the CBD area,” Wild Vibes Nutrition owner Blythe Trout said.
“We are already seeing more international tourists coming back every day.”
Ms Trout said it came at a good time as tourism started to pick up.
“We’ve had school holidays, Ironman. We thought it would be busy just for those events but it’s carried on after,” she said.
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Originally published as The Reef Eye ferris wheel returns to Cairns Esplanade western events lawn
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