Cairns businesses welcome Reef Eye ferris wheel to Fogarty Park

Esplanade restaurants are keen for the influx of business they hope will come from a 35m-tall ferris wheel in Cairns’ Fogarty park later this month. HAVE YOUR SAY

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ESPLANADE restaurant operators are keen for the influx of business they hope will come from a 35m-tall ferris wheel in Cairns’ Fogarty Park later this month.

Cairns Regional Council announced the three-month trial of the ride on Wednesday.

Overlooking the Esplanade and the CBD and named The Reef Eye during its spell in the Far North, it will provide 360-degree views through fully enclosed plexiglas-wrapped gondolas.

The Courtyard Cairns general manager Ben Power said the ferris wheel would be a great addition to the Esplanade’s attractions.

“It will be good for families and families are our main trade from Sunday to Friday,” he said. “If it brings people out to the city to spend a bit of time along the Esplanade, that will be great for everyone.”

On Facebook, Scott Tanzer was worried about the location.

“It’s 35m high but Fogarty park is surrounded by big buildings and trees. Will there be much of a view?” he wrote.

Terri Sullivan joined a number of people not impressed by the idea.

She wrote: “What an eyesore that will be.”

But a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Beerhouse said the ferris wheel would give diners something “nice to look at”.

Construction will begin on August 26 and the ride will open from August 30.

Originally published as Cairns businesses welcome Reef Eye ferris wheel to Fogarty Park