Bridge works and ‘a multitude of other factors’ blamed for cancellation of zip line this year

The tourist attraction that allowed people to zip over the water from Fed Square to Alexandra Gardens will not return this summer, with operators left “devastated” by the decision.

A popular zip line over the Yarra River won’t be available for locals and tourists to enjoy this summer.

The operators of the Firefly zip line – linking Fed Square to Alexandra Gardens over the water – posted to social media, stating the attraction would not return this year.

“We tried hard, Melbourne, we promise! Unfortunately bridge works and a multitude of other factors have brought us to a standstill and our event is unable to proceed this year,” the post said.

“We’re devastated to not be seeing you this year.

Lorna Montgomery, 92, flying over the Yarra on the zip line. Picture: Tony Gough

“We really hope to be able to return home to Melbourne in the future.”

The operators acknowledged the number of people who had been waiting patiently for the zip line to return over the summer holidays and said they had “absolutely loved zipping you over the Yarra over the past two summers.”

However, the Firefly zip line is likely to set up in other cities across the country, according to the operators.

Firefly director Emma Moad said she was “incredibly disappointed” the zip line was not returning to Melbourne this year but hoped it would be back in the future.

“We’ve had wonderful partnerships with the City of Melbourne, the State Government and Fed Square over the past two years that have enabled us to bring this unique event to Melbourne’s CBD,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the planned 2023/24 event has been impacted by increased costs and building works on the zip line landing site that would significantly limit our operation. As such, we are unable to proceed with the event this year.

“Melbourne is our hometown and our absolute favourite place to zip, and we very much hope to bring our event back in the future.”

The zip line was delivered as part of the joint fund set up by the Victorian Government and City of Melbourne to reboot the CBD post-Covid through events and attractions.

It was first introduced over the summer in 2021 and returned last year.

"The Firefly Zipline was a wonderful summer attraction as we bounced back from the pandemic, with many adventurous punters zipping over the Yarra - including me," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

"We're disappointed to hear Zipline won't return this summer and are happy to work with the organisers to see how we can support this event in the future."