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New $5m Ferris wheel to start spinning beside Yarra River at South Wharf

Melburnians will soon be able to ride a new Ferris wheel in the heart of the city, despite the troubled Melbourne Star observation wheel remaining motionless about 2km away.

The new wheel will be located in Polly Woodside Park outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: David Caird
The new wheel will be located in Polly Woodside Park outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: David Caird

A new $5m Ferris wheel will soon open to the public along the Yarra River as the troubled Melbourne Star observation wheel continues to languish about 2km away in Docklands.

The Ferris wheel, located in Polly Woodside Park outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Wharf, will call the city home for the next six months.

The business behind the Ferris wheel, Skyline Attractions, has branded it “Melbourne’s newest icon” and expects to welcome passengers in the coming days.

Skyline Attractions business manager Jane Jones said the fact the Melbourne Star was sitting idle “played a part” in its decision to bring one of its wheels to the city centre.

“There’s no observation wheel that’s currently working in the city,” she said.

Standing 35m tall with 24 gondolas, the Ferris wheel is around a third of the size of the Melbourne Star, with Ms Jones joking that it was like its “little sister”.

While she expects more families and couples to buy tickets, Ms Jones said the Ferris wheel will also be a hit with tourists, especially with Crown casino nearby.

A new $5m Ferris wheel will soon open to the public along the Yarra River. Picture: David Caird
A new $5m Ferris wheel will soon open to the public along the Yarra River. Picture: David Caird
The permanently closed Melbourne Star observation wheel at Docklands. Picture: Ian Currie
The permanently closed Melbourne Star observation wheel at Docklands. Picture: Ian Currie

On its website, the business promises a “world-class Ferris wheel experience”.

“Soaring 35 metres into the sky, you’ll get unparalleled views of the city and Yarra River like never before,” the website reads. ​

“Skyline’s gondolas offer the best views in the world, through modern clear perspex glass.”

Located on the Yarra’s River’s edge between Flinders St and Southern Cross stations, it occupies one of the alternative locations mooted for the Melbourne Star.

Skyline Attractions, which previously had another Ferris wheel in St Kilda, will lease the land off the MCEC until mid-September.

Ms Jones said the Ferris wheel, which cost the business $5m, will then be dismantled and moved to another location.

But if the attraction proves popular, Ms Jones said the lease could be extended.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Star, which opened with fanfare in 2008, has become an eyesore since closing nearly three years ago.

The future of the attraction, which cost $100m by comparison, remains in limbo as liquidators haggle over a sale price, with rumours swirling that the wheel is to be sold in parts.

“We are currently working with a party in relation to the Melbourne Star observation wheel and they have commenced a due diligence process to assess the operational issues in respect of the wheel,” Andrew Hewitt, partner and head of financial advisory at Grant Thornton, said.

“Upon completion of this, they will determine whether they wish to progress to a purchase of the assets.”

Sisters Grace, 7, and Isabella, 9, get a sneak peek oat the wheel looking over the CBD. Picture: David Caird
Sisters Grace, 7, and Isabella, 9, get a sneak peek oat the wheel looking over the CBD. Picture: David Caird
The new wheel will run seven days a week. Picture: David Caird
The new wheel will run seven days a week. Picture: David Caird

However, not everyone is happy that another wheel has popped up in Melbourne.

“Why the f--k are they building another one?” one user posted to X, formerly Twitter.

“This monstrosity has destroyed the vibe in the area,” another user posted to Facebook.

Others were simply confused about what they were seeing.

“The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has a new home,” one post to X read.

In January, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra told the Herald Sun the business group would love to see the Melbourne Star back in operation and “lighting up” the skyline.

“Its revival would be a positive contribution to Melbourne’s cultural identity,’’ he said.

“It’s time for swift action to either rejuvenate the Melbourne Star at its current site or move it to an alternative site that will benefit Melbourne and drive further tourism.”

Ms Jones said she believed Skyline Attractions had picked the right location for one of its three wheels.

“We’re excited to be part of Melbourne’s vibrant city,” she said.

It is expected to open seven days a week from 10am to 11pm.

skylinemelbourne.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/new-5m-ferris-wheel-to-start-spinning-beside-yarra-river/news-story/e6a6de2ca2be20473493992c74288bf6