Yarra zip line to help reboot city crowds

Adventure seekers will be able to fly across the Yarra at up to 40km/h, with a zip line to pop up near Federation Square in December.

Thrill-seekers will be able to fly 130m across the Yarra at speeds of up to 40km when a zip line links Fed Square to Alexandra Gardens in December.

Firefly will operate two cables, allowing for couples or parents and children to zoom 9m above the river at the same time.

The structure, which will be erected either side of the river alongside Princes Bridge, has been made possible by a joint grant from the City of Melbourne and the state government.

It will operate from December 1 to December 28 but closes on Christmas Day. Bookings for the pop-up attraction will open in early November.

Firefly director Emma Moad said she hoped the attraction could become an annual event to bring people into the city.

“We’re so excited for this … we’ve been working on it for a long time,’’ she said.

No age limit applies but flyers will have to weigh at least 35kg.

Eight people will be allowed every 20 minutes, at a cost of $39 for kids and $49 for adults, with family deals still to be finalised.

The zip line idea was mooted earlier in the year as a way of drawing people into the CBD as part of a calendar of reactivation events.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said attractions such as the zip line would bring the buzz back to the city.

“The Firefly zip line is an unprecedented opportunity for Victorians to enjoy the city from a stunning new angle.

“There’ll also be significant flow on effects for other city business owners, as participants make a day of it and enjoy Melbourne’s world-renowned dining scene and a spot of shopping.”

The Firefly zip line will stretch 130m over the Yarra.

Construction of the zip line infrastructure will start in late November with a rigorous set of safety and engineering requirements, Ms Moad said.

Boating operators and rowing clubs are also part of the discussions to ensure there is no disturbance to their operations.

The project has been culmination of several years of preparation, she said.

“The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and Melbourne’s re-emergence from lockdown is the perfect time to launch this thrill-seeking venture that we have wanted to bring to Melbourne for years.

“We can’t think of a better way for Melburnians to celebrate their freedom with a never-before-seen experience like this, in the heart of the CBD.”

Firefly is working with disability advocates to maximise access for people with disabilities.

Bookings can be made at fireflyzipline.com.au in early November.