Thursday 15 October 2026Victoria edition
VIC News Today

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Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Spins Again After Five-Year Hiatus

The Melbourne Star observation wheel has reopened after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The iconic landmark is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of extra visitors to the Docklands area.

SR
By Staff Reporter
News reporter · Updated about 15 hours ago

The Melbourne Star observation wheel has reopened its doors to visitors after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The iconic landmark, located in Docklands, has had a tumultuous history since its inception in 2008.

The wheel was initially closed just 40 days after its opening due to structural concerns. Since then, it has faced numerous setbacks, including a brief breakdown in 2018 that left passengers stranded mid-rotation. The wheel's owners went into liquidation in 2021, and the City of Melbourne even considered selling it for parts in 2024.

However, owner-operators Jane and Jay Jones are optimistic about the wheel's future.

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