During my WHV in New Zealand, I had the chance to go to Australia several times, to visit Sydney but also Melbourne. During my visit to Melbourne I was able to test one of the must-see attractions of a stay in Melbourne: Melbourne Star, the Melbourne Ferris wheel. An attraction that I highly recommend, the experience is very pleasant and suitable for all ages, but above all it offers breathtaking views of Melbourne and its surroundings. A must in Melbourne!
Direct link :This link allows you to book your Ferris wheel ride at a preferential rate. Book your Ferris wheel ride
Some information about Melbourne Star: The Melbourne Ferris Wheel
Star Melbourne is none other than a Ferris wheel located in the Docklands district of Melbourne. This "giant" ferris wheel is the fourth largest "ferris wheel" in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Melbourne Star is 120 meters high or more than 40 floors. It opened to the public in 2008.
Here are some figures that will allow you to know more about the Melbourne Ferris wheel:
- Melbourne Star is made up of over 22 bolts
- The Melbourne Ferris wheel is covered in over 12 square meters of paint.
- Each night the Melbourne Ferris wheel is lit by more than 3,2 kilometers of LEDs, each capable of giving more than 18 million different hues
- Melbourne Star will have required the use of more than 1 tonnes of steel
Join Melbourne Star, Melbourne's big wheel:
Melbourne Star is located: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands, Melbourne
- By tram: Take tram 35, 70 or 86 and get off at stop D11. The Melbourne Star tram stop is within the free tram zone
- By bus: Buses will drop you near Pearl River Road, Observation Drive or Waterfront Way
- By train : Get off at Southern Cross Station, then cross the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge towards Harbor Esplanade. Follow the boardwalk to Harbor Town Shopping Center
- By car :Direct access from Footscray Road. Parking available on the Waterfront Way and Pearl River Road.
Melbourne Star opening hours:
- From May to August: Every day from 11 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- From September to April: Every day from 11 a.m. to 22 p.m.
- Christmas Day and ANZAC Day: 13 p.m. to 22 p.m.
How the Attraction Works: Melbourne Star
The Melbourne Ferris wheel has 20 air-conditioned cabins that can accommodate ten people. The price is around 23€ per person but be aware that it is possible to privatize a cabin.
The tour takes about 30 minutes. Melbourne Star is not a thrill ride, far from it. The wheel turns very slowly giving you plenty of time to enjoy the view offered by its 120 meters high. You will also receive a paper guide as well as an audio guide which is in each of the cabins.
From the top of the wheel you can enjoy a 360 degree view and thus see the direct surroundings of the wheel: the Port of Melbourne, Spirits of Tasmania docks but also WestGate and the famous Bolte Bridges, Albert Park Lake, the stadium Etihad, Flemington Racecourse.
On a clear day you can see the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula.
Note that it is possible to opt for a ride on the Ferris wheel at night. The view is then very different since it is the lights of the city that you can enjoy.
Melbourne Star is also a sight to be seen from afar. The illuminations of the wheel are also impressive!
My review of Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Melbourne's big wheel
Melbourne Star is an activity that I highly recommend during a stay in Melbourne. You will enjoy breathtaking views of Melbourne and its surroundings. I recommend that you go there at the end of the day. The 30-minute tour you can enjoy the view of Melbourne during the day, at sunset and at nightfall. The show is truly magnificent. The comfort of the cabins particularly struck me! You will enjoy the attraction comfortably seated. I also advise you to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting at the ticket office.
