Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for a birds-eye view of Melbourne

On a recent visit to Melbourne I had the pleasure of riding in the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria Australia. It is a wonderful city to walk around and look up at the many tall heritage and modern buildings in the city center. What does it look like to look down on Melbourne? One could take a helicopter flight, but the far better alternative is to ride one of the cabins on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. They actually call the rides flights, as you gently revolve around the huge wheel.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is one of only three giant observation wheels in the world and it is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. (The other two are in London and Singapore.) The wheel houses 21 large air-conditioned cabins that provide 360 degree views of Melbourne. They are so large that up to 20 people can move freely around each cabin. There is a central bench seat for those who would like to sit down during their flight. They have glass walls and ceilings, so views are in all directions. The remarkable thing is that each cabin slowly rotates so that you are always on the outside of the wheel with no bars blocking your view. The flight lasts for about half an hour, which gives plenty of time to take the awesome views in.

In the boarding areas leading up to the wheel are various panels that give information about Melbourne, it history, and the observation wheel itself. Make sure you allow time to read these and take in all the information before boarding. Once in the cabib there is an audio commentary giving information of the sights that are seen below.

Wonderful views can be seen of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra River and the new Dockalnds development including Harbour Town. At its peak, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is 120 metres high, or the equivalent of a 40 storey building. There are unobstructed views of up to 40 kilometres away. The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is open daily from 10am – 10pm with the last flight departure at 9.30pm. I had a day-time viewing, even though I have been told the night time view of the lit up city is spectacular.

Ticket prices vary, with various concessions available. Special Encore prices are avaialble which enable a day and a night viewing. See their website for pricing details.

Getting to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is easy by tram, or driving and parking at a nearby car park. After the flight make sure you visit the souvenir shop and see the photos taken to decide if you would like to purchase them or not. There are various other things to do near the wheel, such as shopping, dining or ice skating, to make a full day of your visit.

So next time you visit Melbourne make sure you take your own flight on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

Location: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands, Victoria 3008 Melbourne
Phone: +61 (0)3 8688 9688
Website: http://www.melbournestar.com