ICYMI: The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Will be Turning Again by the End of 2026
Huge news for those who love rotating leisurely above the city skyline — the Docklands icon is getting its long-awaited second wind.
It was in 2021 that Melbourne bid farewell to a beloved Docklands landmark, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. For 13 years it gave Melburnians and tourists alike a fabulous view of the skyline, but seeing as it was never removed, it always left something of a void — despite two new wheels attempting to step into its shoes. But we'll eat our words, because it'll soon be spinning once again.
Thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, the wheel's previous owners entered liquidation in 2021. It wasn't its first closure, but it was the first closure that was deemed permanent. At one point in 2024, private owners were even planning on cutting it down for parts. But the 120 metre-tall structure, originally built at the cost of $100 million, wouldn't fetch more than $500,000 for its metal, despite the concept of being able to own a ferris wheel capsule being very entertaining.
Now the wheel's owners have since been offered a lifeline in the form of a deed of company arrangement, and plan to get it's most famous attraction tuned up and ready to start up in the second half of 2026.
Going forward, the original owners (MB Star Properties) will enter a joint ownership arrangement with international amusement companies Robu Group and Ray Cammack Shows. The day-to-day operation of the attraction will fall to Melbourne's own Skyline Attractions — the operator of the South Wharf Observation Wheel, among others.
Skyline Attractions Business Manager Jay Jones said in a statement to media, "Our team has been working closely on the recommissioning of the Melbourne Star since August last year and have made fantastic progress."
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece echoed that excitement, saying "It's been more than five years since the Melbourne Star last turned. Now, members of the public can look forward to seeing more exciting tests as things progress down at The District," adding that it was a "wheely big deal" for the city, ba-dum tsk.
