A new spin on Melbourne

The largest observation wheel in the southern hemisphere is opening in Melbourne on Friday 28 November 2008. A stunning addition to the city’s landscape, the Southern Star Observation Wheel is expected to become Melbourne’s most popular tourist attraction, operating 365 days a year and expected to attract 1.5 million guests in the first 12 months.

Modelled on the hugely successful London Eye -and only 15m (50ft) smaller- the Southern Star will provide 360° breathtaking views over the city’s spectacular skyline and up to 40km (25 miles) beyond.

The Wheel is 120m (395ft) high, equal in height to a 40-storey building. It features 21 walk-around, air-conditioned glass cabins, which can accommodate up to 20 people each.

At night, the Southern Star will become a spectacular light show providing ever-changing displays thanks to a world-first, state-of-the-art 3.7km (2.3mile) LED lighting system.

The experience will last between 25-30-minutes and, just like in London, passengers will be able to step on and off without the Wheel having to stop. Tickets will cost AUD$29 (adult – approx. £12) and AUD$17 (child – approx. £7).

The Southern Star Observation Wheel is one of the new key highlights of Waterfront City, a new AUD$1 billion (£427 million) development in the Docklands area, only five minutes from Melbourne’s city centre. Waterfront City offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, as well as the new 41,000m2 (440,000ft2) Harbour Town, an open-air shopping precinct, located directly under the Southern Star.

For more information on Southern Star Observation Wheel, log on to Thesouthernstar.com.au.

For more information on Melbourne and the Australian state of Victoria, see Visitmelbourne.com/uk.