Melbourne Star | Observation Wheel

Melbourne Star

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel to reopen

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is on track to reopen in 2026 following an $11 million investment that will revive the Docklands attraction after it closed in September 2021. MB Star Properties Pty Ltd, owner of the landmark wheel, will be restructured under a new ownership and operating arrangement designed to bring the attraction back into service.

The project brings together Melbourne-based Skyline Attractions, US amusement operator Ray Cammack Shows and the RoBu Group, which acquired the wheel in 2021. Skyline Attractions directors Jay and Jane Jones will oversee the attraction's day-to-day operations.

While an opening date has not been announced, the operators have confirmed the wheel is expected to welcome visitors during 2026.

New experiences planned

The relaunch will include more than the return of the observation wheel itself.

Operators plan to introduce themed visitor experiences including pre-AFL match packages, drinks experiences, family-focused cabins and guided commentary exploring Melbourne's history. The partnership expects the attraction to welcome around 250,000 visitors during its first year of operation.

Restoration work includes recommissioning the wheel after years out of service, with further upgrades expected before reopening.

A landmark with a complex history

Standing almost 120 metres high, the Melbourne Star features 21 enclosed, air-conditioned glass cabins offering panoramic views across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and surrounding suburbs.

The attraction originally opened in 2008 as the Southern Star Observation Wheel but closed only weeks later after structural issues were identified. Following extensive rebuilding, it reopened in 2013 under the Melbourne Star name.

The wheel continued operating until September 2021, when the business entered liquidation after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged travel restrictions.

Its return is expected to restore one of Docklands' most recognisable features and add another major tourism attraction to Melbourne's waterfront precinct.

Visitors will need to wait a little longer before riding the Melbourne Star again, with ticket sales and an official reopening date yet to be announced.

❊ Address ❊

⊜ 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands 3008 View Map
✆ Telephone: +61 3 8688 9688

❊ Web Links ❊

➼ www.skylineattractions.com.au

➼ www.melbournestar.com

➼ Picture Gallery - Southern Star Observation Wheel

➼ Southern Star Observation Wheel - From Wikipedia

➼ YouTube - Southern Star Observation Wheel

➼ YouTube - Melbourne Star - Come Fly With Me!

➼ thedistrictdocklands.com.au

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Docklands 3008 + The District Docklands | Guide

➼ Empire Theatre Docklands

➼ Melbourne Star | Observation Wheel Reopens 2011

➼ Skyline Melbourne Ferris Wheel @ South Wharf

➼ The District Docklands

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Tags: Melbourne Star, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Docklands, Melbourne attractions, Skyline Attractions, Ray Cammack Shows, RoBu Group, Southern Star Observation Wheel, Melbourne tourism, Melbourne 2026 reopening

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is set to return in 2026, ending almost four years of inactivity for one of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks. A new investment and operating partnership aims to restore the Docklands attraction, with refurbishment work underway and plans to introduce new visitor experiences alongside the return of the 120-metre wheel. Melbourne Star Melbourne Star Observation Wheel to reopen The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is on track to reopen in 2026 following an $11 million investment that will revive the Docklands attraction after it closed in September 2021. MB Star Properties Pty Ltd, owner of the landmark wheel, will be restructured under a new ownership and operating arrangement designed to bring the attraction back into service. The project brings together Melbourne-based Skyline Attractions, US amusement operator Ray Cammack Shows and the RoBu Group, which acquired the wheel in 2021. Skyline Attractions directors Jay and Jane Jones will oversee the attraction's day-to-day operations. While an opening date has not been announced, the operators have confirmed the wheel is expected to welcome visitors during 2026. New experiences planned The relaunch will include more than the return of the observation wheel itself. Operators plan to introduce themed visitor experiences including pre-AFL match packages, drinks experiences, family-focused cabins and guided commentary exploring Melbourne's history. The partnership expects the attraction to welcome around 250,000 visitors during its first year of operation. Restoration work includes recommissioning the wheel after years out of service, with further upgrades expected before reopening. A landmark with a complex history Standing almost 120 metres high, the Melbourne Star features 21 enclosed, air-conditioned glass cabins offering panoramic views across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and surrounding suburbs. The attraction originally opened in 2008 as the Southern Star Observation Wheel but closed only weeks later after structural issues were identified. Following extensive rebuilding, it reopened in 2013 under the Melbourne Star name. The wheel continued operating until September 2021, when the business entered liquidation after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged travel restrictions. Its return is expected to restore one of Docklands' most recognisable features and add another major tourism attraction to Melbourne's waterfront precinct. Visitors will need to wait a little longer before riding the Melbourne Star again, with ticket sales and an official reopening date yet to be announced.