Once Melbourne's 'laughing stock', Star ferris wheel turns again
Often the butt of Melburnian jokes, the observation wheel reopened to locals and tourists alike this week.
The Melbourne Star Ferris wheel, once a source of amusement for locals and a laughing stock for outsiders, has re-emerged after a five-year hiatus. The attraction, located on the outskirts of Melbourne's CBD, was forced to close in 2008 due to its perceived status as a joke in the city's eyes. Its new owners, Jane and Jay Jones, acknowledge that the wheel has been a frequent subject of jest, but they are optimistic about its future.
The Melbourne Star has had more than a few false starts since its opening in 2008. It was closed for 40 days due to structural concerns, but reopened after the COVID-era tourism downturn ended. Owner-operators Jane and Jay Jones believe that 2026 will mark a turning point for the tourist attraction, both in terms of its resurgence and the broader tourism landscape in Melbourne.
The wheel's reopening has brought joy to many, including Melanie Olsen and her daughter Charli-Koko Vance. Olsen, who has terminal cancer, and Charli-Koko, who has a rare disease, have a special connection to the Melbourne Star. They used to visit the attraction regularly before its 2021 closure and often observed the wheel from Charli-Koko's window at the Royal Children's Hospital.
Ms. Olsen expressed her elation at the wheel's return, stating that it marks the end of the COVID-era for Melbourne and the return of a beloved icon.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
