An estimated crowd of 15,000 people gathered in Waterfront City at Docklands in Melbourne for the spectacular opening of the Southern Star observation wheel on Saturday 20 December.
Thousands of people queued to be the first to take a flight on Southern Star when it opened to the public at 5pm and the crowds continued throughout the night until 10pm.
Those who boarded for the last 30-minute flight at 9.30pm experienced a brilliant light show and fireworks display, as dazzling lights sparkled around their cabins.
For Southern Star Chairman, Fred Maybury, whose vision it was to construct the observation wheel, the night was the culmination of six years of planning and two years of construction.
“It was fantastic to see so many thousands of people enjoying the experience of Southern Star. Our opening crowds emphasize how important high quality, major attractions are to a city, not just for its population but in terms of boosting inbound tourism. Based on the comments from people who took a flight over the opening weekend, Southern Star will be one of Melbourne’s ‘must do’ experiences for locals and tourists alike,” Maybury said.
Southern Star is the only giant observation wheel to be built in Australia and is the largest observation wheel in the southern hemisphere. Its location at Docklands is only 15 minutes from Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport and it is destined to be a first stop for tourist groups, independent travellers and the incentive and meetings market.
“With up to 200 shops, restaurants and cafés located at Harbour Town Shopping Centre at the base of Southern Star plus a tourist lounge where visitors can store luggage and relax, this area provides an outstanding tourism offer for interstate and international travellers,” said Maybury.
For more information, visit Southern Star
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