New Look Wheel

First posted June 2012

The new look Southern Start Observation Wheel. This refurbished wheel now has a star within a star as the design, and now includes yellow framework as well as the original white. Everyone looks forward to it’s competition, especially the shop owners in and around the docklands area.

Souther Star Observation Wheel

UPDATE: 5th May 2012 – The wheel is still CLOSED. The construction company this week announced there is a possibility it will never be completed!

UPDATE: 2nd March 2009 – Expected timeframe for re-opening now well over six months, perhaps a year!

UPDATE: 31st January 2009 – The wheel is temporarily CLOSED due to the heat wave buckling some metal framing, 31st Jan 2009. Unsure of new re-open date at this stage.

The Southern Star Observation Wheel is a new attraction for Melbourne. It has been built in the Docklands area of Melbourne and was opened on the 20th December 2008. It has 21 observation decks on the spinning axle and allows a very unique view of the city of Melbourne, the Westgate and Bolte bridges and surrounding suburbs of Melbourne. Full details about the big wheel can also be found here.

Other similar observation Wheels around the world include the London Eye, the Star of Nanchang, the Great Berlin Wheel (due for completion 2009), the Beijing Great Wheel (due for completion 2009), the Great Dubai Wheel (due for completion 2009) and the Singapore Flyer. There are also wheels in Orlando and Qingdao still to come.

Wild Wheel

First posted 13th September 2009

The reason why Melbourne’s newest tourist attraction has been closed down recently! The management of the “Southern star Observation Wheel” claimed it was due to the heat buckling some of the beams over Summer, and a whole reconstruction was needed. We now know this is not the case. Monsters were sited sitting on, climbing and hanging from the giant wheel. It was also claimed that a small boy in a wolf suit was seen lurking in the area. “Where the Wild Things Are” is released next month, December in Australia. (This image was created by my son)

Going Backwards

First posted 26th June 2009

As reported yestreday the Southern Star Observation Wheel is currently in ‘backward’ mode as it comes down to be repaired. It is now going through the same stages of construction, only in reverse. I am unaware exactly how much will be taken down, but I will certainly keep track of it on this page. It’s unfortunate they have faced engineering problems, however I still hope the wheel will prove a great success and look forward to my first ride in one of the cabins next year.

What goes up……

First posted 25th June 2009

….must come down! As reported earlier, the Southern Star Observation Wheel had problems over Summer, and was closed to the public after only a short time of being open. The wheel is coming down so that it can be repaired and then put back up again. The last cabins are coming off the wheel this week. It is expected to be back up and operating in about a year.

Base

First posted 31st January 2009

This is the base of the Southern Star Observation Wheel, the entrance where you can climb onboard and take a flight. That is except right now. Although opened just a month ago, the wheel has had to temporarily close due to the extreme heat conditions we are currently experiencing here in Melbourne. I believe the heat has buckled metal components which now need fixing before re-opening.

Now Open

First posted 29th January 2009

I have recorded shots of the ‘Southern Star Observation Wheel’ since it’s beginning, well as of just before Christmas, the wheel is now open. This enables everyone to get right in under the star and explore the many shops as well as allowing photographers many more angles of the wheel. I plan soon to take a flight, and I will show more photos then.

Another angle

First posted 9th September 2008

Another angle of the current progress on the Southern Star Observation Wheel.

Capsules

First posted 8th September 2008

Recently all 21 of the ‘capsules’ or ‘observation decks’ have been added to the Southern Star Observation Wheel, although they are still covered with their protective plastic covering. You can now see just what the wheel is going to look like on completion. You can imagine some creative lighting and completed shops at the bottom, and I’m sure this will attract many locals and tourists alike.

Observation Deck

First posted 29th July 2008

Closer shot of the first observation deck that appeared on the Southern Star Observation Wheel last week.

First Capsule

First posted 28th July 2008

The first capsule (observation deck) appeared on the Southern Star Observation Wheel last week. In total there will be 21. (You can see some of the others on the ground ready to go). This first one still has it’s protective plastic layer covering much of it’s windows.

In Preparation

First posted 3rd July 2008

In preparation for the cabins, or ‘observation decks’, is the Southern Star Observation Wheel. The cabins have started appearing at the side of the work site ready to be added to the already large structure. Electricians are currently wiring the cabins for the lights and speakers.

Full Circle

First posted 10th March 2008

The Southern Star Observation Wheel has finally done the full circle. All the circular framing has been completed this week, and I now assume they are ready to prepare for the 21 observation carriages.

Big

First posted 7th February 2008

As promised, a closer look at the Southern Star Observation Wheel today. I have circled some workers on the photo to give you an idea of the grand size of the project. It certainly will rival the London Eye in England, and also the Singapore Flyer which is also due for completion this year.

Getting there

First posted 6th February 2008

More of the Southern Star Observation Wheel today. I took this yesterday to show you exactly where it’s development stands as we speak. The outer circle is now taking shape, and I’m sure within the next few weeks will be completely circular. Tomorrow I will show a closer look at the wheel giving you some idea of it’s size, with perspective shown in the form of workers on the giant frame. The tent like structure in the foreground is the waterfront city pavillion, a relatively new entertainment venue which holds up to 1000 people.

Observation Wheel 2

First posted 11th November 2007

The Southern Star Observation Wheel now has all it’s outward facing supports.

Observation wheel again

First posted 14th October 2007

An update of the new Southern Star Observation Wheel. This update shows progress on the outward ‘spokes’ from which the carriages will hang. More information about the wheel can be found here.

Observation Wheel

First posted 3rd September 2007

The new Southern Star Observation Wheel in docklands is slowly taking shape.  I will show progress of the wheel over time, but just the other day the centre axle was put between the legs, making way for further outward layers. More exacting information about the wheel which has been likened to London’s ‘Big Eye”, can be found here.