Melbourne Star
An iconic, now-closed observation wheel offering 360-degree views of Melbourne from its glass-enclosed cabins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Melbourne Star
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, now-closed observation wheel offering 360-degree views of Melbourne from its glass-enclosed cabins.
"It was a pity that it's closed now. If you come at night, I think it will be very romantic."
😔 Sadly, It's Closed
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is permanently closed as of September 2021.
✨ A Romantic Night View
Before its closure, visitors found night views to be very romantic and the lit-up wheel looked great from afar.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Star No More: Understanding the Closure
Hopes for a Return
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
😔 Sadly, It's Closed
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is permanently closed as of September 2021.
✨ A Romantic Night View
Before its closure, visitors found night views to be very romantic and the lit-up wheel looked great from afar.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
When open, it was a great place for families, with kids enjoying the experience and the views of Melbourne.
📸 Stunning City Vistas
The wheel offered uninterrupted 360-degree views of Melbourne's CBD, Port Phillip Bay, and surrounding ranges.
Tips
from all over the internet
😔 Sadly, It's Closed
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is permanently closed as of September 2021.
✨ A Romantic Night View
Before its closure, visitors found night views to be very romantic and the lit-up wheel looked great from afar.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
When open, it was a great place for families, with kids enjoying the experience and the views of Melbourne.
📸 Stunning City Vistas
The wheel offered uninterrupted 360-degree views of Melbourne's CBD, Port Phillip Bay, and surrounding ranges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, though now permanently closed, was once a beloved attraction offering stunning panoramic views of Melbourne. Visitors praised the romantic night vistas and the family-friendly experience. However, its operational history was marked by significant delays and a final closure due to the pandemic.
"It's a pity that it's closed now. If you come at night, I think it will be very romantic."
KE BILL
"The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel may soon “spin” again in Docklands
The Melbourne Star (previously Southern Star) is a closed 120 metre tall ferris wheel in the suburb of Docklands in Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia.
Aerial perspective of the Docklands: Melbourne Flyer, the District and Docklands film studio
Described by its operators as an "observation wheel" and claimed to be "the Southern Hemisphere's only giant observation wheel" it is 120 m (394 ft) tall and has seven spokes, reflecting the seven-pointed star of the Australian flag.
It opened two years behind schedule in December 2008, but closed 40 days later due to structural defects. The wheel itself was scrapped and replaced, but the original support structure and passenger cabins were retained. It was originally thought that reconstruction might be completed in late 2010, but repeated delays meant it did not reopen until 23 December 2013.
A ride (one complete rotation) takes 30 minutes and, according to the Star's website, provides uninterrupted 360-degree views of up to 40 kilometres (25 mi) "encompassing the Docklands precinct, Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and as far as Mount Macedon, Arthurs Seat and the Dandenong Ranges.
The Wheel permanently closed on 6 September 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Bhullar Graphic
"Would be awesome if the Melbourne star opened up again by end of December 2025 ready for the summer best tourist attraction this and the open bus they used have Melbourne hopefully that returns aswell asap."
Dejan Blagojevic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Melbourne Star was located in the Docklands precinct. It was accessible via public transport, including trams, and had ample parking nearby.
Yes, there was plenty of on-street and undercover parking available in the Docklands area for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel permanently closed on September 6, 2021.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel permanently closed its operations on September 6, 2021.
The closure was attributed to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions and lockdowns.
While there is community hope for a future reopening, possibly by late 2025, there are no confirmed official plans at this time.
📸 📸 Photography
When it was operational, the best photos were taken from inside the glass-enclosed cabins, offering panoramic views of Melbourne. The wheel itself was also a striking subject, especially when lit up at night.
Absolutely! The 360-degree views provided incredible opportunities for photography, capturing the city skyline, bay, and distant ranges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
While the attraction is now closed, the Docklands area itself still offers family-friendly activities and dining options. Keep an eye out for any future developments regarding the Melbourne Star's potential reopening, as it was a memorable outing for many families.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Brief History of the Melbourne Star
Despite its rocky start, the observation wheel offered a unique perspective of Melbourne. Each complete rotation took 30 minutes, providing visitors with uninterrupted 360-degree views stretching up to 40 kilometers. This encompassed the Docklands precinct, Melbourne's CBD, Port Phillip Bay, and even landmarks like Mount Macedon and Arthurs Seat.
Sadly, the Melbourne Star's operational chapter closed on September 6, 2021. The global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated travel restrictions and lockdowns proved to be insurmountable challenges for the attraction's sustainability.
The Experience (When Open)
Visitors often highlighted the phenomenal views as the main draw. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas were breathtaking, offering a new perspective on the city. Many also enjoyed the romantic ambiance of the night rides, with the city lights twinkling below and the wheel itself illuminated, creating a beautiful spectacle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit