Melbourne Star Ferris wheel reopens after years of closure

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 21:33 · Archive

The 120-metre-tall Melbourne Star Ferris wheel reopens Thursday under new ownership after five years of disuse caused by mechanical failures.

The 120-metre-tall Melbourne Star Ferris wheel will reopen from Thursday under new ownership after five years of disuse. The wheel, which has been inactive for years owing to multiple mechanical failures and the global pandemic, is situated a short tram ride from Melbourne's CBD.

New co-owners Jay and Jane Jones, who are from Melbourne, have led extensive works on the wheel since taking ownership in August 2025. They took apart and checked every mechanical component and recommissioned the wheel's lighting. The restoration cost $11 million in total.

The wheel will offer a standard half-hour ride for $29, with more premium options available including Vegas-style bottomless drinks packages, charcuterie, romance and private capsule packages. The wheel is hoped to draw crowds back to the Docklands precinct, which has struggled with low attendance.

The Jones say they want the wheel to represent a more hopeful message for Melbourne. 'When the whole country knows it's just that thing that didn't work – that Melbourne's COVID was so hard – that's negative for everyone,' Mr Jones said. 'We want Melburnians to be proud of this wheel again,' Ms Jones added.

How it is being reported

• Let it roll: troubled Melbourne Star wheel reopensA troubled state attraction will reopen after decades of technical issues and closures, offering Vegas-inspired packages hoped to draw back crowds.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 21:02
• Let it roll: troubled Melbourne Star wheel reopensA troubled state attraction will reopen after decades of technical issues and closures, offering Vegas-inspired packages hoped to draw back crowds.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 21:02

In this story: Melbourne Star · Melbourne · Docklands · Jay Jones · Jane Jones

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