‘Impossible to sustain’: The Melbourne Star has closed for good

The Melbourne Star has had its last ride. 

A victim of Covid-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions, the Melbourne Star wheel will close after 15 years in operation.

MB Star Properties Pty Ld made the announcement “with a heavy heart” on Monday.

“The giant observation wheel has been a part of the city’s skyline for more than 15 years, during which time we have welcomed millions of guests from Australia and all over the world,” the company said in a statement.

Farewell Melbourne Star

“Unfortunately, the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions and sustained shutdowns, adding to pre-existing challenges of operating amid increased high-rise development and changes in the Docklands area, has made it impossible to sustain the business.

“The directors of the wheel are absolutely committed to doing the right thing by our dedicated team and have made arrangements to ensure all our employees will be paid their full entitlements.”

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The 120m Ferris wheel towered over Melbourne’s docklands.

But the Melbourne Star wasn’t without problems before COVID-19 hit. In January 2009 it was shut down over fears of cracking. Sanoyas Group rebuilt the entire wheel and reopened the attraction in 2015. 

The Melbourne Star did become a favourite attraction for tourists with champagne flights and private catered cabins.

But without tourists or any income, the fun could not continue.

Today the wheel’s website read: “permanently grounded”.

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All images © Canva

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