Brisbane hasn't reinvented the wheel, we've simply borrowed the popular idea of a giant ferris wheel from which to view our city. Other 'wheels' are tourist attractions in London, Manchester and Perth and give riders a safe but spectacular way to get a true birds' eye view.
Fully owned and operated by World Tourist Attractions Australia, the Wheel of Brisbane stands 60 metres tall (somewhat shorter than London Eye's 135 metres) but impressive nonetheless, illuminating the South Bank skyline and river with thousands of LED lights at night and presenting an exciting new landmark for visitors and locals.
The wheel has 42 air-conditioned, fully enclosed capsules each capable of seating up to 6 adults and 2 children. Each ride is of 12 to 15 minutes duration (which roughly equates to 3 or 4 wheel rotations) and offers unique panoramic 360 degree views of the river and city.
See some great photos of the Wheel of Brisbane.
The Wheel of Brisbane at South Bank is open seven days a week, from 10am to 10pm.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 years and under and $2 for children aged between 1 year and 3 years. A private gondola (perfect for wedding proposals perhaps?) may be booked at a rate of $95 and a discount is available on tickets purchased online.
Brisbane residents and visitors will have until 2010 to enjoy this exciting new addition to our city’s most popular recreation spot at South Bank.
What a relief to realise this garish monster will only be here for a few years.