See the city again! The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is back. Find out when it opens and what’s new on Radio Haanji.
ਮੈਲਬੌਰਨ ਦੇ ਡੌਕਲੈਂਡਜ਼ (Docklands) ਵਿੱਚ ਸਥਿਤ ਮਸ਼ਹੂਰ *'ਮੈਲਬੌਰਨ ਸਟਾਰ ਆਬਜ਼ਰਵੇਸ਼ਨ ਵ੍ਹੀਲ' (Melbourne Star Observation Wheel)* ਇੱਕ ਲੰਬੇ ਇੰਤਜ਼ਾਰ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਮੁੜ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹਣ ਲਈ ਤਿਆਰ ਹੈ। ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਅਗਲੇ ਕੁਝ ਹਫ਼ਤਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਚੱਲਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ ਆਮ ਜਨਤਾ ਲਈ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ।
ਇਸ 120 ਮੀਟਰ ਉੱਚੇ ਪਹੀਏ ਦੇ ਮਕੈਨੀਕਲ ਹਿੱਸੇ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਨਵੇਂ ਸਿਰਿਓਂ ਤਿਆਰ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਦੀਆਂ ਮੋਟਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇੰਜੀਨੀਅਰਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਮਈ ਦੇ ਅੰਤ ਤੱਕ ਅੰਤਿਮ ਹਰੀ ਝੰਡੀ ਮਿਲਣ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਹੈ। ਹਾਲ ਹੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਫਾਇਰ ਸਰਵਿਸਿਜ਼ (Fire Rescue Victoria) ਦੇ ਮਾਹਿਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਸ 'ਤੇ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਪੱਖੋਂ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਬਾਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਂਚ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਪਹੀਏ 'ਤੇ 4 ਕਿਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਲੰਬੀਆਂ ਨਵੀਆਂ ਲਾਈਟਾਂ ਲਗਾਈਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ। ਹੁਣ ਇਹ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਚਮਕਦਾਰ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਅਤੇ ਖਾਸ ਮੌਕਿਆਂ (ਜਿਵੇਂ ਮੈਟਿਲਡਾਜ਼ ਦੀ ਜਿੱਤ, ਕ੍ਰਿਸਮਸ ਜਾਂ ਵੈਲੇਨਟਾਈਨ ਡੇ) 'ਤੇ ਖਾਸ ਰੰਗਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਿਸ਼ਕੇਗਾ।
ਮੈਲਬੌਰਨ ਸਟਾਰ ਸਤੰਬਰ 2021 ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਵਿਡ ਲੌਕਡਾਊਨ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਅਤੇ ਅਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਮੈਨੇਜਰ ਜੇਅ ਜੋਨਸ ਨੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ 2026 ਵਿੱਚ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੜ ਚਾਲੂ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਜੋ ਵਾਅਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ, ਉਹ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਟੀਚਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ *ਸਰਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਅੱਧ (ਜੂਨ-ਜੁਲਾਈ)* ਤੱਕ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਚਾਲੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ।
Sat Sri Akal, Melbourne! If you’ve walked through Docklands lately and felt like something was missing from the skyline, you aren’t alone. The giant wheel that defined our city’s waterfront is finally getting ready to spin again.
In this episode of Haanji Melbourne, host Ranjodh Singh dives into the long-awaited return of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. We’re looking at what has changed, when you can grab your tickets, and why this is such a massive win for our local community.
Whether you’re a local who missed the evening glow or a visitor looking for the best view of the city, the "Star" is coming back brighter than ever. Let’s get into the details of this 2026 comeback.
What Is the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel?
Standing 120 meters tall, the Melbourne Star isn’t just a carnival ride; it’s one of the few giant observation wheels in the world. Located in the heart of the District Docklands, it offers a 360-degree view of the city, Port Phillip Bay, and even the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day.
The wheel originally closed its cabins in September 2021 during the height of the pandemic. For years, the giant steel structure stood silent, leaving many wondering if it would ever move again. Thankfully, new investment and a massive mechanical overhaul have breathed new life into this Melbourne landmark.
Key Highlights: What’s New for the 2026 Reopening?
The version of the Melbourne Star you see today is much more than a simple repair job. The engineering team has spent months ensuring this icon is safer, smoother, and more spectacular than its previous iteration.
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Mechanical Overhaul: Every motor and gear has been serviced or replaced to ensure a seamless rotation.
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Safety First: Fire Rescue Victoria recently conducted high-altitude training on the wheel to certify the latest safety protocols.
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Luminous Upgrades: Over 4 kilometers of new LED lights have been installed.
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Dynamic Displays: The wheel can now change colors instantly to celebrate events like the AFL Grand Final, Diwali, or national holidays.
Takeaways: Why This Matters for Docklands
The reopening is expected to act as a "magnet" for the Docklands area. For business owners in the District, this means more foot traffic and a return to the vibrant energy we saw pre-2021. For the Punjabi and wider Indian diaspora, it’s a favorite spot for family outings and showing off our beautiful city to visiting relatives.
Ranjodh Singh noted during the show that the wheel’s return signals a "new chapter" for Melbourne’s tourism. It isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the confidence returning to our city's entertainment sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Melbourne Star reopen in 2026?
The Melbourne Star is expected to begin test rotations in late May 2026. While an exact public date is still being finalized, management aims to have the wheel fully operational for the winter school holidays in June and July. This timeline ensures all mechanical and safety certifications are completed.
How high is the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel?
The Melbourne Star stands 120 meters above the ground. This height makes it the tallest solid-steel observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, providing views that stretch up to 40 kilometers in every direction, including the city skyline and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Are tickets for the Melbourne Star available now?
Official ticket sales have not yet launched, but they are expected to go live on the official website once the final safety sign-off is received in late May. Visitors are encouraged to follow Radio Haanji for the latest updates on "Early Bird" pricing and community launch events.
What happened to the Melbourne Star in 2021?
The wheel was forced to close in September 2021 due to the financial impact of extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne. The parent company entered liquidation at the time, but the asset was eventually saved by new owners committed to its long-term future in Docklands.
Is the Melbourne Star safe to ride?
Yes, the wheel has undergone a rigorous multi-month safety inspection. This included mechanical testing, structural integrity checks, and emergency rescue drills conducted by Fire Rescue Victoria. The new management has emphasized that safety is the absolute priority for the 2026 relaunch.
Conclusion
The return of the Melbourne Star is a proud moment for our city. It’s more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a symbol of Melbourne’s resilience and our vibrant future. We can’t wait to see those 4 kilometers of LED lights sparkling over Docklands once again.
Shukriya for joining us for this update. Make sure to stay tuned to Radio Haanji for more local news and community stories that matter to you.
Listen to the Melbourne Star Reopening on Haanji Melbourne with Ranjodh Singh — only on Radio Haanji.
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