Look up and a little to your left-you’ll spot a gigantic, glowing white wheel with rows of suspended glass pods circling high into the night sky.
Standing here in front of the Wheel of Brisbane, close your eyes for a second-just imagine the excitement in 2008, as crowds gathered right by the river to see this sparkling giant rise into the skyline. At 60 meters tall, this wasn’t just a wheel, it was Brisbane’s brand-new crown jewel, glittering with energy during the Riverfire festival and spinning as part of Queensland’s big 150th birthday celebration. But, believe it or not, this wheel actually started life by the sea in 2006-at Sea World! It took a road trip to South Bank two years later and has been calling Brisbane home ever since.
Inside its 42 cool, air-conditioned capsules, families and friends get whisked up for truly dizzying 360-degree views. Some folks say the first time you reach the top, it feels like you’re soaring-while your stomach tries to remember if you’re still on earth! Each ride lasts about 12 minutes, just enough time to spot all the city landmarks and maybe plot your own world domination (or at least your next café stop). The Wheel’s even survived wild times-like the 2011 floods that threatened to wash her away, but nope, she held strong, and even got a sparkling makeover in 2015, with every pod removed and made new again. So, as you stand beneath her busy spokes tonight, just think-this isn’t just a ride, it’s a Brisbane adventure waiting to happen. Don’t look down unless you love a thrill!
