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The Melbourne Star is a giant Ferris wheel in the Waterfront City precinct in the Docklands area of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia.Described by its operators as "the Southern Hemisphere's only giant observation wheel", it is 120m tall and has seven spokes, reflecting the seven-pointed star of the Australian flag.It opened two years behind schedule in December 2008, but closed 40 days later due to structural defects, and was subsequently dismantled for major repairs. The wheel itself was scrapped and replaced, but the original support structure and passenger cabins were retained. It was originally thought that reconstruction might be completed in late 2010, but repeated delays meant it did not reopen until 23 December 2013.A ride takes 30 minutes and, according to the Star's website, provides uninterrupted 360-degree views of up to "encompassing the Docklands precinct, Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and as far as Mount Macedon, Arthur’s Seat and the Dandenong Range."2006-2009ConstructionThe project was undertaken by ING Real Estate and the construction consultant was Hansen Yuncken. The wheel was designed and built by Sanoyas Rides Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese ship and amusement park ride builder Sanoyas Holdings Corporation, and the steel builder was Alfasi Steel Constructions.Construction began in 2006. By 1 March 2008 the outer rim had been completed, and by 21 October air-conditioned enclosed passenger cabins, built in Osaka, Japan, were receiving their fit out. Each cabin weighs 13 tonnes, is 5.7m long and 3.7m high, has floor to ceiling glass walls, and can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
Just 4km from the CBD, the Convent – with its historic buildings and garden surrounds – is a leading not-for-profit arts, cultural and learning precinct.
Melbourne Museum is one of Australia's biggest and most loved museums.