Who is the new operator of the Melbourne Star?

The Melbourne Star is now operated by Skyline Attractions, a Melbourne-based family business with decades of international experience operating world-class observation wheels and amusement attractions.

Where is the Melbourne Star located?

The Melbourne Star is located at The District Docklands (101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008), situated in the heart of Melbourne's waterfront entertainment, dining, and shopping precinct.

How tall is the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel?

Standing at 120 metres (equivalent to a 40-storey building), the Melbourne Star is the tallest observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Melbourne CBD, Port Phillip Bay, and Mount Macedon.

Is the Melbourne Star in the Free Tram Zone?

Yes! The District Docklands and Melbourne Star are located inside Melbourne's Free Tram Zone. You can catch Tram 86 or Tram 70 directly from Spencer Street (opposite Havenly Escape at Southern Cross) to Waterfront City without paying a fare or tapping your myki.

Where is the best place to stay near the Melbourne Star?

Havenly Escape at West Side Place (260 Spencer Street) is located just 5 minutes from The District Docklands inside the Free Tram Zone, offering luxury 2-bedroom (sleeps 6) and 3-bedroom Sky Residences (sleeps 8) with heated indoor pool, gym, and skyline views.

When is Melbourne Star Reopening? 2026 Return Date & Visitor Guide

Q: When is the Melbourne Star reopening?

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is officially scheduled to reopen for passenger rides in 2026. Following an extensive restoration and the July 2026 relighting of its 4km LED system, new operator Skyline Attractions is preparing the wheel for its grand public comeback.

🎡 When is the Melbourne Star Reopening? 2026 Return Date, New Operator & Visitor Guide

[!IMPORTANT] Quick Summary: Melbourne Star 2026 Reopening Facts

Reopening Year: Officially confirmed to return spinning in 2026.

New Operator: Operated by Skyline Attractions, a premier Melbourne-based family business specializing in global observation wheels.

Location: The District Docklands, Melbourne (remains in its purpose-built waterfront home).

Dimensions: 120 metres tall (tallest in the Southern Hemisphere) with 360-degree panoramic views.

Expected Visitors: 250,000+ passengers projected in its first year.

Getting There: 100% Free via Tram 86 or 70 from Southern Cross Station / Havenly Escape on Spencer Street.

One of the most frequently asked questions from tourists and Melbourne locals alike is: "When is the Melbourne Star reopening?"

After sitting dark since its 2021 closure during pandemic travel disruptions, Victoria's landmark giant observation wheel is making its grand comeback. According to official announcements from The District Docklands and new operators Skyline Attractions, the Melbourne Star will be back spinning and welcoming passengers in 2026!

Here is everything you need to know about the reopening timeline, the multi-million dollar upgrades, new features, and how to plan your visit.

🌟 The Official Comeback: Melbourne Star in 2026

Having called Docklands home for over a decade, the Melbourne Star remains an irreplaceable feature of Victoria's capital. While the wheel underwent a ceremonial relighting on 30 July 2026—illuminating its newly installed 4-kilometre LED system—the team is now finalizing passenger cabin refurbishments and technical commissioning for passenger flights in 2026.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Relaunch:

Southern Hemisphere's Tallest Wheel: At 120 metres high (the equivalent of a 40-storey skyscraper), it offers unmatched 360-degree vistas extending up to 40 kilometres across Melbourne CBD, Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Mount Macedon.
Iconic 7-Pointed Star Design: Modeled after the 7-pointed Federation Star on the Australian flag, making it an architectural icon recognizable worldwide.
Massive Community & Economic Impact: The attraction is expected to draw over 250,000 visitors in its first operational year, injecting millions into local dining, retail, and hospitality.

🏗️ Who is Running the Melbourne Star Now?

The attraction has been taken over by Skyline Attractions, a respected Melbourne-based family enterprise with extensive international pedigree in manufacturing, owning, and safely operating giant observation wheels and amusement rides globally.

Why Did It Close and Why Did It Stay in Docklands?

The Melbourne Star originally paused operations in August 2021 when the previous operating company entered liquidation amid lockdowns and border closures.

After comprehensive discussions with engineering firms, tourism authorities, and international buyers, moving the giant structure was deemed unviable due to its massive scale and custom foundation. Docklands remains the ideal purpose-built home, anchoring Melbourne’s premier shopping, dining, and family entertainment hub.

Skyline Attractions has made passenger safety, comfort, and state-of-the-art technology their top priorities, deploying world-standard safety protocols and modern automated drive systems.

💡 What Upgrades Can Visitors Expect in 2026?

When the Melbourne Star welcomes guests back aboard, visitors will experience a fully modernized landmark:

Brand-New Programmable LED Lighting: Over 4 kilometres of energy-efficient dynamic LED fixtures capable of 16.7 million colors, creating synchronized nightly light shows.
Rewired Power & Control Systems: 70 completely overhauled power boxes and computerized control interfaces for silky-smooth rotations.
Refurbished Climate-Controlled Cabins: Spacious floor-to-ceiling glass capsules with enhanced climate control, high-definition audio commentary, and modern seating.
Enhanced Precinct Integration: Seamless integration with The District Docklands, featuring redesigned boarding lounges, ticketing kiosks, photo opportunities, and waterfront dining pop-ups.

🚋 How to Get to the Melbourne Star (Free Tram Zone)

Visiting the Melbourne Star is effortless, especially when staying in the city centre. The entire precinct sits inside the Melbourne Free Tram Zone, meaning you do not need a myki card or ticket if traveling from the CBD.

Tram Routes (100% Free):

Tram 86 (via Bourke St & Spencer St): Board along Spencer Street (directly opposite Southern Cross Station & Havenly Escape) and alight at Stop D11 – The District Docklands / Waterfront City.
Tram 70 (via Flinders St): Ride to the Waterfront City terminus at Docklands.
City Circle Tram 35: The historic heritage tram stops right outside The District Docklands.

Walking from Spencer Street / Southern Cross:

If you prefer a scenic stroll, it is just a leisurely 15-minute walk (1.2 km) from Spencer Street across the Bourke Street footbridge and along Harbour Esplanade.

🛍️ What Else to Do at The District Docklands

Make a full day or evening out of your trip to the Melbourne Star! The surrounding precinct offers:

ArtVo Immersive Gallery: Australia's first 'trick-art' 3D gallery where you step inside the paintings for incredible photos.
Hoyts Cinema: Featuring extra-wide powered recliners, Xtremescreen, and D-BOX motion seats.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq: Arcade games, virtual reality, ten-pin bowling, and themed cocktail bars.
Waterfront Dining: Fresh seafood, authentic Asian eateries, craft breweries, and artisan bakeries overlooking Victoria Harbour.
Marvel Stadium Events: World-class footy games, major international stadium concerts, and tours just 700 metres away.

🏨 Where to Stay Near the Melbourne Star: Havenly Escape

If you are planning a trip to Melbourne to experience the return of the Melbourne Star, choosing accommodation with easy access to Docklands and CBD transit is essential.

Located in the prestigious West Side Place towers at 260 Spencer Street, Havenly Escape offers the ultimate home-away-from-home:

2-Bedroom Luxury CBD Apartment (Sleeps 6): Features 2 designer bathrooms, plush queen beds, sofa bed, gourmet kitchen, and in-apartment washer/dryer.
3-Bedroom High-Rise Sky Residence (Sleeps 8): Perched high on Level 39 with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing skyline views toward Docklands and the bay.
Resort-Style Amenities: Access to a 25-metre heated indoor lap pool, sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym, cinema, and private dining lounges.
Prime Spencer Street Location: Positioned directly opposite Southern Cross Station for seamless SkyBus airport transfers and doorstep access to Tram 86 directly to the Melbourne Star.

👉 Check Live Availability & Book Direct with Havenly Escape

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Melbourne Star reopening date?

The Melbourne Star is officially set to reopen for passenger rides in 2026. Official ticket releases and the exact opening date will be announced by Skyline Attractions in upcoming updates.

Can you ride the Melbourne Star right now?

Not yet. The wheel underwent a landmark relighting on 30 July 2026, and engineering commissioning is underway to prepare the passenger cabins for safe public flights in 2026.

How much will Melbourne Star tickets cost?

Ticket pricing for the 2026 season will be released by Skyline Attractions closer to the official opening date. Special packages for families, couples, sunset flights, and VIP private cabins are expected.

How long does a ride on the Melbourne Star take?

A full 360-degree flight on the Melbourne Star takes approximately 30 minutes, giving you ample time to take photos and enjoy the sweeping panorama.

Where can I park near the Melbourne Star?

The District Docklands features multi-level undercover parking with direct elevator access to the wheel precinct, accessible via Waterfront Way and Footscray Road. Alternatively, guests staying at Havenly Escape can take advantage of our secure on-site parking options in the CBD.

When is the Melbourne Star Reopening? 2026 Return Date, New Operator & Docklands Guide