Wheel’s return is up in air
THE return of a sky high attraction to the Cairns Esplanade is in limbo as border restrictions throw a spanner in the works.
The Reef Eye ferris wheel was set for a seven-month stay in Cairns from June this year, but due to current travel restrictions the arrival has been delayed.
Cairns Regional Council has already entered into an agreement with Westshell Pty Ltd to operate the ferris wheel on the Esplanade.
It will be reviewed annually for the next five years.
It is understood Westshell has bought a new wheel, which is 40m high, has 24 airconditioned gondolas that can seat six people and is cyclone rated.
Featuring 25,000 LED lights, the giant ferris wheel can carry a total of 144 people at any one time.
A council spokesman said at this stage it was uncertain when the Reef Eye would return.
“The Reef Eye was originally set to return to Cairns in June, however this was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.
“Council has been working with Westshell Pty Ltd (the proponents of the Reef Eye) to bring the ferris wheel back to Cairns, with a report expected to be tabled at council next month.”
The giant ferris wheel first came to Cairns for a threemonth trial from September to November 2019, attracting 4000 riders during its first weekend and a total of 65,000 rides by the end of the trial.
Tickets were $10 for adults and $8 for children.
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