The Skyline Ferris Wheel is set to return to St Kilda after Councillors voted unanimously to provide provisional approval for an event permit for the Skyline Ferris Wheel to operate from Catani Gardens from October 21 to March 22 for one year only, pending consent from Heritage Victoria, DELWP, DJPR and other stakeholders such as Victoria Police. 

St Kilda business leaders advocated for the Ferris wheel to help revitalise St Kilda after the impact of extensive COVID lockdowns on retail and hospitality sectors. The Ferris Wheel is expected to attract families to the Catani Gardens where families can also enjoy ride ponies every Sunday and enjoy a range of close-by St Kilda Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. Parking (450 spaces) is available nearby at Sea Baths. 

The Skyline Ferris Wheel is Australia’s largest transportable Ferris Wheel, standing 35 metres high, with 24 gondolas that gives views of St Kilda, Melbourne, and Port Phillip Bay. The Skyline Ferris Wheel is a welcome tourist attraction for St Kilda and the associated economic benefits are desperately needed. The St Kilda Ferris Wheel will be the highest Ferris wheel in Melbourne following the recent closure of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at Docklands. 

We last saw the Skyline Ferris Wheel in 2019 when it was located at St Kilda’s South Beach Reserve, right next door to St Kilda Sea Baths. An earlier application received from the Skyline Ferris Wheel to operate on the South Beach Reserve between October 21 and March 22 was declined by Council. After extensive consultation and debate Councillors agreed the Catani Garden would be a better location for the Wheel because of limited lawn area on the South Beach Reserve.