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| SouthBank, Yarra River looking towards the Eureka Tower. |
Thankfully urban renewal, with the promise of the area becoming a major tourist destination and home to over 20,000 people kicked in. The area attracted the national headquarters of a number of banks and companies, and the area is slowly (very slowly, many Melbournites would argue) living up to the hype.
But wait there’s more…Have you been to Ice-house? It’s Australia’s largest ice sports and entertainment area, home of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
Many high rise apartment blocks have now been built taking advantage of the scenic views over the water. You could even berth your boat downstairs in the Victoria Harbour D’albora Marina, although a friend tells me you need $3000 AUD per week for the pleasure.
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| Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel with cabins under wraps |
One of the most visible landmarks in the area since 2006 has been a large ferris wheel. However the wheel which finally opened to the public in January 2009 (two years behind schedule) was closed after only 40 days of operation due to structural defects, including cracks and buckling.
So it has been exciting to watch the rebuild. This wheel was expected to attract 1.5million visitors to the area and it is no surprise that the Docklands traders who have suffered as a result of the inoperable wheel, are calling for the Melbourne Star’s reopening as soon as possible.
No date has been announced but it must be getting close! All 21 refurbished cabins of the 120 metre, $100 million wheel have now been installed.
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| Melbourne Star seven years in the making! |
The Melbourne Star was purchased earlier in the month by Sanoyas Rides Corporation. The word on the town is that the much troubled Melbourne Star will be alright now that the Japanese are involved!
Do you have a large Ferris Wheel near you? Or have you been on other Ferris wheels in other cities such as the London Eye?
Hope you have a good week, I’m off to sort out my horses for the Melbourne Cup. I’m afraid my red hot tip from a few weeks ago Puissance de Lune pulled up lame after Saturday’s Cox Plate and has now been withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup. So don’t rely on me for any good tips ever again!!!
Please pop over by to see Sally and the other Blue Monday participants if you can!
