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apollonaut. Built by People Who've Been

Journal / History

History, views & the river

A wheel by the river.
A landmark since 2008.

The story of the Wheel of Brisbane, from its first home on the Gold Coast to a fixture of the South Bank skyline.

The Wheel of Brisbane in early light against a clear blue sky at South Bank
The Wheel of Brisbane in early light at South Bank.

A wheel that moved

The wheel was first built in 2006 as the Sea World Wheel on the Gold Coast. It was taken down in late 2007 and rebuilt at South Bank, where it opened in August 2008.

The white Wheel of Brisbane rising above the riverside trees and pontoons of South Bank
The Wheel of Brisbane above the trees of South Bank, seen across the Brisbane River under a blue sky with white clouds

Part of a celebration

Its arrival was part of Brisbane’s celebrations for the 20th anniversary of World Expo 88 and for Queensland’s 150th anniversary. The wheel describes itself as permanent, and it has become a familiar part of the skyline.

42 gondolas

The wheel stands 60 metres high and carries 42 enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas. In May and June 2015 it was partly dismantled so that each gondola could be removed for an overhaul.

Looking up at the white spokes and gondolas of the Wheel of Brisbane against a deep blue sky

Continue exploring

The Wheel of Brisbane above the trees of South Bank, seen across the Brisbane River under a blue sky with white cloudsA landmark since 2008From the Gold Coast to South Bank.Brisbane’s city towers and the river below, seen from the Wheel of BrisbaneWhat to see from the topRiver, city and parklands.Plan your visit

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