Big Wheel for Brisbane

To celebrate the 20 year anniversary of World Expo '88, Brisbane's South Bank Parklands will become home to its own Ferris wheel.

The 60 metre tall wheel be found on the southern end of South Bank's Cultural forecourt. It will be located specifically on the Flag Fountain area, which will receive its own lighting and fountain makeover to go alongside the Wheel.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said, "The 60 metre Big Wheel will give 336 people in 42 gondolas, per ride, the chance to enjoy South Bank and a new perspective on Brisbane."

The Wheel is being supplied by World Tourist Attractions Ltd. The same style of Ferris Wheel operated at the Gold Coast's Sea World for a year recently (pictured).

Brisbane's Courier Mail newspaper had a thing or two to say about the announcement, vividly criticising the Premier's hype, and the seemingly lacklustre nature of such an attraction in a city like Brisbane.

Nearing completion, Melbourne's own version -- a more impressive 120m tall Wheel, the Southern Star Observation Wheel -- will open later this year.

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