Perth's newest attraction, the SkyVista Observation Wheel, officially opens on Thursday, July 2, just in time for the school holidays. The 36-metre-high Ferris wheel, weighing 100 tonnes, has been erected on the corner of Riverside Drive and Governor's Avenue, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, Swan River, Kings Park, and the surrounding hills.
A Landmark for Perth
Operator Mark Marinovich, of ShowVista Entertainment Group, believes the wheel could be a key addition to Perth's quest for global city status. "Some of the most iconic cities in the world have Ferris wheels. You've got them at Luna Park in Sydney, in Melbourne's Docklands, and the London Eye in London. So, why can't Perth have one?" he said.
The wheel, constructed by Dutch manufacturer Mondial Rides, features 24 fully enclosed, climate-controlled, wheelchair-accessible carriages that can carry up to 144 people. Each rotation lasts about three minutes, with a single ride offering up to nine minutes of sky-high amusement. At night, 125,952 RGB LED lights create an eye-catching display visible from across the river.
Three-Year Journey to Perth
Mr Marinovich said the process of purchasing and bringing the ride to Perth took three years. "We saw there was a demand for Ferris wheels. It's a family attraction; anyone of any age can ride it. We do a number of events around Perth, and we thought it'd be a good addition for the city," he said. Interest was already high during setup at their Malaga warehouse in May, with cars stopping to look. "We actually had to close the gates to stop people from entering the warehouse," he added.
Pricing and Future Plans
Adult tickets start from $14, children from $12, with family passes, private gondola reservations, and birthday bookings available. The wheel will operate at varying hours depending on the day, school holidays, and weather. It will remain at the City of Perth location until August 23. Mr Marinovich is open to touring the attraction across the city or finding a long-term home. "We're always on the hunt for new locations. We would love waterfront destinations, we'd love to tour it around the city and different councils," he said.
