Text by Ali Kayn
Photographs by Richard Hryckiewicz and Ali Kayn

The redeveloped Melbourne Docklands is a concrete and bitumen precinct inhabited by high-rise buildings. It has a marina, an Icehouse (rink), a chidren's fun park, the movie studios (in discreet buildings), Etihad Stadium, and the Melbourne Star observation wheel.

So, yes, in the spirit of serving our readers, Richard Hryckiewicz and I took the 30 minute flight, which at the top is as high as a 40 storey building, twice. Melbourne Star's operators have a range of deals, including the encore deal that covers two flights (one day and one night) within 30 days.

Richard and I took a flight during the day, and again at night.

The 21 cabins each able to hold 20 passengers are located on the circumference of the wheel. They are air-conditioned for comfort, largely glassed in for maximum visibility (up to 40 kilometres), and the powered cabins are self-stabilising allowing guests to stand and move around freely.

Unless one focuses on a fixed point, there is little sense of movement, and one has to choose the right spot to get a sense of just how far up the cabins get.

Richard and I were delighted to be given cabin 13 for the night flight.

The cabins have a central bench for sitting, but otherwise passengers can move freely about the cabin. The cabins are monitored for security and there's an emergency call system.

A map is available that marries up with the compass inset into the ceiling of the cabin. With them one can find points of interest in and around Melbourne. The view includes the Melbourne central district skyline, the docklands, the suburban sprawl, and in the distance in one direction one can see the Great Dividing Ranges and in another Port Phillip Bay.

Melbourne central district skyline from Melbourne Star, photograph (c) 2014 Ali Kayn (click the image to see larger version)

There are two audio guides, one for day and one for night. They were informative, but not intrusive. We chatted with a Melbourne Star employee on the day trip, but enjoyed the narration during the evening.

The thirty-minute flight turned out to be a good length of time. Moving around we weren't tired, the view changed frequently enough to keep one's interest, and the speed of the wheel was slow enough for photography and identifying landmarks.

Melbourne panorama from Docklands towards the bay, photograph (c) Ali Kayn (click the image to see larger version)

Melbourne Star's operators have made a point of providing useful information both on the ground and in the air. The path from the entrance through to the embarkation point is through a series of broad corridors with information about the wheel (the centre hub weighs as much as 45 taxis, there is more than 7.5 kilometres of piping, and 21,000 bolts) and Melbourne.

Melbourne panorama from Docklands looking towards ranges (c) 2014 Richard Hryckiewicz

They encourage school groups, and family groups, tourists and locals, with deals that include other attractions at the Docklands.

For special occasions groups can arrange private cabins, even catering.

Do not bring large backpacks or other luggage with you to the Melbourne Star, and if you use prams, strollers, wheelchairs, and so on, check the web site for restrictions. As with any venue, it is worthwhile calling in advance if you or one of your party has special needs. Although under normal operation the cabins do not stop, they will be if arrangements have been made, and a ramp is put in place. Carers are required to accompany guests with some conditions, so, again, check before you fly.

Lego Model of Melbourne Star, photo (c) 2014 Richard Hryckiewicz

The Melbourne Star is a short walk from nearby tram stops, a little longer walk from Southern Cross Station (previously Spencer Street Station), and there is a car park as well as street parking for handicapped guests.

Altogether, the Melbourne Star is a fun way to see Melbourne, and to learn a bit about its history and culture.

Click here for page 2 Melbourne Star at Night