I had an opportunity to go on the Melbourne Star today (something that had never occurred to me before as to me it doesn't seem to be in the right place-it's not the wheel itself as I love a good observation point wheel or tower-but when it was being built I thought it was in an odd place) so of course I wasn't going to miss out on the chance to do something I hadn't planned and take photos.
After going up on it I still agree that it seems to be in an odd spot, but the views were amazing even on a cloudy day and I would probably do it again at night time because I do love to see a city bathed in lights.
The Melbourne Star is at the moment the Southern Hemisphere's only giant observation wheel and stands 120 m (394 ft) tall and it has seven spokes, which is supposed to represent the seven-pointed star of the Australian flag. It opened in 2008, but has had a checkered history having been rebuilt and reopened in December 2013. A ride (one complete rotation) takes 30 minutes and provides uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Docklands precinct, Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and as far as Mount Macedon, Arthur’s Seat and the Dandenong Ranges. Tickets for a single ride start at $16.50 with a family fare of $33.75, but there are options to to a sights and lights (which is two trips) for $27.20/55.25, which is probably the option I would recommend, possibly go late afternoon for the first 'flight', take the opportunity to have a meal at one of the many great restaurants at Docklands and then return for the night lights.
Of course after being on the Star I did some research and found a website about famous ferris wheels and damn it, I think I may have some more things to add to my to-do list.