The Skyline Observation Wheel will no longer be part of school holiday activities at Flagstaff Hill. Photo: Supplied.
Plans to bring a 35-metre observation wheel to Wollongong this spring have been scrapped, with operator Xtra Ordinary Events confirming it can no longer deliver the attraction.
The company, which runs Skyline Ferris Wheels across Australia, said “unforeseen staffing complications and operational challenges” meant it was unable to proceed with the installation at Flagstaff Hill during the World Triathlon Championships and September school holidays.
“While we were very much looking forward to participating and contributing to the event, these circumstances have made it impossible for us to deliver the attraction at this time,” Xtra Ordinary Events said in a statement.
“We appreciate the council’s understanding and support, and we look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again in the future under more favourable circumstances.”
It was set to feature 24 enclosed gondolas seating up to 144 people and would have operated from 26 September to 19 October, coinciding with major events including the World Triathlon Championships, the Australian Diamonds netball test and the spring school holidays.
Destination Wollongong had been a supporter of the proposal, calling it a unique, family-friendly experience that would activate the city’s harbour precinct and add vibrancy during a major run of events.
It was also an opportunity to leverage the global attention already on Wollongong.
The Skyline Observation Wheel has proved popular in other destinations including St Kilda, Glenelg, Darwin and the Sunshine Coast, where its LED-lit structure has become a night-time feature.
A development application with Wollongong City Council for temporary installation of the giant ferris wheel had been on public exhibition during September.
While the attraction has now been scrapped, it hasn’t stopped the city from pushing forward with its other fast-approaching events.
International eyes will be on Wollongong when the Origin Australian Diamonds face South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in the second netball match of the South African series on 8 October.
It’s the first time in 12 years the Illawarra has hosted an elite international netball event.
One week later, on 15 October, the World Triathlon Championship Finals will see almost 30,000 people descend on the city for the event which is the crown jewel of the World Triathlon calendar.
It’s returning to Australia for the first time since the Gold Coast hosted it in 2018.
