The Skyline Observation Wheel, which may be temporarily installed at Flagstaff Hill. Photo: Supplied.
Wollongong could soon be riding high, with a proposal to install a 35 m ferris wheel on Flagstaff Hill during the Spring school holidays.
A development proposal lodged by operator Xtra Ordinary Events is before Wollongong City Council for the temporary installation of the Skyline Observation Wheel from late September.
Its timing has deliberately been aligned with a major run of events happening in the city, including the World Triathlon Championships, the Australian Diamonds netball test and the September school holidays.
With 24 enclosed gondolas seating up to 144 people, the observation wheel would add a unique attraction to celebrate Wollongong’s major events and showcase the city to the world.
Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the organisation had been strongly advocating for the project as part of its commitment to creating new visitor experiences and activating the city’s iconic harbour precinct.
“Destination Wollongong has been a strong advocate for the Skyline Observation Wheel proposal because we see its potential to deliver a unique, family-friendly experience that adds vibrancy to the harbour precinct,” Mr Wilshire said.
“By coinciding with the World Triathlon Championships, the Diamonds netball test and the school holidays, this proposal would allow us to celebrate and leverage the global attention already on Wollongong.
“It’s also a great opportunity to live-trial an attraction of this nature and see how it works in practice.”
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.
The Skyline Observation Wheel is an attraction that’s already proven popular in destinations such as St Kilda, Glenelg, Darwin and the Sunshine Coast, where it has become a drawcard for families, couples and tourists.
Its 9000 LED light display transforms the structure into a spectacular night-time feature.
If the wheel is approved, it will operate from 26 September to 19 October at Flagstaff Hill on Endeavour Drive, with ticketing set at $15 for adults, $12 for children and concessions, and $50 per gondola (up to six people). Children under two would ride free.
The development application for the observation wheel is on public exhibition until 15 September.
