THE CHANNEL SEVEN WHEEL OF BRISBANE

Welcome to the Wheel 

Take an enchanting ride overlooking spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the city centre and beyond on the iconic Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane. 

Towering 60 metres above the vibrant South Bank precinct, the Wheel of Brisbane is one of the city’s most distinctive and celebrated landmarks, offering a unique and unforgettable sky-high perspective on all this modern metropolis has to offer. As you gently ascend in the comfort and safety of your fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondola, the spectacular cityscape unfurls before you, offering unsurpassed views of the cosmopolitan city centre and its many fascinating features. Audio commentary accompanies the experience, further familiarising you with your surroundings and offering historical and intriguing insights into the Queensland capital and some of its key historic attractions. 

Opened to the public in 2008, the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane has earned a solid reputation as a ‘must-do’ experience for visitors to the Queensland capital. This awe-inspiring observation wheel, adorned in over 65,000 LED lights, is a spectacular sight in its own right.  Whether you’re seeking a fun family outing with breathtaking scenery, a sky-high sunset session or a romantic evening interlude high above the city’s twinkling lights, there’s something to suit everyone. 

Your wheel experience lasts for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, with a magical stop right at the pinnacle, which will leave you feeling on top of the world – literally! A range of special optional add-ons are also available to further enhance your unforgettable experience, including  a magical photo memory book as a treasured keepsake of your uplifting adventure. 

Take your Brisbane experience to new heights with a magical ride aboard the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane. 

Sky-high Experiences 

No matter the occasion, an awe-inspiring loop on the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane is sure elevate the excitement and set the scene for creating lasting memories.

 By day, your sky-high gondola accommodating up to six adults and two children affords panoramic views of many of the city’s celebrated historic and natural landmarks, such as the Queensland Government Treasury building, Botanical Gardens, Mount Coot-tha, the Goodwill Bridge and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Before ascending skyward, perhaps kickstart your adventure with a barista-made brew from Bear Bones Coffee. Our café is located at the base of the wheel, serving up sustainably and ethically sourced freshly roasted coffee for your enjoyment.  

As the sun sinks low over the city skyline, the Wheel of Brisbane is the perfect place to soak in the romance and the day’s final rays from the best seat in the house. Your birds-eye view of the city is bathed in a golden glow, creating a breathtaking backdrop for sky-high sunset sessions. 

In the evening, the Wheel illuminates the South Bank skyline in spectacular style, adding a magical ambience to the experience. As you soar skywards, the city lights twinkle far below, like a glistening ocean of glitter beneath your feet. Once you’ve come back down to earth, why not ease into the rest of your evening with a world-class wine from our Sirromet Wine Lounge, located in the heart of the Ferris wheel forecourt, before heading off to explore the surrounding cultural and entertainment mecca that is South Bank Parklands. 

From large corporate events to special celebrations, family outings or intimate proposals, the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane offers packages and options to make your experience truly unique and totally unforgettable. 

Fun Facts About the Wheel 

Soaring 60 metres into the air beside the Brisbane River, the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane is an unmissable feature on the South Bank skyline. But behind its commanding presence lie some intriguing fun facts that are sure to equally impress. 

Constructed as part of the 20th anniversary of Brisbane’s World Expo 88, the wheel made its public debut during the city’s annual Riverfire event - one of Australia’s foremost firework displays. 

The Wheel was designed by Ronald Bussink, the brain behind the global leading brand ‘Wheels of Excellence’ – the most recognised brand for giant observation wheels throughout the world. The wheel itself weighs an astounding 335 tonnes. It’s massive weight is supported by 48 piles constructed by 300 cubic metres of concrete. It’s made up of two parallel circular rims, connected by steel supports which rotate around a horizontal axle. There are 21 spokes connected to the centre of the wheel, and two smaller rims that provide extra support. Four beams on each side hold the wheel in a stable, vertical position. This complex framework is decorated in a dazzling display of 65,000 LED lights, ensuring it remains a stand-out attraction both day and night. While usually frosted in brilliant bright white, the wheel is occasionally illuminated in other colours to mark special community celebrations and events. 

The wheel is turned by tires on the two outer rims. These tyres are driven by four powerful DC motors, and an operator who starts and stops the wheel from the control booth. 

Your comfort and safety are always top of mind, so great care is taken when loading the wheel. When fully loaded, the 42 gondolas can accommodate up to 332 passengers. The wheel must always be balanced, so that in the unlikely event that we lose the mains power supply, the wheel can still be safely unloaded using the natural force of gravity. 

Brisbane From Above 

While the wheel’s included audio commentary offers a wonderful introduction to the surrounding landscape and history of prominent local landmarks, here’s a few more fun facts about the Queensland capital. 

Initially inhabited by the Jagera and Turrbal people, this vibrant city is traditionally known as ‘Meanjin’.   About 200 years ago, this site served as a penal colony, before the convict settlement was declared a town in 1834, forming the foundation of what would today become a cosmopolitan state capital and Australia’s third largest city.           

Tucked amidst the modern city streets are hints of history that offer insights into Brisbane’s bygone era. The clearly defined grid of streets criss-crossing the city centre pay homage to Australia’s colonial past, with those running diagonally from northeast to southwest named after female British royals including Adelaide, Charlotte, and Elizabeth. Those running in a perpendicular direction are named after male royals, such as Albert, Edward, and George.

The heritage-listed City Hall sits in the heart of the City Centre. Built between 1920 and 1930, this symbol of civic pride is a historically, culturally and architecturally significant building, and a treasured social landmark for the local community. At the time of opening in 1928, it was one of Australia’s most expensive buildings, constructed at the considerable cost of 980,000 pounds. It was ranked as the second largest construction of its time, only exceeded by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

From its pioneering past to its promising future, this progressive city is boldly forging its own path forward – ever evolving and always exciting! In 2032, Brisbane will play proud host to the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. From your gondola’s seat in the sky, you may notice preparations are well underway, with many new projects under development across the city precinct and broader Brisbane region. 

Accessibility 

The Wheel of Brisbane warmly welcomes everyone to enjoy our breathtaking experience. Our friendly staff are well-trained to provide assistance to guests with additional access needs.

A low incline ramp leads from the ticket office to the loading platform, and two accessible gondolas with folding seats allow direct wheelchair access from the loading platform. The gondola door width is 80 centimetres. These accessible gondolas can accommodate a wheelchair user and up to two to three travel companions. Accessible bathroom facilities are available at the nearby South Bank Piazza, just a few hundred metres from our entrance. 

Pre-recorded audio commentary (available in English and Mandarin) provides an audible description of key landmarks of the surrounding landscape, as well as some interesting historical insights and fun facts pertaining to Brisbane and the wheel itself. To accompany the audio commentary, you’ll also receive a map at admission, available in print format only. Guests may choose to turn off the audio commentary within their gondola at their own discretion. 

Registered service animals are welcome to accompany their handlers into the gondola and throughout the experience. Grassy areas suitable for their toileting are available directly outside our entry and exit. 

The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane is conveniently located at the Victoria Bridge end of the South Bank Parklands. Parking is available nearby at Little Stanley Street, with entry via Tribune or Glenelg Streets. This underground car park also offers accessible parking bays, with lift and stair access to both the north and south entrances. 

There are also plenty of public transport options to get you here with ease. Cruise on over on a CityCat, disembarking at the South Bank River Terminal on the Clem Jones Promenade, or take advantage of the free CityHopper service that visits South Bank regularly throughout the day. Frequent train and bus services are also close at hand, with South Bank Railway Station and the Cultural Centre Busway Station offering the nearest access. For journey planning and ticketing information, please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. 

The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane operates from 10am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 11pm Friday and Saturday. Tickets do not need to be pre-booked, as they can be purchased directly from the ticketing booth on arrival. Please note that the ticketing booth ceases operations approximately 10 minutes prior to closing time.