brisbane's latest tourist attraction, the Wheel of brisbane
BRISBANE is getting its own version of the London Eye observation wheel, to tower over South Bank during the state's 150th birthday celebrations. It will be up and spinning by May 10 to mark the 20th anniversary of World Expo '88 at the South Brisbane parklands. The imminent arrival of the 60m-high Big Wheel has also prompted Premier Anna Bligh to announce plans to refurbish parts of South Bank. Ms Bligh wants to turn the "dead zone" between the Queensland Performing Arts Complex and the Victoria Bridge into an area of riverside cafes, restaurants and shops. The Big Wheel – similar to one beside the Thames in London – will be brought from Britain to stand above South Bank's flag court fountaints 42 airconditioned gondolas will hold 336 people, giving panoramic views of the city, river and mountains during a 15-minute ride. It will be the biggest observation wheel in Australia – Sydney has a 46m wheel, while Sea World on the Gold Coast had a 60m wheel from November 2006 to this January. And it won't cost taxpayers a cent – the British owners have a two-year lease on the site and that could be extended if the ride is popular.
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Keywords: amusement, attraction, australia, brisbane, cbd, city, ferris, gondolas, mrb, queensland, skyline, skyscrapers, tourist, wheel
