It looks impressive during the day, but at night it looks spectacular! The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane provides 360 degree views of Brisbane City from the hub of Brisbane’s cultural lifestyle and entertainment precinct.......the South Bank Parklands. The gondalas are not only fully air conditioned, passengers enjoy an audio tour which informs visitors of the different landmarks and facts about the city of brisbane. A single ride takes about 15 minutes and souvenir photo's of this exciting experience are available to purchase.
The wheel of Brisbane caters for a variety of functions such as birthday parties, sky high picnics and they even have a cupid’s gondola. What better venue to propose or receive a proposal than in a cosy gondola with champagne on hand, the glistening water of the Brisbane river below, reflecting the colourful lights of the illuminated wheel and a sparkling diamond ring ready to light up the life of a willing fiancé to be? How romantic!
This treat incorporates a private gondola ….just for two, a double ride, which takes approximately 30 minutes, a delicious picnic which includes cheeses, crispy water crackers with mixed olives and herbs and a choice of Sirromet Piccolo’s wine.
But if there is change in your pocket (after splashing out on the engagement ring) you can get an upgrade which entitles you to a VIP Gondola ride, 6 long stemmed roses, or a deluxe bouquet delivered to the Wheel, a bottle of Sirromet Signature Collection Pinot Noir Chardonnay………and a rose petal scatter. How very romantic!
Channel Seven's iconic Wheel of Brisbane was opened on August 31, 2008 during the Riverfire Festival. It is 60 metres tall and provides 41 standard gondolas, one VIP gondola and two gondolas have wheelchair access. It can hold 332 people at a time. The reason it looks spectacular at night is due to the fact that over 65,000 LED lights are used to create this awesome display.
The Wheel of Brisbane was designed by Ronald Bussink. He is responsible for designing and developing the brand, ‘Wheels of Excellence’ and these have become global market leaders and the most recognised brand for giant observation wheels throughout the world.
An individual gondola holds up to 600 kgs and the wheel weighs 335 tonnes. It is supported by 48 concrete piles using 300 cubic metres of concrete. The Wheel's two parallel circular rims are connected by steel supports which rotate around a horizontal axle. There are 21 spokes connected to the centre of the Wheel and 2 smaller rims that provide extra support. There are 4 beams on each side holding the Wheel in a stable, vertical position.
The Wheel is turned by tyres on the two outer rims and these tyres are driven by 4 powerful DC motors. An operator, sits in the control booth aided by the computer system and drive controls which start and stop the Wheel.
Balancing the wheel is critical, therefore care is given to how it is loaded to ensure that if for any reason the main power supply is cut off, guests can be unloaded safely using the natural force of gravity.
