The Melbourne Star is the giant observation wheel at Docklands, with enclosed glass pods and wide views over the city. It’s a good outing for families if you want something unique to do together, whether you’re a local or showing visitors around.
Our kids haven’t been on the “big wheel” since our last visit in 2018, so the reopening in 2026 is exciting news. This guide covers what’s new, what kids can do on the ride and other things parents need to know.
Related post: Things to Do in Docklands with Kids: The Complete Family Guide
Quick facts
- Height: 120 metres, the tallest observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere
- Ride time: about 30 minutes, one rotation
- Cabins: 21, fully enclosed and climate controlled
- Tickets: Classic Spin from $29 online
- Where: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
- Open: 7 days, day and night (hours below)
What’s new at the Melbourne Star Docklands
After many years of being dormant, in 2026 the wheel lit up again and the lights now run in full colour across the whole structure.
Inside, there are new screens and a new story told on the way up. There’s also a bar, a cafe and a gift shop. If you’d rather have the view to yourselves, VIP cabins are on offer too.
The Melbourne Star is open day and night, 7 days a week.
What to expect on the Melbourne Star ride with kids
You ride in an enclosed glass cabin that gives you a 360-degree view of Melbourne, day or night. The wheel turns so slowly that you barely feel it move.
That’s good news if you’re nervous about heights (I am)! There’s no open carriage and no swaying in the wind.
On our last visit, there was room to roam around and rails are at toddler height. Cabins don’t stop once boarding is done, so the whole ride is one steady 30-minute loop.
Rules for kids on the ride
Children can ride, with a few rules.
- Under-11s need to ride with their own responsible adult in the same cabin
- Under-16s need to ride with an accompanying adult
- After 9pm, everyone under 18 needs a responsible adult with them on site
- There are no height restrictions
Happy Half Hour and any package with alcohol are 18+, so leave those for date night.
Highlights for kids
- Riding high above the city in a glass pod
- Spotting landmarks, trams and boats from above
- Watching the new screens and following the new story on the way up
- Seeing the wheel lit in full colour if you go after dark
- Browsing the gift shop on the way out
Melbourne Star Tickets and Prices
A Classic Spin ticket starts from $29 online for adults. That’s the standard shared-cabin ride.
Walk-up tickets are welcome but cost around 20% more, so booking ahead saves money. Prices are also higher on weekends, school holidays, public holidays and some event nights. Concession tickets are available with a valid card.
Your Classic Spin ticket comes with a two-hour window. Arrive any time inside it, join the line and you’re scanned on. Night tickets are good any time after 5pm.
If your plans change, you can swap the date or time for free as many times as you like until your session starts. The new session needs to be within three months. Check the website for the family package and any other deals before you buy.
Other options on the site:
- Star Class VIP seat: from $39, in a roomier cabin with fewer people
- Private cabin: from $450 for a standard cabin (up to 20 people) or from $720 for Star Class (up to 16)
- Gift vouchers: valid for three years, handy for birthdays
Best Time to Go on the Melbourne Star
The Melbourne Star is open 7 days a week at the below times. Check the website before you go, because hours can change on public holidays and event nights.
- Monday and Tuesday: 12pm to 9:30pm (last spin 9pm)
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10am to 9:30pm (last spin 9pm)
- Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10:30pm (last spin 10pm)
- Sunday: 10am to 9:30pm (last spin 9pm)
Wednesday has a Quiet Hour from 10am to 11am each week. It’s a calmer session if your child prefers less noise and fewer people. Note that the ride is calm anyway. The loudest part is usually the queue at busy times.
I’d avoid Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and school holidays if you want shorter lines.
What parents need to know
Toilets and baby change
There are no toilets in the cabins and no stops once you board. Use the bathroom before you get on.
Baby change facilities are on site or at The District Docklands next door. There’s an accessible toilet inside the Star at the end of the Aero Bridge.
Prams and bags
Prams and strollers can’t go into the cabins. Leave them in the pram parking at the gift shop, and they’ll be there when you come back down.
Handbags and backpacks are fine, but every bag is checked at entry. Large bags go to the free bag drop, and power banks aren’t allowed in the cabins.
Food and drink
You CANNOT bring your own food into the cabins. Food and drink bought on site can come aboard.
The Melbourne Star is a licensed venue, with a bar where you can order a drink before you board.
Parking and getting there
The Star is at 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008, inside the Free Tram Zone. Trams 70, 86 and the 35 City Circle all stop at Waterfront City.
If you’re driving, there’s parking in both District Docklands car parks next door, with lifts and step-free paths through to the Star (first 90 minutes free).
It’s also about a 10-minute walk from Southern Cross Station.
Weather
Cabins are fully enclosed and climate controlled, so the wheel runs rain or shine. It doesn’t run in winds above 72 km/h or when there’s lightning within 10 km.
If they can’t run your session, you get a new time or a refund.
Accessibility
Boarding is level and step-free, and wheelchairs come aboard with you. One carer per guest rides free.
Make a night of it in The District Docklands
The Melbourne Star sits in the middle of The District Docklands, so the ride can be the start of your evening rather than the whole outing. Try these recommended venues:
- Dinner: Okonomiyaki cooked in front of you at Dohtonbori, or a messy crab boil at Krabby’s
- Dessert: Le Yeahllow
- A drink for the grown-ups: Urban Alley
- Something active: A film at Hoyts, or ice time at O’Brien Icehouse
If you’ve got a bit more energy, it’s a short drive or a long walk to the Library at the Dock and the Ron Barassi Snr Park playground.
Is the Melbourne Star worth it?
I think this really depends on your kids. Children who like heights, big machines and city views will enjoy it. Toddlers and wigglers may get restless before the ride ends.
To be honest, the ticket price has always been the sticking point for our family, because it’s a lot for a short 30 minute ride. I think it’s worth it when you pair it with dinner or a movie in Docklands and make an outing of it.
Best for: kids from about 4 to 12, and families with visitors in town.
Time to allow: 60 minutes for the ride itself, plus time for food and the gift shop.
Value for money: better when you book ahead and plan something nearby.
Melbourne Star FAQs
When does the Melbourne Star reopen?
The Melbourne Star reopens on Thursday 15 October 2026. It’s open day and night, 7 days a week.
What’s new at the Melbourne Star?
There are new screens inside, a new story told on the way up and full colour lighting across the whole wheel. There’s also a bar, a cafe, a gift shop and VIP cabins.
How long is the Melbourne Star ride?
The ride takes 30 minutes non-stop. Check the Melbourne Star website for current ride times when you book.
Is the Melbourne Star good for toddlers?
It’s fine for toddlers, with an enclosed pod and room to move around. On our last visit, our little ones lost interest after about 20 minutes, so bring a toy or two.
Can you take a pram on the Melbourne Star?
Prams have to stay outside the pods and there is pram parking available.
How do I get to the Melbourne Star?
It’s at 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands, in the Free Tram Zone. Take trams 70, 86 or the 35 City Circle to Waterfront City.
If you’re driving, there’s parking in both District Docklands car parks next door, with lifts and step-free paths through to the Star (first 90 minutes free).
It’s also about a 10-minute walk from Southern Cross Station.
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