Ferris wheel set for seven-month return

The Reef Eye Ferris Wheel will return to Cairns as soon as practically possible for a seven-month stay.

Council today endorsed entering into an agreement with Westshell Pty Ltd to operate the ferris wheel on the Esplanade for seven months to be reviewed annually for the next five years.

It is understood Westshell recently purchased a new wheel, which would operate in Cairns.

The new ferris wheel is 40-metres high, has 27 air-conditioned gondolas that can seat six people, and is cyclone rated.

The Reef Eye was originally set to return to Cairns in June, however it has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The return of the popular attraction followed a three-month trial from September to November 2019, which resulted in more than 65,000 rides.