Vic: New Melbourne tourism icon opens

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2008
Vic: New Melbourne tourism icon opens

Australia's latest tourist attraction opened today in Melbourne .. with officials predicting
it'll attract up to one-and-a-half million visitors despite the economic downturn.

The 100 million dollar Southern Star observation wheel .. which is modelled on the
London Eye .. towers 120 metres over Melbourne's Docklands.

The wheel is only the third in the world after the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer.

FRED MAYBURY .. chairman of the Southern Star Management Group .. says he's confident
Australia's newest tourist attraction will prove a big hit among domestic and international
visitors .. despite the global economic crisis.

A ride costs about 29 dollars for an adult and 17 dollars for a child.

AAP RTV sjm/wz/fdf

KEYWORD: WHEEL (MELBOURNE)

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