AusLeisure

Following a successful three-month trial from September to November 2019, which resulted in over 65,000 rides, Westshell’s Reef Eye Ferris Wheel will be returning to the Cairns Esplanade for the school holidays from 24th June.

Westshell has worked with Cairns Regional Council to position the Reef Eye on the Western Events Lawn on The Esplanade, which will complement the newly redeveloped Esplanade Dining Precinct and Lagoon.

During its 2019 trial, the attraction helped to bring people into the city, with 43% of users identifying as residents in the Cairns Regional Council area. In addition, a number of activations and collaborations with businesses and organisations were undertaken in conjunction with the Ferris Wheel operation.

Looking forward to the attraction’s return, Westshell General Manager, Leigh Achis advised “we are so excited to be bringing The Reef Eye Ferris Wheel back to Cairns from the 24 June for the next four years,” said Leigh Achis, General Manager of Westshell.

Not only is The Reef Eye coming back to Cairns, it returns in style with a brand new, state of the art 35-metre high Ferris Wheel, which has just arrived in the country.

This wheel offers 360 degree views through fully enclosed, plexiglass-wrapped gondolas, and a fully illuminated hotel style frontage and flight deck.

The attraction reaches new heights at nights, with each gondola incorporating an LED lighting system with 35 changing patterns, which can be programmed to complement theming, branding and environments.

Westshell Operations Manager, Georgia Cantwell added “the success of ‘The Reef Eye’ over the three-month trial we had in 2019 was amazing.

“Patrons from near and far came to enjoy a most unique experience while absorbing views as far as Green Island and right across the CBD.

“Due to COVID, our return was delayed, but we are so excited to be coming back to Cairns long term,”

The Reef Eye will live on the Esplanade over the next four years, with the first season commencing from June 2022 until January 2023.

Image: Westshell’s Reef Eye Ferris Wheel during its 2019 trail on the Cairns Esplanade.

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