Reef Eye on Cairns Esplanade to be temporarily replaced by Bondi ferris wheel

The manufacturer of the Reef Eye ferris wheel on Cairns Esplanade - Mondial Rides - has directed the owner and operator of the ride, Westshell Pty Ltd to send the main axle via boat to the factory in the Netherlands to check the electronics and bearings as a precautionary measure.

The Reef Eye will be dismantled from Wednesday 4th September to allow for this inspection and service on the main axel.

To minimise the impact of the ferris wheel’s removal, Westshell has organised for it to be replaced with a similar ferris wheel which recently appeared at the Bondi Vista Festival and Brisbane Ekka.

Westshell Director Greg Webster said the Reef Eye would be open to the public until Tuesday night and added “First and foremost, we want to assure patrons that there are no immediate safety issues, this is a precautionary measure instigated by the manufacturer.

“The temporary ferris wheel is the same as the current ride and will remain in place until the mandatory shut down period in February 2025, when the Reef Eye can be reinstated.”

Once the Reef Eye is removed from the Esplanade site, the temporary 32-metre-high ferris wheel is expected to open by Monday 9th September 2024.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the interim ferris wheel would continue to cater for locals and visitors adding “The Reef Eye is a popular ride that has really become synonymous with the Esplanade.

“Safety is always Council’s first priority, and while we understand there is no inherent risk, we certainly welcome Mondial Rides taking every precaution to ensure the wellbeing of patrons.

“Securing a temporary wheel in the interim is great news.”