Wheel of Brisbane
The Basics
A ride on the Wheel of Brisbane offers 360-degree views of Brisbane. Hop aboard one of the fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas, look out over the South Bank and downtown Brisbane, and spot landmarks such as the Storey Bridge and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
The Wheel of Brisbane is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and is often included on walking, biking, and bus tours. You can choose to ride in one of the regular 8-seat gondolas, upgrade to a VIP 4-seat gondola for a private experience, or enjoy a picnic or a wine tasting while on board. Couples can even book a romantic picnic with wine and roses in Cupid’s Gondola.
Things to Know Before You Go
Advance reservations are not required, you might want to pre-book discounted tickets during busy periods and holidays.
Rides on the wheel last between 10–15 minutes and include four revolutions with audio commentary.
Large backpacks and strollers cannot be taken on board; luggage storage is available.
The Wheel of Brisbane is wheelchair accessible.
The wheel is occasionally closed for private events or maintenance.
How to Get There
The Wheel of Brisbane is located on Brisbane’s South Bank, about a 10-minute walk from downtown Brisbane. The closest train station is South Brisbane, which is just about a 2-minute walk away, and CityCat ferries dock at the South Bank 1 Ferry Terminal, roughly a 3-minute walk from the wheel.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Wheel of Brisbane is open daily all year round, from mid-morning until late at night, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit on a clear day for the best views or at night to see the city illuminated. Sunset is also a popular time to ride the wheel. For an even more memorable experience, book a gondola on New Year’s Eve or during Brisbane’s Sunsuper Riverfire Festival to see the fireworks displays.
Exploring Brisbane’s South Bank
The Wheel of Brisbane is the star attraction of the South Bank, Brisbane’s leisure and cultural precinct. Other highlights include the South Bank Parklands—42 acres (17 hectares) of riverfront walking trails and picnic areas as well as the Streets Beach lagoon—the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum, and the Queensland Art Gallery. You can also enjoy the bars and restaurants on Little Stanley Street and Grey Street and the weekend Collective Markets.