The Melbourne Star stands proudly overlooking a newly built area in Docklands, Melbourne, located a stone’s throw away from the Yarra River. It boasts a traditional Ferris Wheel design with an impressive modern look and feel, from both a distant perspective and close b
y. It is made out of solid steel at 120m high and has 3.5km of LED lights surrounding it - which provide an impressive display as the sunsets into the night. The lights change from attractive pinks and purples to blues and greens, and light up with specific colours for certain iconic occasions, such as red for the Chinese New Year.
One ride takes 30 minutes and provides an unmissable 36
0 degree view of the famous Australian city which has simply everything. You can see for up to 40km, and admire the views of the nearby CBD, Melbourne Film Studios, the Ice House, Flemington Racecourse, and also the breathtaking view of the Yarra River and its busy ports and docks; it’s quite easy to spot huge cargo ships going about their business, and you may also notice the iconic Spirit of Tasmania as it embarks on another trip to Australia’s neighbouring island.
In the distance it is even possible to see the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong, which sit to the east and west of Melbourne itself, and also the Dandenong Ranges and Mount Martha. The Star truly gives a wide reaching and unique view of the city and its surrounding areas in a way that no other offering can. An 
informative commentary runs throughout the half-an-hour ride, and an impressive walkway also provides interesting snapshots about the city as you enter and leave the Star. It is quite amazing how much the city of Melbourne has influenced certain pieces of history - did you know that Melbourne has the largest Italian and Greek population outside of the respective countries? That’ll probably explain why Melbourne is so famous for its superior coffee. It also has a wall dedicated Melbourne’s sport - cricket, AFL, soccer, tennis - the list is almost endless. This is very fitting considering how much sport occurs in the city on a regular basis and how much of a lively buzz it creates leading up to each event.
Entering into your own pod on the Star with your family or friends has a unique feel about it and adds to the modern atmosphere. You are free to roam around in the pod and admire the wide perspective of the city. Th
e Star is accompanied by a newly built shopping complex, named Harbour Town, which provides an excellent location for a meal or shopping trip either before or after the experience on the Melbourne Star, a great way to reflect on the memorable ride you have just had.
As you exit the Star, you're even treated to an impressive version of the Star made out of Lego! It sure is a great way to round off the whole experience, and another talking point!
It is an experience I would highly recommend to anyone wanting an all-round and unique perspective of Melbourne. It is certainly something for the ‘to-do’ list for all visitors and even residents of the city. It is an experience I will remember for a long time! As a backpacker, I have stayed in Melbourne for over five months, and even towards the end of my stay it was so special for me to be able to see the city from all angles - a city I will always see as a second home. It will always have a special place in my heart and seeing it from the Melbourne Star certainly meant a lot to me.
You can get a trip on the Melbourne Star now on Backpackerdeals.com when you buy a Great Ocean Road Tour.
