Stokes Hill Wharf is set to reach great heights this Dry Season as it welcomes a 35 metre high observation wheel to enjoy 360 degree views over Darwin and surrounds.

Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has made a temporary planning exemption to allow the Darwin Waterfront to set up a Ferris wheel at Stokes Hill Wharf.

The Wheel on the Wharf – WOW! will be operated by national company Skyline Attractions from 11 June to October and located in the carpark adjacent to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility.

Each ride is ten minutes, allowing up to six people to fit in each gondola, making it a super unique fun outdoor experience for the whole family whilst enjoying the beautiful views of Darwin harbour, complemented by the variety of food and beverage options.

The exemption means up to 25 carparks at the wharf will be utilised until early October to house the new dry season attraction.

There will still be three hour car parking available at Stokes Hill Wharf along with the Free Waterfront 21 seater Shuttle.

For more information follow ‘Darwin Waterfront’ on Facebook or visit waterfront.nt.gov.au.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“Bringing fresh, new and exciting attractions to the Territory is one way the Territory Labor Government is helping the Territory rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic; providing exciting attractions to bring more people to the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

“We’ve worked closely with Stokes Hill Wharf businesses and arrangements for staff parking has been accounted for. This exemption will end in October 2021.”

Quotes from Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby

“How good is this!  Yet another fantastic initiative from the team at the Waterfront.  On top of all the events they do, the beach club has reopened, movie nights have started and now there’s a Ferris wheel.”

“This is just so good for Darwin.  It’s great for locals, great for tourists and great for our businesses. I’m really looking forward to taking the family down, this will be another great new attraction for our CBD.”

Quotes from Darwin Waterfront General Manager, Sam Burke:

“The Darwin Waterfront Corporation is thrilled to welcome the Wheel on the Wharf to the precinct; further enhancing existing seaside offerings and complimenting the award winning Royal Flying Doctor Service, Bombing of Darwin tourist attraction and array of local harbour cruises and tours - Stokes Hill Wharf is a Darwin icon.

“It makes sense that the ferris wheel is positioned on the Wharf, providing the best views over Darwin Harbour and back towards the city.”

Quotes from Skyline Attractions Business Manager, Jane Jones:

“Our team is very excited to bring the Skyline Ferris wheel to Darwin this dry season.  Darwin is a great destination and with interstate tourism going so well, we thought why not give it a try! Darwin has great weather, beautiful scenery and a great mix of our core demographic - families, couples and retirees which are residents as well as holiday makers.

“We locate our wheels in several different locations throughout Australia each year including Melbourne and Adelaide, we need to head to the warmer states during winter to ensure the business is sustainable year-round, so Darwin is a great option for us over the coming months.

“Darwin Waterfront Corporation have been very supportive of us. They saw this as an opportunity to bring something new and different to Darwin and the staff have helped us liaise with local businesses to gain community engagement.  We hope the people of Darwin will get a chance to experience the wonderful views you will be able to see of this magnificent region from the top of the wheel on Stokes Hill Wharf.”