Skydeck

After five weeks in the city, I finally did it: got on top of the Eureka Tower today to enjoy the view from its SkyDeck over Melbourne, Port Philip Bay, the Yarra valley and the Dandenong mountain ranges….

35 seconds and you’re on the 88th floor. Built between 2001 and 2006, the tower is one of the highest buildings in the southern hemisphere, just after Australia’s Q1 at the Gold Coast and Santiago’s Gran Torre, at 297,3 meters.

Eureka Tower is named after the Eureka Stockade, a rebellion during the Victorian gold rush in 1854, which explains the gold cap.

I can’t really say I like its looks, though. It has an 80’s feel to it, with the gold cap, and the whole shape, making it look like a big Lego tower.

However, the SkyDeck offers a great view of Melbourne, notably looking down on the CDB, the sports arenas, the parks and neighborhoods in Melbourne.

I was surprised that there’s only limited merchandise – and notably no forced photo taken of you. There’s a glass floor balcony that offers an additional thrill, at 12$ extra. As I know my fear of heights, I skipped that.

It’s worth the view, even though you’re mostly inside and behind glass – with the reflections of yourself, widows and visitors showing in your pictures. The only outside balcony is fenced off, so it’s difficult to take pics.

I am still thinking of taking a late trip up there at sunset, to see the city light up underneath.