Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as we explore the Melbourne Skydeck with our complete guide. Positioned as the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, the Skydeck is like a super tall tower, offering jaw-dropping views of Melbourne and its surroundings. This cool spot not only lets you see the city’s modern wonders but also reveals its rich culture. Since it opened, the Melbourne Skydeck has become a must-visit spot that attracts people from all over the world towards its amazing sights, super exciting Edge experience and displays that reveal interesting facts about Melbourne’s past. Whether you are into breathtaking views, exciting experiences, or learning about history, the Melbourne Skydeck has something for everyone. Join us on this exploration as we uncover the fantastic wonders that make the Melbourne Skydeck an iconic and unforgettable destination.
1. History Of Melbourne Skydeck
Let’s take a trip back in time to learn about the interesting story of the Melbourne Skydeck. So, this awesome building was designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, and the people at Grocon (Grollo Australia) took charge of building it. They started working on the Eureka Tower in August 2002 and finished it in just 4 years and 2 months. Now, here’s the interesting part – on January 10, 2005, the Grocon team had a great idea to add an observation deck. And on April 16, 2006, they came up with another cool plan to build a skywalk for tourists. The tower was all set by June 1, 2006, but it was officially opened to the public on October 11, 2006. The Melbourne Skydeck, which is like the coolest part of the tower, opened a bit later on May 15, 2007. From 2006 to 2020, it was the tallest building in Melbourne until Australia 108 took over.
2. Things To Know About Melbourne Skydeck
- Melbourne Skydeck sits way up high on the fancy Eureka Tower in Southbank, and its top 10 floors are plated in dazzling 24-carat gold, which adds a touch of glamour to the skyline.
- It’s like the coolest lookout because Melbourne Skydeck is the tallest spot for anyone to take in the amazing views of Melbourne and the cool stuff around it.
- If you are feeling up for a challenge, you can climb the stairs—all 3,680 of them! It’s a bit of a workout, but once you are at the top, the view is totally worth it.
- At 295 metres up, Melbourne Skydeck gives you this awesome view where you can see up to 75 kilometres away on a day when the sky is clear and bright.
- The Voyager Theatre inside Skydeck is like going to a really cool movie place, but it’s extra special because it’s the biggest virtual reality theatre in this part of the world.
- The Eureka Tower, where Melbourne Skydeck hangs out, has tons of glass, which is enough to cover the Melbourne Cricket Ground twice. And it’s got a whole bunch of concrete, like what you would need for 44 big swimming pools!
- Hold on tight when you hop on the elevator because it’s the speediest one in the Southern Hemisphere, taking you up at nine metres per second and getting you to the top in less than 40 seconds.
- Even when it’s super windy, the top part of the Eureka Tower can swing a bit for about 600mm. It’s like a little dance against the strong winds.
- And here’s a fun thing to do: drop a postcard from the 88th floor, where they have Australia’s highest mailbox. It’s a cool way to share your Melbourne Skydeck adventure with your friends!
- Every year since 2012, the Eureka Climb has been a big event where people compete to climb up the Eureka Tower. It’s like a race to reach the Melbourne Skydeck, and participants have to climb approximately 3,680 steps. The fastest time so far is an incredible 7 minutes to climb all 88 floors.
- The Eureka Tower is also known for its successful plant experiments. In June 2013, researchers planted Tillandsia in different spots on the tower. While some plants didn’t make it, others not only survived but grew into healthy colonies after regular check-ups.
3. What to Expect at the Melbourne Skydeck?
Skydeck
Get ready for an unforgettable moment at the Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower! From up there, you can see a complete 360-degree view of Melbourne that goes as far as 75 kilometres in all directions. From this spot, you can check out famous places like the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Dandenong Ranges, and lively art neighbourhoods. And here’s the best part – at Bar 88, you can enjoy fancy drinks while soaking in the amazing sights of the lively Melbourne skyline. It’s like having a front-row seat to the city’s sparkle!
Edge
Get set for some excitement on The Edge, a glass cube that slides out from the building, hanging you almost 300 metres above Melbourne. This crazy adventure gives you a whole new look at the city, with a view that’s like nothing else. When the glass floor clears up, you can see the busy streets right under your feet. Whether you are challenging your friends, facing your fears, or planning a super special moment, the Edge is all about making memories. Your Edge ticket comes with a complimentary digital Edge photo download. If you want the same picture in printed form, you can purchase it easily by paying $20 each.
Voyager Theatre
Melbourne Skydeck’s Voyager Theatre is the biggest virtual reality theatre and will take you on an exciting journey through 16 scenes of Melbourne. In special chairs, you will not just see but also feel and even smell the city’s vibes. From lively festivals to charming lanes, the Yarra River, and exciting sports events, it’s like being right there. The Voyager Theatre adds extra excitement with movements, vibrations, and scents—it’s more than just a regular movie experience. With fantastic music by Melbourne’s own Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill of The Cat Empire, this 11-minute adventure is a must-try, offering a taste of the best of Victoria!
The Terrace
Outside the glass rooms, there’s a small area called – The Terrace, where you can go with your regular ticket. It’s fenced off with chains for safety, so there are no worries about accidental falls. It’s not the best spot for capturing pictures because of the fence, but you can still get a good look at the Edge from here.
VR Plank
Step into the VR Plank Experience at Melbourne Skydeck, and you will feel like you are balancing on a narrow plank high above the city. Put on the VR headset, keep both feet on the ground, and sense the shaking of the plank beneath you. It’s like getting a bird’s-eye view of Melbourne before you zoom into the heart of the city. This cool challenge is for both kids and adults. It’s all about overcoming your fears and using your mind to stay steady on the Plank!
Eureka 89
Go up one floor from Melbourne Skydeck, and you will find Eureka 89 – a cool place for awesome events and delicious dinners. Eureka 89 gives you a classy dining experience with incredible views of Melbourne. Renee Martillano (an award-winning executive chef) puts together menus that change with the seasons. They are all about the best local stuff from Victoria, matched up with great Australian wines. Eureka 89 is perfect for celebrating special times, such as Valentine’s Day, throwing parties, or for visitors who want to see Melbourne from a whole new level. It’s not an average place; it’s where good food meets stunning views!
Augmented Reality 3-D Model Of Melbourne
Check out Melbourne’s cool new AR model, which is like a mini 3-D version of the city. There are six tablets around a table that allow visitors to interact and see Melbourne’s history. You can scroll through eight different times in the city’s past, from way back before people settled there to what Melbourne might be like in the future. There is also a huge digital wall in the background sharing more awesome stories about Melbourne. It’s a fun and interesting way to learn all about the city’s past and see it come to life!
Melbourne Skydeck App
Get the Melbourne Skydeck App for a fun and educational experience. Download it when you reach there and get ready for a surprise. Look for 31 markers placed around the Melbourne Skydeck. Scan them to find out about Melbourne landmarks and cool towers from around the world in 3-D. Once you have spotted all 31, head to the store, show your collection to a team member, and score a free Melbourne Skydeck branded gift. It’s like a game with a cool prize, making your visit even more awesome!
4. Plan Your Visit To Melbourne Skydeck
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
| Wednesday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
| Thursday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
| Friday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
| Saturday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
| Sunday | 12 pm to 10 pm (last entry 9:30 pm) |
Tickets:
The prices of the tickets vary according to the activities you choose at Melbourne Skydeck. Their packages are listed below with prices:
| Packages With Entry | Prices |
|---|---|
| Plank Experience | $36 for adults and $26 for Kids |
| Edge Experience | $43 for adults and $29 for Kids |
| Voyager Experience | $41 for adults and $27 for Kids |
| Skydeck Adventurer (Edge+Plank) | $50 for adults and $35 for Kids |
| MAXSuper VR Experience (Voyager Theatre+Plank) | $49 for adults and $34 for Kids |
| The Thrill Seeker (Edge+Voyager Theatre) | $55 for adults and $36 for Kids |
| Ultimate Skydeck Experience (Edge+Voyager Theatre+Plank) | $61 for adults and $43 for Kids |
| Cocktails In The Clouds (2 Cocktails+Voyager Theatre) | $94 for 2 adults |
For more details, you can check the link – https://www.melbourneskydeck.com.au/general-admission/
How To Reach:
| By Car | It will take about 12 minutes (2.1 km) to reach Melbourne Skydeck from Melbourne CBD via Queens Bridge Street. |
|---|---|
| By Bus | You can take any bus number (207, 216, 234, 250, 251, or 605) to reach the location. |
| By Train | You can take a ride on any train (CRAIGIEBURN, FRANKSTON, MERNDA, SANDRINGHAM, UPFIELD) from Melbourne CBD to reach Melbourne Skydeck. |
| By Tram | You can get on tram numbers 48, 5, or 57, which are available from Melbourne CBD, to reach Melbourne Skydeck. |
Conclusion
Taking a trip to the Melbourne Skydeck on the Eureka Tower is like stepping into a mix of history and modern wonders. In case you are feeling daring and want to try The Edge or prefer just soaking in the fantastic views, it’s an experience that’s more than your usual outing. Whether you want to take some cool photos or just want to chill and enjoy the sights, the Melbourne Skydeck gives you a chance to witness the beauty of Melbourne City from above. So, whether you live in this stunning city or you are just a tourist, don’t forget to put the awesome Melbourne Skydeck right at the top of your list of things to see. It’s a must for anyone looking to get the best of what this vibrant city has to offer.