Melbourne Skydeck

Melbourne Skydeck occupies level 88 of Eureka Tower in Southbank, 285 metres above the ground, only a few floors below the tower's top floor at 292.3 metres. Eureka Tower itself rises 297.3 metres over 91 floors. It was designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, completed in 2006, and the observation deck opened to the public on 15 May 2007.

The tower's design carries a story worth knowing before you go up. The top ten floors are clad in glass plated with 24-carat gold, and a red stripe running down the building represents the blood spilt during the Eureka Stockade rebellion of 1854. Look for both details from the riverbank before entering.

Inside, the deck gives a 360-degree view across Melbourne and the surrounding area. The deck is open for both day and night visits, so you can choose between daylight views and the city lights. Bar 88 serves wine, beer and cocktails if you want to linger, and there is a small cafe.

The extra-cost attraction is The Edge, a glass cube that slides three metres out from the side of the building. The glass stays opaque while the cube moves out and turns clear once it is fully extended, leaving you looking straight down from close to 300 metres. Each Edge experience includes a digital photo download, and the cube sits about 300 metres above the ground.

Tickets can be bought on arrival at the admissions desk, but buying online in advance gives the best rate, with savings of up to 15 per cent according to the operator. Opening hours, directions and parking details are on the website, so check them before you go. Allow around an hour, or longer if you add The Edge or a drink at the bar.

The Skydeck entrance is on Riverside Quay in Southbank, the riverside district across the Yarra from the city centre. It works well at the end of a day spent at the National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road, and the deck is also a good first stop for getting your bearings on arrival. For contact, call (03) 9693 8888 or use the enquiry form on the website.