SkyPoint Observation Deck

SkyPoint occupies levels 77 and 78 of Q1, the residential tower that has dominated the Surfers Paradise skyline since it was completed in November 2005. The deck, which was known as QDeck in its early years, sits about 230 metres above the beach, and an express lift covers the 77 floors in roughly 43 seconds. For a first look at how the Gold Coast is laid out, nothing else in the city gives the same overview.

From the windows you can follow the strip of high-rise towers and surf beach running north and south, and the green ridges of the hinterland to the west. On a clear day the views extend towards Brisbane in the north and the far north coast of New South Wales in the south. It is a useful way to get your bearings before heading out to Burleigh Heads, the theme parks or the national parks inland.

The deck has a bistro and bar, so the visit can be stretched into a drink or a meal with the view, and a breakfast buffet is offered as well. For something more energetic, the SkyPoint Climb takes harnessed groups up the outside of the building's spire to around 270 metres, which the operator describes as Australia's highest external building climb. The climb needs to be booked in advance and has its own rules, so read the conditions on the official website before you go.

The deck suits almost everyone: families with children who will enjoy the lift ride, couples coming up for a sunset drink, and solo travellers wanting a quick orientation. Allow around an hour for the deck alone, longer if you are eating or climbing. Visibility matters, so check the weather and consider timing your visit for late afternoon so you see the coast in daylight and then the lights of the city after dark. Opening hours are listed on the Visit page of the official site and can change for events.

Q1 sits on Surfers Paradise Boulevard in the centre of Surfers Paradise, and the Surfers Paradise station on the G:link light rail is the closest tram stop to the tower. After the visit, the beachfront, Cavill Mall and the restaurants of Surfers Paradise are all within a few minutes on foot.