Eureka!

We’d heard that the Eureka skydeck is one of the best places to see the Melbourne cityscape. Viewing platforms seem to be de rigueur for the modern day tourist in any large city so we decided to go for it. We got there a little later than planned due firstly to Alex leaving our money at home and then Rach forgetting the camera, leading to a couple of frantic dashes back to the house. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We arrived and made our way up the tower in the last dregs of the daylight and so saw the city in the daylight, at sunset and at night. The setting sun was truly glorious, disappearing into the water with city lights twinkling in the foreground. The views of the city were spectacular and they even had view-glasses dotted around, focusing your eyes on specific buildings or sights from the 360° panorama.

We’d also decided to go out on the Edge. Essentially, after removing your shoes and putting on special black socks, you’re put in a smoked glass box that is then hydraulically inched out over the eighty-eight storey drop. Once hanging in the air the glass becomes clear leaving you suspended above the drop with only the layer of glass between you and a very long fall. Sadly you’re not allowed cameras in and so we had to pay extra for photos taken in there. We’re not too sure if it was worth it as it’s a pretty expensive extra and shortly after doing the Edge we discovered a small outdoor balcony next to where the Edge extends out. The balcony allows for almost exactly the same views, aside from directly beneath your feet, with the added bonus of the wind on your face.

It was, however, a great place to go and if you wanted to you could live up there. There’s a good bar/food outlet, the highest post-box in Australia for contact with the outside and plenty of comfy chairs to sleep on! We spent a long time just relaxing in the chairs watching Melbourne at night. A truly fantastic way to spend an evening.

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• The absolute perfect time to go up the Eureka skydeck is just before dusk. You get to see Melbourne at its most dazzling in the sun and all lit-up at night.

• If you have money to spare we’d highly recommend the Edge experience. If not however the balcony next to it is a worthy substitute.

• Read Rach’s full review of the Eureka skydeck on Tripadvisor here.