Melbourne Skydeck

Melbourne is a flat city, and that makes the view from Melbourne Skydeck all the more dramatic. The deck occupies the 88th floor of Eureka Tower in Southbank, 285 metres above the ground, and it bills itself as the highest public observation deck in the southern hemisphere. From floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides you can see the whole sweep of the city: the grid and towers of the centre across the river, the MCG and the sporting precinct to the east, the green of the Botanic Gardens and Albert Park to the south, Port Phillip Bay stretching away to the horizon, and on clear days the Dandenong Ranges and the You Yangs. The deck was known for years as Eureka Skydeck and is now marketed as Melbourne Skydeck; the tower, completed in 2006, is easy to spot thanks to the gold-plated glass on its top floors and the red stripe running up its side. The signature add-on is the Edge, a glass cube that extends three metres out from the building with you inside it, its glass turning clear once you are suspended over the city; only a small group goes in at a time, so expect a short wait. Skydeck also has Bar 88 for a drink with the view, a theatre and seasonal experiences. It is open daily from midday until 10pm, with last entry at 9:30pm, which makes it a natural evening activity: arrive an hour before sunset, watch the light change over the bay, then see the city lights come on. Tickets are sold for entry, with the Edge and packages as extras, and combination tickets with other attractions are common.

When to go is the key decision. Clear days give the longest views, especially after a cold front has cleared the air; grey, drizzly days can reduce visibility to the edge of the city. Sunset is the most popular time, and in summer that falls late in the evening, so you can combine Skydeck with an early dinner in Southbank. Check the weather forecast on the morning of your visit and stay flexible if you can. The deck opens at noon, so it is not a morning activity; the early afternoon is the quietest window, and evenings around sunset and on weekends are busiest. Special dates such as New Year's Eve have restricted hours.

Is the Edge worth it? For many visitors, yes. The cube's glass is opaque when you enter and then clears, leaving you suspended above the river with the city below your feet; it is short but genuinely thrilling, and it makes for memorable photos. Those with a strong fear of heights may prefer to watch others try it. The Edge requires checking in at the admissions desk for a pager, and it is wise to arrive well before closing if you want to include it. Bar 88 offers drinks and light bites, and Eureka 89, one floor up, is a separate fine-dining restaurant with the same view if you want to make an occasion of it.

Getting there: Eureka Tower stands on Riverside Quay in Southbank, a five-minute walk across the river from Flinders Street Station via the Southbank footbridge, close to the Arts Centre and the Crown complex. The surrounding Southbank promenade is lined with restaurants and bars and makes a pleasant walk before or after. Booking online in advance usually secures a time slot and can save money, and bundles with attractions like the zoo, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium or the Melbourne Museum are a good way to fill a rainy day.