Our Day at Melbourne Skydeck: Soaring Above the City
Our visit to Melbourne Skydeck was an experience to remember.
Located atop the iconic Eureka Tower, this observation deck offers breathtaking views, thrilling attractions, and a deeper appreciation of Melbourne’s history.
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>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility for Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck: Formerly Eureka Skydeck
Our review
I’m not exactly fond of heights, in fact for years I’ve been saying the old joke “I even get nervous when I wear thick socks” and so, with some trepidation, I accepted my daughter’s suggestion to go above and beyond at the Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower.
The Eureka Tower is not Melbourne’s tallest building but when you’re up on the 88th floor, what’s a few metres here and there? The Tower sure loomed above us as we walked over the Yarra footbridge. Looking up and straining my neck I was just realising that, very soon we’re going to be up there in the stratosphere looking down.. but I had no idea what a great experience it would be.
The 300-metre ascent in the lift was quick and the 360-degree view of Melbourne from the Skydeck was absolutely wonderful. We spent a lot of time going around, just looking through the glass and from one open-air section, breathing in the view, pinpointing landmarks nearby and kilometres away on the horizon.
That was fantastic but the real challenge was now to, literally, live life on The Edge.
The Edge is a cube-shaped room, holding 6 or 8 people and made of glass. After you enter, the door is closed behind you and with a little bit of rattling you realise that you are moving out from the building. Initially it’s not that scary as the glass is opaque, but it suddenly becomes transparent and you see there is only the glass between you and the concrete 300 metres below.
I guess I trusted that it has to be safe as I wasn’t scared even when a few simulated lightning flashes and peals of thunder added to the experience. I figured if the thing falls at least I’ll be on the evening news.
The view from The Edge was even more amazing. The whole adventure was quite exhilarating for an old bloke like myself that’s led a pretty quiet life. Mind you, I’m pretty sure anybody will enjoy a visit to Melbourne’s Skydeck.
– Chris
Starting with Voyager Theatre
We kick off our adventure with the Voyager Theatre, a world-class virtual reality cinema. As the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this 6-dimensional experience swept us right into the heart of Melbourne.
With our VR headsets on, we feel like we are flying over the Yarra River, weaving through laneways, and diving into the city’s vibrant energy. It is a mesmerising way to begin our visit.
Spectacular Views from the Skydeck
After the VR excitement, we stepped into Melbourne Skydeck itself. Perched on Level 88, it may not be the tallest building, but it proudly boasts the title of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck.
The panoramic views are nothing short of stunning. We can see all of Melbourne’s landmarks, from the MCG to Port Phillip Bay, with the city sprawling beneath us like a living map.
As we marvel at the scenery, we can’t help but think about Eureka Tower’s fascinating design. Named after the Eureka Stockade, the building symbolises the Victorian Gold Rush.
Its golden crown and red stripe commemorate the era’s prosperity and struggles, while the blue and white elements echo the Eureka flag. These details add a rich layer of history to our visit.
Braving The Edge
Then came The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three metres from the building. It’s the only attraction of its kind in the world.
We step in with nervous excitement. As the frosted glass clears to reveal the city far below, we clutch the handrails tightly! But soon, the thrill takes over. Standing 300 metres above the ground with nothing but 45mm-thick glass beneath us is exhilarating.
It’s a perspective like no other, and we can’t stop grinning by the end.
Our review
Hey Seniors, are you doing things in your 70s that you never dreamed of? Well, I am! Something I never dreamt of doing was going to the Eureka Building, going up 88 stories in a lift, which incredibly only took a few minutes, and having the most amazing incredible view ever! We (my husband and daughter) were even brave enough to go out on the “The Edge”! I did hang onto the metal rail and surprisingly felt quite safe. Even though it was out of my comfort zone, it was not as bad as I thought it might be. Ha ha, would I do it again? Not really. The view from the sky deck itself was well worth it though, and I would come up the 88 floors for that view again. We did enjoy a cuppa while taking in that stunning view, which included a gorgeous rainbow.
Before going up to the Skydeck, we entered the Voyage Theatre on the ground floor. This experience was surreal! You sit in a comfy egg-shaped chair and get the virtual reality goggles/headpiece and earphones put on and then you’re off! Oh my goodness! It felt like you were flying over Melbourne, visiting the botanical gardens, looking down on the city’s laneways.
I had no idea what to expect but it was awesome to be right at the edge of the tennis courts, at the footy, at the horse races. I just can’t describe it, amazing. We even flew along the Great Ocean Road, It was like an out-of-body experience, just looking down on everything from high up. A most incredible experience for me. I loved it! Mind you, the sensation of the chair moving up and down with the virtual reality experience did make me a little dizzy, so be careful if you can’t handle that sort of thing. Having said that, I would definitely do that again. I loved it.
– Terrie
Seniors Group Bookings at Melbourne Skydeck
The Melbourne Skydeck offers a special group experience for seniors and Probus clubs, featuring breathtaking views of the city.
Groups can visit on weekdays from 10 am to 12 pm, with a one-hour visit that includes admission to the observation deck, fun facts about the area, and scones with tea or coffee for $30 per person.
A minimum of 10 paying guests is required for bookings, and pre-payment is necessary. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance. For bookings, contact the Skydeck team via email.
Tips and Tidbits for Visiting Melbourne Skydeck
- Standard entry starts at around $36 for adults and $20 for children, with additional charges for The Edge and Voyager Theatre;
- Seniors card holders receive a 20% discount on the entry price;
- Prices are around 15% higher if you pay at the counter, so book online in advance;
- Open daily, usually 12 PM–10 PM, but check online for public holiday hours;
- Fully wheelchair accessible, with free entry for companion cardholders;
- A small cafe and toilets are located at the Skydeck, including accessible bathrooms;
- Some seating is available at the Skydeck, including bench stools and a few couches;
- Only 500 metres from Flinders Street Station and accessible via trams on St Kilda Road;
- Paid parking is nearby, including Eureka Car Park on Southbank Boulevard;
- Photos of your group on The Edge Experience are available to purchase printed, and a free digital copy can be sent to your email;
- Sunset offers stunning views, and clear days are best for visibility;
- The Edge is thrilling but not for children under 7 years old or the faint-hearted;
- Voyager Theatre sessions book out quickly, so arrive early;
- Elevate your visit further with fine dining at Eureka 89, located on the building’s top floors;
- Bring a camera for photos, and avoid reflections by pressing the lens against the glass;
- The enclosed deck is great year-round, rain or shine;
- Set aside 1–2 hours to explore, enjoy the attractions, and take in the views.
Melbourne Skydeck
Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9693 8888
www.melbourneskydeck.com.au
The Seniors in Melbourne team visited as guests of Melbourne Skydeck. All opinions are the writers own.
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