SKYDECK 88 and the Eureka Tower and are most impressive. Skydeck 88 is the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. The Eureka Tower is 984.3ft or 300 metres in height. The facade consists of blue, glass aluminum panels which cover an area of 40,000 sq.metres. The glass on the top ten floors is 24 carat gold infused which can be noticed from afar, gleaming so brightly in the sunlight.
The Eureka Tower with a golden glass apex, the glass is 24carat gold infusion.
The Eureka Tower is named after the famous Eureka Stockade which was an organized rebellion by the gold miner’s during the Victorian gold rush era. The Battle of Eureka Stockade was fought on 3 December 1854 and named for the stockade structure erected by miners during the conflict. The rebellion resulted in the deaths of 28 people (including 6 soldiers). It was the most significant conflict in the colonial history of Victoria.
Representation of this event has been incorporated into the design, with the building’s gold panel representing the gold rush and a red stripe representing the blood spilt during the rebellion. The blue glass aluminum panels, that covers most of the building represents the blue background of the stockade’s flag and the white lines also represent the Eureka Stockade. I think it is fabulous that they have incorporated this design work in such an elegant modern building to reflect the Eureka Stockade rebellion and the importance of its place in Australian history.
Queen Bee Art installation on front entrance of Eureka Building & Skydeck 88
At the front of the building as you approach is an installation called Queen Bee by artist Richard Stringer. There is a whole hive of golden bees above the main entrance to the Eureka Tower although, you can only see two in my photo. The art installation was commissioned by tower architect, Nonda Katsalidis. The giant golden bees are three metres in size. The Eureka Bees are a wonderful public art installation, one which compliments the golden glass feature on the top ten floors of the tower.
The entrance area to Skydeck 88 has an interesting and interactive ‘touch and discover table’ which explores the stories and history of Melbourne. There is also a short film that shows the special features of the Eureka Tower. This is definitely worth watching before you go up in the lift. The lifts take less than 40 seconds to arrive at Level 88, and are the fastest lifts in the Southern Hemisphere.
Skydeck 88 View of Melbourne City & Melbourne weather closing in.
The views around Skydeck 88 are fabulous! Skydeck88 also has viewfinders around the Skydeck which pinpoint the many different historical and cultural landmarks of Melbourne City. This is very helpful in getting your bearings if you are a visitor to Melbourne.
If you don’t mind heights (almost 300 metres above the ground), you can step out onto ‘The Terrace’ and enjoy the elements! This is closed if there are high winds. The top of the Tower can flex up to 600mm in high winds!!
“The Edge” is something else! It is a glass cube which projects three metres out of the buildings, 300 metres up, with you in it! This is a unique experience and not for the faint-hearted (that’s me). My eleven year old grandson enjoyed this experience on a school excursion and his words were “it was absolutely awesome.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the Skydeck88 experience. It is an experience not to be missed and a top place to visit in Melbourne.
Cost: Adults $12. Children $8. Cons. $10. Family 2 adults & 2 children $29. Family 1 Adult & 2 Children $19. Extra Child $6.
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About Lyn
Very nice article… Thanks for this 🙂
Hi Scot, Glad you enjoyed my article Skydeck 88 Experience. good luck with your blog.
Awesome view! I am bit speechless as I am reading this article. They really went all out on this building, huh? I mean, 24 carat infused for the top ten floors,. That is just amazing. I’d actually get over my fear of heights for this beautiful tower. 🙂
Hi Mitch, Yes it is a beautifully designed tower. On my next visit I’m getting psyched up to do “The Edge”!! Visiting my son and family in Melbourne in two week time. Cheers! Lyn