• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Credit Cards
    • Travel Rewards Credit Cards
    • Airline Credit Cards
    • Hotel Rewards Credit Cards
    • Business Credit Cards
    • Cash Back Credit Cards
    • Balance Transfer Credit Cards
    • No Annual Fee Credit Cards
  • Destinations
    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Central America
    • South America
  • About
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Press
    • Work With Us
  • Resources
  • Traveling Well For Less
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Traveling Well For Less

How to travel for less. Tips and tricks to travel more, spend less, save money on travel

  • Star MegaDO 4 Review

    With bookings for the Star MegaDO 5 expected to open sometime soon, my Star MegaDO…

  • The intelliARMOR 4-port portable USB Charger is a smart little charger that packs a wallop without making a dent in your wallet. TravelingWellForLess.com
    IntelliARMOR 4-Port Portable USB Charger Review

    Smartphone, camera, portable phone charger, tablet, and more. What do all these have in common?…

  • Hotel Review: Hilton New York

    Hotel Review: Hilton New York This is the third post in the series titled BlogHer'12…

  • The Dining Everywhere Card can be used at bars and restaurants. But can also be used to buy money orders. https://www.travelingwellforless.com
    Review: Dining Everywhere Prepaid Visa Card

    Do dreams of First Class flights and overwater villas have you looking for new ways…

  • Star MegaDO 4 Review

    With bookings for the Star MegaDO 5 expected to open sometime soon, my Star MegaDO…

Home » Review: Eureka Skydeck, the Best Views of Melbourne

Review: Eureka Skydeck, the Best Views of Melbourne

September 19, 2016 By Debra Schroeder 27 Comments This post may contain affiliate links. Traveling Well For Less has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. Read my disclosure and privacy policies.

153shares
  • Facebook 131
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
Are the best views in Melbourne worth being trapped in a glass box 984 feet above the ground? Read this review of Eureka Skydeck and the Edge and find out. TravelingWellForLess.com

The lights on the pager flashed. It was time. Time to head to a sealed glass box 984 feet (300 meters) above the city. Where I would be suspended, alone, supported only by cables and pieces of steel, for who knows how long. What had I gotten myself into? Keep reading for my review of Eureka Skydeck.

Contents

  • Review: Eureka Skydeck, the Best Views of Melbourne
  • Skydeck
  • Eureka Terrace
  • The Edge
  • Conclusion

Review: Eureka Skydeck, the Best Views of Melbourne

Are the best views in Melbourne worth being trapped in a glass box 984 feet above the ground? Review of Eureka Skydeck and the Edge. Travelingwellforless.com

I’ve done the Space Needle, Rockefeller Center Observation Deck, and the Shanghai Tower. But the Eureka Skydeck and the Edge was different.

The Edge at Skydeck isn’t just a large tower. It’s literally a glass box. That extends out over the cityscape. And once you’re in, there’s no way out. Until your time is over.

I was exploring the city of Melbourne for a few days and wanted to do something unique. Something outside of the traditional museum. Something adventurous like sandboarding or zip lining. Because that’s how I roll. Something that was uniquely Melbourne.

Read: Carving it up: sand boarding in Dubai

And viola, I found Eureka Skydeck and the Edge. Where else can you be trapped in a small glass cube that prjoects out from one of the tallest buildings in the world?

Skydeck

984 feet above Melbourne, the Eureka Skydeck offers the best views. travelingwellforless.com
An experience you won’t regret

The Eureka Skydeck has the best views of Melbourne. At 984 feet, it’s the “highest public observation deck and fastest elevator trip in the Southern Hemisphere.” 38 seconds from top to bottom. Yep, that’s quick!

Fun fact: The Eureka Skydeck has 24 carat gold plated glass windows.

At the Skydeck, you’re treated to spectacular great views of Melbourne. (Excuse the slight glare in my photos from the lights.)

The rain had stopped so I could see to Port Phillip Bay.

Melbourne Port Phillip Bay from Eureka Skydeck travelingwellforless.com
Melbourne Port Phillip Bay

Just a peek of the sunset (darn clouds) overlooking the Docklands.

Melbourne Docklands from Eureka Skydeck. travelingwellforless.com
Melbourne Docklands

View of Melbourne city including the luxury apartment building sculpted in the image of William Barak, an Wurundjeri-william clan (Aboriginal) elder.

Melbourne City. travelingwellforless.com
Melbourne City

The Yarra River, Melbourne Park (blue-topped buildings where the Australian Open (tennis) is played), and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) (round stadium).

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). TravelingWellForLess.com
Melbourne Open and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Rod Laver Arena (Australian Open) and the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI – where rugby and soccer are played).

Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Rectangular Arena (AAMI). TravelingWellForLess.com
Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Rectangular Arena (AAMI)

South Melbourne towards St. Kilda and Albert Park Lake (with the island in the middle). In the upper right edge of the photo, you can see the left corner of the Edge.

Albert Lake. TravelingWellForLess.com
Albert Lake

There are 30 viewfinders pointed toward attractions, like Queen Victoria Market. Great if you’re directionally challenged like me.

Eureka Skydeck viewfinder pointing toward Queen Victoria Market. travelingwellforless.com
Look through one of the viewfinders and discover Melbourne

The bird’s eye view of the city was cool. It gave a different vantage point on some of the buildings. Although it did make me wish I had brought my telephoto lens.

There were quite a few people enjoying the Skydeck. Probably to be expected because it was close to sunset and a cold, drizzly day.

I wandered around the Skydeck taking photos and then ventured out to the Eureka Terrace.

Eureka Terrace

Eureka Terrace. TravelingWellForLess.com
Brave the wind and save $12

If you’re not sure you want to do the Edge. Or if you’d rather save money, you can do the poor man’s Edge – the Eureka Terrace. The Eureka Terrace is pressure-locked open-air observation deck.

Before you can step out onto the terrace, you have to wait until the light turns green before the sealed doors open.

Floor to ceiling steel chain-link fencing prevents you falling. The openings are just big enough to put a few fingers through. But not quite big enough to get your camera lens through. So your photos taken from the Eureka Terrace will have the fencing in the foreground.

Government House, Melbourne
Government House, Melbourne

There’s only 1 set of high powered binoculars so you have to wait your turn.

Eureka Terrace and binoculars. TravelingWellForLess.com
Get a closer look at Melbourne

And it can get really windy. Like insane, loud, rip-roaring windy.

Despite the wind, I enjoyed hanging out on the Terrace. It was rarely crowded and the open air concept really enforced the “you’re towering over the city” feeling.

I was still on the Terrace when my pager flashed. Time to head for the Edge.

The Edge

Are the best views in Melbourne worth being trapped in a glass box 984 feet above the ground? Review of Eureka Skydeck and the Edge

The Edge is a glass cube that projects 10 feet from the building over the city. It seemed to be about 10 feet by 10 feet.

Instead of one large glass panel, the floor of the Edge is made up of 8 skinny (2 x 5) glass panels. Definitely stronger and more reinforced this way. A good thing because plunging 984 feet isn’t fun.

I was given neoprene booties similar to sand socks for my shoes to protect the glass from scratches. There were cubbies in the interior chamber to leave my backpack, purse, or other items. I kept my backpack on but should have taken it off.  Because it made it harder to lie down.

Then I was put in the box. And the heavy door slammed shut. Tight.

All the windows were completely dark and clouded over as the glass cube slowly extended out from the building.

It’s kind of an ominous beginning. It’s kinda creepy because you’re not really sure what is happening because you can’t see anything and there’s a lot of noise.

There was a loud crack, like a switch turning on. And like that, the glass was no longer cloudy. The Edge was now extended fully and I could see all of Melbourne. Or at least the areas that the cube faced.

The two sides of the Edge are made up of four large panels of clear glass. The front is made up of two large 24-carat gold plated glass panels.

Eureka Skydeck the Edge. TravelingWellForLess.com
Eureka Skydeck the Edge slowly extending out from the building

The view looking through the gold plated glass wasn’t as clear as I had thought it would be. The glare from the gold may have affected the view as well as the weather conditions and time of day.

Looking out toward the MCG and AAMI.

MCG and AAMI from Eureka Skydeck the Edge. TravelingWellForLess.com
MCG and AAMI

The view of Albert Lake and Port Phillip Bay from inside the Edge. (Excuse the glare from the Terrace.)

Albert Park Lake. TravelingWellForLess.com
Albert Park Lake

The sunset view of the Melbourne Docklands.

Melbourne Docklands at sunset. TravelingWellForLess.com
Docklands at sunset

Melbourne’s ballerina tower, the Arts Centre.

Melbourne Arts Centre from Eureka Skydeck Edge. TravelingWellForLess.com
Arts Centre

 

There’s a mounted DSLR camera in the back of the cube to take souvenir photos: one serious and one funny.

Overall, it was a pretty cool experience. And worth the time to try it.

Note: You’re not allowed to take photos. But I was given an exception so that I could use my own photos.

Read: TripAdvisor reviews about Eureka Skydeck and the Edge

Conclusion

When I planned my third trip to Australia, I had no idea I’d spend part of it hanging out in a 10 x 10 glass box, 984 feet above the city of Melbourne.

Melbourne’s the Edge and Eureka Skydeck is worth the trip if you want the best views of the city.

You could spend several hours enjoying the views both on the Skydeck, in the Eureka Terrace, or in the Edge. There’s also The Walk, a green room experience where it looks like you’re walking on a wire suspended between two buildings.

There’s free Wi-Fi, reasonably priced sandwiches and snacks for purchase, and a smartphone charging station to keep you occupied.

Phone charging station. travelingwellforless.com
Linger on the Skydeck

Eureka Skydeck is a great spot to take in the city. And the views during sunset are spectacular.

What glass observation decks, cubes, or boxes have you tried?

Eureka Skydeck
Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne 3006
(03) 9693 8888
10 am to 10 pm daily
Eureka Skydeck

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15.50 for seniors and students, and $11.50 for children (4 to 16 years old). Children 3 and under are free. Prices are in Australian dollars.

You can add on the Edge for $12 (adults), $10 (students and seniors), and $8 for children.

I recommend booking the Sun & Star package for an additional $5.50. Because it lets you come back a second time. So you can visit in the morning and at sunset or at night.

Pin this to your travel, vacation, or Australia board:

Are the best views in Melbourne worth being trapped in a glass box 984 feet above the ground? Read this review of Eureka Skydeck and the Edge and find out. TravelingWellForLess.com

Comment, tweet, or share this post.

Get the best credit card signup bonuses.

Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube

Got a question? Or want help, suggestions, travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Use the subscription box below to sign-up and get post updates by email.

153shares
  • Facebook 131
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard

Traveling Well For Less has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.


Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for beginning travel hackers. It is the first card you should get to start traveling for free because the welcome offer is 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first three months).
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 2X points on travel and dining, no foreign transaction fees, and transferring points to 13 airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest.
 

Learn more about this card and how to apply



Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of my favorite cards for earning cash back card and travel rewards. It offers a welcome offer of $200 (after spending $500 in the first three months).
 
My favorite perks about this card are earning 5% cash back at grocery stores the first 12 months (up to $12k), unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee. When paired with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can use your points to travel for free.
 

Learn more about this card and how to apply

Filed Under: Australia, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Eureka Skydeck, Eureka Skydeck 88, Melbourne, The Edge

About Debra Schroeder

Debra is a former 12-year travel industry executive and has traveled the world using airline miles and credit card points since 1994. She'll teach you the secrets of traveling well for less.

Previous Post: « Last Chance to Enter to Win a $50 Amex Gift Card
Next Post: Review: Simon Rewards Elite Status and Free Stuff »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. The below responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
  2. Ryan | Blogging From Paradise says

    September 20, 2016 at 7:39 am

    Getting sick looking at it Debra but wow what a view! I could try to do it then cower at the base of the structure, on ground level 😉 I just have an immense fear of heights. Did the Empire State Building. And I also went way high on the Twin Towers when we had ’em. But I still struggle like hell with this one. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      September 20, 2016 at 6:34 pm

      Hi Ryan | Blogging From Paradise,

      I feel for ya. Fear of heights must be hard to overcome.

      It was a pretty cool experience for sure.

      Reply
  3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    September 20, 2016 at 8:14 am

    How gorgeous. Skydecks are one of my favorite experiences. I would love to get a bird’s eye view of Melbroune!

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      September 20, 2016 at 6:35 pm

      Hi Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle,

      You definitely should. It’s pretty awesome and the views were spectacular.

      Reply
  4. Jenn says

    September 20, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    What an exciting experience. I bet the views were even better in real life!!! I don’t know if I’d be brave enough. I hate elevators for the confined boxes. Not sure I could handle that!! Good for you!

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      September 20, 2016 at 6:36 pm

      Hi Jenn,

      Yep, the views were amazing. With all that glass it didn’t feel confining. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rebecca Swenor says

    September 21, 2016 at 1:41 am

    The Eureka Skydeck sounds interesting indeed. I would love to visit here some day. The Edge I would have to try. I am afraid of heights but it would be one way to get over my fear in a hurry. lol. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience and Happy Birthday.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:13 pm

      Hi Rebecca Swenor,

      You’re welcome. 🙂

      You definitely would get over your fear of heights fast, that’s for sure.

      Would love to hear how you liked it, if you do visit the Edge.

      Reply
  6. Tami Qualls says

    September 21, 2016 at 6:53 am

    I don’t think I could do it! I am terrified of heights. My hubby would have a blast though.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      Hi Tami Qualls,

      Oh, that’s a bummer. Visiting the Edge would present a challenge.

      Reply
  7. Alyssa C says

    September 21, 2016 at 6:57 am

    Sounds like a wonderful experience, I am loving all your pictures! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      Hi Alyssa C,

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed the photos. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Chubskulit Rose says

    September 21, 2016 at 10:24 am

    What a beautiful place and that view is breathtaking. That would be a dream come true for me if we visit down under.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:17 pm

      Hi Chubskulit Rose,

      I hope you get a chance to visit if you’re in Australia. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Up Run for Life says

    September 21, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Wow, that looks so scary. I have been in a few sky towers but none of them have been made of glass. I would be so scared it would crack or something.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Hi Up Run For Life,

      It would seem a bit scary. Good thing that glass is super thick and reinforced. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Crystal says

    September 21, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Gorgeous views. I would love to try it but I have a feeling my fear of heights would kick into full effect on the ride up. Seems like an awesome experience.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      Hi Crystal,

      It was an awesome experience.

      Hope you can try it sometime, despite your fear of heights.

      Reply
  11. Nicole Etolen says

    September 21, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    I want to go to the Eureka skydeck too. What a wonderful experienced of yours!

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      Hi Nicole Etolen,

      Yes, definitely try it. You’ll love it!

      Reply
  12. Anosa says

    September 22, 2016 at 8:57 am

    I am loving all the wonderful views you got to see and experience but my fear of heights has my heart tripping over itself.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:20 pm

      Hi Anosa,

      🙁 Yikes, at least you could enjoy the photos. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Gabriel says

    September 22, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Australia is at the top of my list of places to go. Heck, I’d move there in a heartbeat if I could.

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      HI Gabriel,

      We would too. We thought it about when we first visited in 1994 but wasn’t sure about the job market.
      So we visit instead.

      Hope you get to cross Australia off your bucket list. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Shirley Martinez says

    September 23, 2016 at 6:12 am

    This looks Gorgeous! I’d love to visit it someday

    Reply
    • Debra Schroeder says

      November 1, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      Hi Shirley Martinez,

      Thanks. I too, hopeyou can visit someday.

      Reply
  15. glenn says

    February 9, 2017 at 12:06 am

    I want to go to the Eureka skydeck too. I hope I can visit someday with my family.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Debra Schroeder is a travel writer with 26 years of experience using miles and points to travel the world. A former 12-year travel industry executive, she knows how to find the deals and how to creatively finance trips, like getting a trip to Hawaii for practically free or a $26,000 trip to Australia for $208. She’s always looking for the best deal, whether it’s a hostel, luxury resort, or somewhere in between.

Traveling Well For Less

Join 41,008 people who travel more & spend less

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The owner of this website is not a financial planner, investment advisor, legal or tax professional. All articles are based on opinion, have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities mentioned in the post, and should not be relied upon for your individual circumstances.

Recent Posts

  • Spirit Airlines New Frequent Flyer Program
  • Get a 30% Bonus on Hyatt Points
  • Earn Inexpensive Hyatt Stays With Hyatt Night In
  • Disneyland Cancels Annual Pass
  • Top 10 Places to Travel
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2012 - 2020 , Traveling Well For Less. All rights reserved.