Melbourne Observation Deck – Rialto & Eureka

There used to be one Melbourne observation deck, now there are two.

Towering over the skyline and flanking either side of the Yarra, there is the Rialto observation deck and the Eureka skydeck.

Both give you 360 degree views of Melbourne. Both are great Melbourne tourist attractions.

The Eureka skydeck is somewhat higher, but this does not seem to make much difference from up there. The Eureka skydeck is flashy and more of a spectacle.

View from Rialto Melbourne Observation Deck

The Rialto observation deck experience is more ambient. The atmosphere is quieter and you have the opportunity to hang out and take in the views without distractions.

Rialto Observation Deck

Rialto Tower and Observation Deck Melbourne

The Rialto observation deck is one of Melbourne’s longstanding attractions. It stands 253m tall and opened in 1994, eight years after the construction of the Rialto Tower.

There are two terraces giving you the opportunity to step outside the 360 degree glassed in viewing area.

Towards setting sun is a café that offers an opportunity to linger with a snack or coffee – and spectacular sunset views.

There is a TV broadcast in the café, but otherwise the viewing experience from Rialto is quiet, leaving you to enjoy the view.

The Rialto Tower is located in Collins Street, just up from the corner of King Street. You can get there with one of the Collins Street trams.

http://www.melbourne360rialto.com.au/

Eureka Skydeck

The other observation deck, the Eureka skydeck, is the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Melbourne’s highest building. It is the cool Melbourne observation deck.

Eureka is going for a ‘total Melbourne’ experience by playing a constant array of ‘Melbourne sound effects’, such as cheering football crowds and horse racing commentaries. We found this distracting, taking away from the viewing atmosphere.

Eureka’s great attraction is the ‘Edge’, a 3m glass cube that projects out from the tower, leaving you suspended almost 300m off the ground.

A great concept, but again the volume of sound effects is even greater here, and mixed with artificial fog making, can be annoying. It is also not included in the entry and can make the Eureka experience expensive.

The Eureka skydeck has one outside terrace, a canteen with take-away food, but no opportunity to sit and just hang out.

It is located behind the Southbank promenade, halfway between Princess Bridge and the Crown Casino – right between the two foot bridges. It is only a short walk from Federation Square and sightseeing along the Yarra. http://www.skydeck.com.au

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