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Are you thinking about visiting the Melbourne Skydeck?
I’m not surprised – located in the Eureka Tower, it’s one of the most famous things to do in the city! We visit Melbourne all the time and so naturally we’ve ventured up to the Skydeck. We loved it and definitely think it’s worth adding to your itinerary!
But before visiting any observation deck, I always think it’s worth knowing what to expect before you go. In this blog, we’re going to share our experience, budget travel hacks, and top tips for getting the most out of your visit. Let’s dive in – or should that be rise up?
1. Is visiting the Melbourne Skydeck worth it?
Yes, it is!
We think that the Skydeck it’s totally worth the price, as the view of Melbourne is fantastic from up here. We could see the Melbourne Cricket Ground, all along the Yarra River, and the entire downtown area – so basically, we had a prime view of the entire city! It really was breathtaking.
We also loved getting happy hour drinks at the Skydeck’s Bar 88. Nothing beats a drink with a view, and the 2-for-1 deal runs from 6-8 pm daily. When we visited, happy hour actually coincided with sunset which worked out nicely! We had so much fun up here that we even added it to our weekend in Melbourne blog – it’s an essential addition to your itinerary.
We do wish that there was a little more seating up there to allow visitors to relax and enjoy the views a bit more. Saying that, we managed to find seats at the bar to relax and the Skydeck wasn’t too busy when we went, which was nice because our visit didn’t feel crowded or rushed. Sometimes, observation decks do get super busy which ruins the experience a bit, but that wasn’t the case at all in Melbourne.
Our favorite part of the Skydeck was the outdoor deck because we got to take in the views with the wind on our faces. It’s way more exhilarating than taking it all in from the inside and speaking of thrills, we loved the Edge experience, too (we explain this more below!). It was a tad scary and definitely not for those with a fear of heights, but for us it was a real highlight.
2. Where is the Melbourne Skydeck?
The Skydeck is on Level 88 on Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, which is in Southbank. Basically, it’s right in the heart of the city. There are tons of bars and restaurants in the area to check out afterward, and the CBD is just across the river. You can check out our Melbourne CBD itinerary to find all the “can’t-miss” sights in the area!
The nearest train station to the Skydeck is Flinders Street Station. This is Melbourne’s main transport hub, so getting there really couldn’t be easier as lots of different train lines pass through Flinders Street. You can also take the 59 tram to Flinders Street Station instead – it’s actually in the city’s free tram zone, so this is a good way to save money! Then from there, it’s just a 7-minute walk to the Skydeck.
Related Read: While in Melbourne, be sure to stop by the Queen Victoria Market! Here are our top things to know about the market before you go.
3. How much does it cost to visit?
It depends on which package you choose, as there are different options available (see them all here). We went for The Edge package, which costs $50 AUD per person, including general admission to the Skydeck and The Edge. This is a huge glass cube that sticks out the side of the Skydeck, and it definitely gave us a thrill. We even got a digital photo included with our package!
There’s also the Max VR package for $57 AUD, which we think would be particularly great for those traveling with kids. The Edge might be a bit too scary for children, but they will love the virtual reality experiences, which takes you on a virtual tour of Melbourne and then walking across a narrow plank suspended above the city.
Meanwhile, the Cocktails in the Clouds package is ideal for adults who are keen to try VR but also fancy drinks at Bar 88 afterward! I must admit, I have never tried VR goggles so this is something I’d love to do one day. We enjoyed drinking at Bar 88 but we managed to get a great deal during happy hour rather than booking this package, but that only runs from 6-8 pm, so Cocktails in the Clouds is a good choice for those visiting during the day.
And if you want to do it all, the Ultimate Skydeck option has got you covered. For $72 AUD, you get entry to the Skydeck and the Edge, both VR experiences, a digital photo, and a $5 AUD credit to spend at the bar. I think that’s pretty good value for money, it even made our list of Melbourne’s top cheap activities (check out the rest here)!
Find all of the Skydecks package options here and reserve yours before it sells out!
4. Can you visit the Melbourne Skydeck for free?
Yes, you can go for free by booking lunch or dinner at the Eureka 89 restaurant, which is one floor above the Skydeck. When you make a dinner reservation, you get complimentary access to the Skydeck from 5 pm onwards, so you can go and check out the Skydeck before you enjoy your meal. Alternatively, if you go for Sunday lunch, you’ll be able to visit the Skydeck straight after your booking.
Generally speaking, Eureka 89 is open from 5:30 pm until late, although they do offer lunch on Sundays and sometimes Saturdays at select times of the year. Different tasting menus are available on different days of the week, but prices start at around $190 AUD for a 6-course tasting menu. So yes, it’s definitely not cheap, but this place offers fine cuisine with a panoramic view of Melbourne, so that’s to be expected!
I would recommend booking a table here a few days in advance, or a few weeks during the summer. They get snapped up pretty fast so it pays to be organized. You have to pay in full at the time of booking and this is non-refundable, although you can change the date of your reservation for free up to 24 hours in advance. Reserve your table at Eureka 89 before you go here!
5. Should you purchase your Skydeck tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s a good idea. We got our Skydeck tickets on Viator and recommend that you do the same, as it was so easy. The checkout process was really quick and getting tickets in advance meant we didn’t have to queue for tickets when we arrived. Instead, they just scanned our tickets, and up we went!
You also get free cancellation 24 hours before your specified time when you book on Viator. So we like to reserve our tickets beforehand to secure our spot, but still have the flexibility to cancel if need be!
Book your Skydeck tickets in advance here with FREE cancellation options!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Highlights of the Melbourne Skydeck
The Skydeck
Of course, the Skydeck itself is the main event! We loved the views of Melbourne from up here and thought the admission price represented really good value for money. The price of admission depends on which package you choose but we went for the cheapest package, which included admission to the Skydeck and the Edge for $50 AUD each.
When you book through Viator, tickets are valid from 12 pm until 7:30 pm, and once you’re up you can stay as long as you like – well, until the Skydeck closes at 9 pm, anyway! Our tip would be to go at sunset, as we were just blown away by watching the sunset from up here.
Bar 88
I don’t know about you, but I’ll never say “no” to a drink with a view! So grabbing a cocktail (or two) at Bar 88 is a must while you’re here, as I was impressed by how nice they were. If you opt for the Cocktails in the Clouds package, a drink is included, but we just paid on the day. It was around $10 AUD for a beer and $15-$20 AUD for a cocktail here, but we took advantage of the happy hour between 6-8 pm and got two drinks for the price of one.
Eureka 89
Eureka 89 is the uber-classy restaurant that sits one floor above the Skydeck. I think it’s the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion, or for foodies who want to experience some of Melbourne’s best gourmet cuisine. You’ll need to book at least a week in advance if you want to snag a table here but honestly, even that’s risking it, so I’d suggest two weeks or more to be sure.
Dinner seatings are available from 5:30 pm onwards and cost $190 AUD for the 6-course tasting menu, or $240 AUD for 8 courses. Meanwhile, the 3-course weekend lunch is a bit cheaper at $130 AUD per person. Sure, eating here is pricey, but on the plus side, you get free entry to the Skydeck so you save money in that regard.
Edge
The Edge is a glass box that extends from the Skydeck, making you feel like you’re suspended over the city. When I looked down, I felt like I could see for miles below me, and I certainly got a thrill. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone with a serious fear of heights but I absolutely loved this experience. We got it included with our admission package, which cost $50 AUD each, so it would have been rude not to go!
Voyager Theater
The Voyager Theater is a very futuristic experience. You put on a VR headset and embark on a virtual tour of Melbourne, doing things like riding the tallest roller coaster in Luna Park, gliding along the river, and racing for the Melbourne Cup. I think this is a really fun and exciting thing for kids to do at the top of the Skydeck, and it’s included in the Max VR package, which costs $57 AUD, as well as the Cocktails in the Clouds and Ultimate Skydeck packages.
VR Plank
The VR Plank is the Skydeck’s second VR experience. Only this time, instead of taking a city tour, you get to walk along a narrow plank right over the city. Of course, it’s not real, but the VR here is super high-tech so this should still get your adrenaline going! It’s included in all of the same packages as the Voyager Theater: Max VR, Cocktails in the Clouds, and Ultimate Skydeck.
7. Is this suitable for those afraid of heights?
The main Skydeck is fine for those who are afraid of heights, especially the indoor area. The views are great but it’s not a super thrilling, high-adrenaline experience. However, I would not recommend the Edge experience or venturing onto the outdoor deck if you’re really afraid of heights.
It’s natural to be a bit nervous when you’re staring through the floor of the Edge – I know I was! – but if you have a major fear of heights, I’d recommend skipping those parts.
8. When is the best time to visit, and when is it open?
The Melbourne Skydeck is open from 12 pm until 9 pm, but the last time that you can go up is 7:30 pm. We visited at around 6 pm, which meant we got to enjoy both the sunset and happy hour, so we thought that this was the ideal time to go! Of course, sunset times change throughout the year but going in the evening is best, in our opinion.
Having said that, sunset is the busiest time of day, for obvious reasons. As mentioned, we didn’t actually find it too busy when we went, but if you’re visiting during the summer or school holidays, we think that going at midday when the Skydeck first opens is a good way to avoid the crowds.
9. How long do you need to visit the Melbourne Skydeck?
Ideally, at least 2 hours for the whole experience. We took our time enjoying the view and the Edge experience and then watched the sunset from Bar 88 with a cocktail in hand. It was such a great evening and not something that we wanted to rush!
However, if you’re short on time and aren’t fussed about having a drink or a snack at the bar, then an hour would be enough. That would be plenty of time to check out the main Skydeck, and then enjoy the Edge and/or the VR experiences. Still, we’re glad we took our time.
Related Read: Have more time in Melbourne? Check out our 5-day city itinerary that hits the best sights (including the Skydeck!)
Other Things to do in Melbourne
If you’re looking for more can’t-miss Melbourne activities, we’ve got you covered! The truth is, there is so much to do in this city, so make the most of your time by exploring a bit. Here are a few more of the most memorable things we did in Melbourne!
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This 240-kilometer (150-mile) scenic drive follows the southern coastline and is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour so we could stop at the iconic areas, like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views! This day trip from the city was our favorite Melbourne experience.
- Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens is a huge garden that is home to over 8,500 species of plants. It’s simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through the gardens makes for a lovely afternoon. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!
- Take a food tour – We love a good food tour, and Melbourne just so happens to have a killer food scene. This 3-hour walking food tour highlights the city’s diverse restaurants, from the trendy laneway bars and Melbourne’s famous coffee to Chinese dumplings and sweet pastries! Food and drinks are included for $119 AUD per person.
- Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!
- Day trip to Phillip Island – Phillip Island is one of our favorite day trips from Melbourne because you can see the world’s largest Little Penguin Colony! Famous for their “Penguin Parade” visiting here allows you to see hundreds of Little Penguins waddling back to their burrows. We took this organized tour, which also included stops at the Brighton Boxes and the Moonlit Sanctuary, where we got to hand-fed wallabies and take photos with koalas!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Before you take off for the Melbourne Skydeck, be sure to book somewhere to stay! There are a lot of accommodation options to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is in a rental car.
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time and planning. Plus, we love the freedom of a rental car to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
Car rental in Australia is super affordable, especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. We use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine that compares multiple car rental companies for you – saving you from visiting each website individually.
If you plan to be based in a main city like Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth and do a few day trips while returning your car to the same location, we’ve booked rentals for as cheap as $25 AUD a day! Full coverage insurance can be added for around an extra $12 AUD a day too. The price will vary depending on the time of year, type of car, and if you’re able to pick up and drop off at the same location.
Discover Cars also offers handy filters so you can search for cars that offer features like child seats, GPS, or let you have an additional driver. There are also free cancellation options if your trip changes. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check out the selection and book your car rental online here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide to Melbourne’s Skydeck answered all of your questions! This is an iconic Melbourne activity and gives great views of the city below. No matter what package you choose, we know you’ll enjoy this experience and get the most out of your time in Melbourne.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other Australia blogs. We have traveled here numerous times and love sharing our favorite experiences and top travel tips. Here are a few more blogs that might be helpful as you plan your adventures!
How to Spend 5 Days in Sydney – The BEST 5-Day City Itinerary
Our Favorite Great Ocean Road Bus Tour – Review and What to Expect