Joanna James
Arguably, the talk of the town when it comes to Melbourne, the Eureka Skydeck is the city's tallest structure. Provided are 5 interesting facts about this spectacle that many may not be aware of.
Not only is the Eureka Skydeck Melbourne's most sought-after attraction but this imposing engineering masterpiece represents a range of highlights that cannot go unnoticed. Firstly, the Skydeck has been recognized as the Southern Hemisphere's highest public viewing platform standing tall at a staggering 300 meters against the brilliance of the city skyline. Dwarfing some of the more recognizable commercial establishments in the city, the Skydeck finds its way into the list of the top 100 tallest buildings in the world, currently maintaining the 96th position. Furthermore, the Eureka Skydeck boasts as being the tallest residential structure ever to be built. What's more? Tourists wanting to catch a glimpse of the surrounds of this cosmopolitan city will be escorted in lifts that travel at a hair-raising speed of 9 meters per second to have travellers reach the building's 88th floor in a matter of just 38 seconds!
The constructors of Eureka Skydeck had to factor in natural elements such as the wind and weather as Melbourne has a reputation for throwing up blustery conditions frequently. As part of the building design, 2 water tanks each measuring 300,000 liters were fitted onto the 90th and 91st level respectively in order to prevent excessive swaying during severe weather conditions. Also, the tower can bend up to a maximum of 600 meters.
From 2001 to 2006, the builders of Eureka Skydeck included an enormous 110,000 tons of concrete that increased the weight of the building to a scale-shattering 200,000 tons of solid construction.
Though looking up from the ground floor will take some effort, it is pertinent to note that at the topmost position of the Skydeck a certain glow remains, and here is why. The Skydeck's top 10 floors were designed in a way to not merely elevate the building to the current position that it enjoys but to make it shine and glow bright regardless of the time of the day. Thus, when the building was complete, the glass on these floors was plated in 24-carat gold.
Complementing the lifts of the Skydeck which are required to be in excellent working condition day in and day out, are some 3,680 stairs that certainly hold their own and interestingly enough, remain part of the appeal of calling by this attraction. The biggest vertical race in Australia is held annually and the location of the same is the Skydeck where eager participants can be seen attempting to out-race each other en route to successfully reaching the 1,642nd step which is the finish line of what is termed the 'Eureka Climb.' Therefore, if contemplating ways by which you may reach the Skydeck and also, join in the enthusiasm and competitive nature of the race itself, look to be based at Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel which is one of the hotels near Marvel Stadium and further, a mere 10-minute walk from Eureka Skydeck.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
