These are 3 of my favourite ways to see Melbourne city from a birds eye view. Each has its pros and cons.

Rialto Tower Observation Deck

View of Bolte Bridge (right handside) from Rialto Tower

Rialto Observation Deck
525 Collins Street
Melbourne

Pros:

• This was the original ‘observation deck’ where you get a birds eye view of Melbourne city for up to 60 km on a clear day and a short film about Melbourne’s history
• The Deck has:
  > Clear floor to ceiling windows, fantastic for photography
  > Outdoor decks surrounding the perimeter
  > A licensed café
  > Free telescopes
  > A view that extended not only beyond the CBD, but within the CBD also

Cons:

• It is currently closed as a restaurant is going to be built here (closed at 31 December 2009)
• Once the restaurant is built, you will have to fork out more cash to dine and enjoy the view then before

Eureka Tower

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) seen on the left hand side on top of yarra river - view from Eureka Tower

Eureka Tower
7 Riverside Quay
Southbank, Melbourne

Pros:

• The newest and tallest tower in the Southern hemisphere (300 meters)
• Extremely high views that stretch out far distances
• It has ‘The Edge’ which is an all glass box that projects 3 meters out of the building to provide you with a thrilling birds eye view experience
• Excellent views of Melbourne’s North River Central Business District Skyline

Cons:

• It costs $16.50 for adult and $11 for students/concessions
• The deck is criticized for it’s fluorescent lighting which reflects off windows making quality photography and even viewing of the surrounds difficult
• No comfortable dining or seating areas for viewing
• Limited outdoor decks with mesh that obstructs views
• No telescopes

The Toilet of Level 35 of Sofitel Melbourne

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) seen on the far left - from the toilet of Level 35 of Sofitel Melbourne

Sofitel Melbourne (Level 35 Atrium Bar Toilet)
25 Collins St
Melbourne

Pros:

• It’s free, access to the atrium is free and the toilets on this Level 35 of the hotel are free for visitors and guests alike
• Though you are essentially in a bathroom/toilet, they are quite nice toilets
• You have the opportunity to enjoy the view alone
• The view is through one very long windows to Melbourne’s East

Cons:

• The view is amazing but not as good as Rialto or Eureka Tower
• You need to go to the  toilet to enjoy the view, also you cannot enjoy with your loved ones of the opposite sex as you each have to go to male and female toilets

SO which one is your favourite??

Related posts:

1. Sofitel Atrium Bar (Level 35) - Bird Eye View of Melbourne
2. Rialto Tower - Bird Eye View of Melbourne
3. The Eureka Tower (Level 88 & 89) - Bird Eye View of Melbourne
4. Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower)
5. Arthurs Seat - Maze, Mornington Peninsula View

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