Rialto Tower, Melbourne

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One of the easiest ways to orientate yourself in a new city is to take a trip to the top of somewhere high. In the case of Melbourne, this means taking the lift to level 55 of Rialto Towers to the Melbourne Observation Deck. Here you can experience 360 degree views of this diverse city.

ENTRANCE FEES (March 2007) :
Adult $14.50
Child $8.00 (Aged 5-15 years old)
Concession $9.90 (With valid student or seniors card)
Pensioner $9.00
Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children between the ages of 5 and 15) $39.50

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The Observation Deck is located at the Rialto Towers. The tower is on the 55th floor and is 253 metres high. At the Observation Deck you will have a 360-degree views of Melbourne. When you are up there, the views are sooo great! :)

Faxnumber +61-(0)3-9614-8231
Email ob.deck@rialto.com.au

Admission:
Adult $14.50
Child $8.00 (age 5-15)
Concession $9.90 (with valid student or seniors card)
Pensioner $9.00 (with valid student or seniors card)
Family (2 Aduluts and up to 4 children between the ages of 5 and 15) $39.50

Really, Oz ought to stop these crowings about the tower being the highest in the Southern Hemisphere [This has now been supplanted by the Eureka Tower]..

Officially opened in October 1986, the building is accessible from both Collins Street and Flinders Lane. The Rialto is a linked, two tower development comprising 55 floors in the South Tower and 40 in the North Tower. Rialto Towers is a member of the elite World Federation of Great Towers with the Rialto Towers Observation Deck located on Level 55 (opened to the public on 20 July 1994) and accessed by an exclusive entrance.

Got here by city bus. There is a huge colourful red-green-blue "525" sculpture (address of the building) on ground level for folks to take some souvenir shots before making your way up the tower to grab a panoromic 360 degrees view of the lovely city of Melbourne and the beyonds.

You could grab an explanation headset at the entrance (available in various language) pointing out and detailing to you the various structures in the distance. Free use of high-powered binoculars as well.

On a good clear day, the view is breathtaking. Some folks find visiting these towers pointless and a rip-off, but as an avid photographer, I always find the views granted by towers alluring as generally you don't get much chances to see a place from atop. Towers are always a good place to get a starting "feel" of the city.

RATES (2006):
Adult $13.50, Child $7.80, Concession $9.50 & Pensioner $8.50
Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children between the ages of 4 and 15) $38.00

The Rialto Towers is the place to get a birds eye view of the City. The views from our Level 55 Observation Deck are nothing short of breathtaking
RialtoVision Theatre

Don't miss the 20-minute sight and sound extravaganza, the award-winning: 'Melbourne the Living City", in the RialtoVision Theatre.

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Rialto Tower - for a number of years stood proud as the tallest building in Melbourne and the tallest reinforced concrete structure in the Southern Hemisphere It has lost the Melbourne tallest building status to the building featured in most of these images - the Eureka Tower, the world's tallest apartment building for a short period of time.

Completed in 1986, Rialto Towers is a two towered building, 55 storeys and 40 storeys. Of interest to virtually all visitors is the Observation Deck on the 55th floor of the South Tower (exclusive entrance at 525 Collins St), opened to the public in 1994. It takes just 27 seconds to reach the Deck from ground floor level in the lifts (although you usually have to queue for a lot longer!). There is outdoor access at two points on the Deck (but very well-caged!!). There's also a cafe and gift shop.

The Deck provides a 360 degree panorama of the city of Melbourne and, on a clear day, it is claimed you can see up to 60kms away. Included in the entrance fee is a 20 minute 'sight and sound' film extravaganza of Melbourne and surrounds (which, sad to say, is somewhat pathetic).

Costs:
Adult $13.50
Child $7.80
Concession $9.50
Pensioner $8.50
Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children between the ages of 4 and 15) $38.00

Open every day, 10am until late (so see the city by day, at sunset and by night)

So it's not a cheap option, but it does provide great views of the city and beyond.

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The Melbourne Observation Deck is located on the 55th floor in the Rialto Towers at 525 Collins St. It is the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere.
The deck is open every day of the year from 10am until late. Views are spectacular, giving you a better understanding of the layout of Melbourne and beyond. There are also external viewing areas. Binoculars are free of charge.
Included in the admission is a 20 minute "sight and sound extravaganza" in the Rialto Vision Theatre. This features lots of attractions not only in Melbourne but also other parts of Victoria. A video of this is also available for sale from the souvenir shop.
The licensed cafe bar is an ideal place to have a drink or meal while waiting for the sunset.
The Melbourne Observation Deck is a member of the prestigious World Federation of Great Towers.

If you're into taking pictures of Gothic buildings, you can see lots of them at Collins St.

#380 ANZ Banking Museum - (cor. Queen st.) for gargoygles that adorn the facade

#280 Block Arcade - shopping stores with intricate mosaic floors, circa 1891

Scot's Church - circa 1873
St. Michael's Unity Church - circa 1866 (cor. Russell)

Melbourne Town Hall - circa 1870 (they conduct free guided tour)

If you want to see the cityscape of Melbourne at a high altitude and get an overview of the history of Melbourne (through a 20 min film), visit Rialto Towers.

The Melbourne Observation Deck is located 253 metres above the city on the 55th floor of the landmark Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere. The Observation Deck offers spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne. Be prepared for long queues because it's a very popular tourist attraction. The tower opens at 10 a.m. daily. That might be the best time to visit there. Another interesting time is the night when you can see the city lights.

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Some Towers are just there, and some are part of their surroundings. The Rialto Tower is very much part of Melbournes skyline, and the view from the top is excellent. There are plenty of information boards explaining exactly what areas you're looking at, which is a nice touch. There are also some outside viewing areas and included in the ticket price is a short film about Melbourne and it's attractions.

This is a great thing to do if you don't have the time to go exploring all of Melbounre. This way you get to see all of Melbourne and the region beyond.

You get a Free Film with your ticket to Rialto Vision, a 15 minute film showing highlights of Melbounre and Victoria. Up the lift to the observation deck and your find a licensed cafe and bar up there. Theres even outdoor viewing decks and free use of binoculars. A souvenir and gift shop and if you need interpreters there are multi-lingual staff.

If you have obtained a visitors guide you will find a discount coupon at the back. Can't remember how much of a discount it gave, but something is better than nothing.