The Sydney Tower

By Richard Moore

The Sydney Tower (images: TikiTouring.co.nz)

One of the first things you notice about Sydney's crowded skyline is the amazing needle-like structure that dominates it. Sydney Tower stands 304 metres high and from street level it seems to pierce the clouds.

Opened in 1981 Sydney Tower is still the tallest building in Sydney and its circular viewing platform - within its Turret structure - is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere.

Standing 250 metres high it offers visitors a breathtaking viewing platform from which to see one of the world's most spectacular cities.

Imagine being able to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a bird does. Watch as ferries ply their way around the stunning harbour and then turn your gaze around the horizon to see as far as New South Wales' Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and even Wollongong.

There are two ways to get to the Turret's observation deck and revolving restaurants - climb the 1504 stairs - or zoom to the top in one of three small, but fast, lifts. They race up the concrete pedestal of the tower in about 40 seconds and you can watch your upwards mobility via moving red lights.

If you are visiting Sydney in summer I would suggest going fairly early in the day as the lifts are tightly packed and the idea of being crammed into one with other sweaty bodies doesn't really appeal.

Mind you if you try the stairs in early April you may find yourself caught in the middle of a charity fun run. The Sydney Tower Run-Up is regarded as being Sydney's ultimate challenge and draws athletes from around the world.

Once you get to the observation deck take your time - I'd recommend at least an hour - and enjoy the sights. The Sydney Tower is excellent for planning a day's wandering around the city and you may find interesting-looking buildings or parks to visit once you get your feet back on the ground.

While we were up there we spotted a submarine and destroyer docked in Darling Harbour and so pencilled in a visit to the National Maritime Museum the next day.

Sydney Tower Facts:

• The Turret is similar in size to a nine-storey building
  
• Regarded as one of the world's safest buildings it can withstand earthquakes and extreme winds
  
• 56 seven-tonne cables stabilise the tower
  
• The cables, if laid end to end, would reach from Sydney to Alice Springs
  
• A semi-automatic machine cleans the tower's 420 windows - it takes two days to do the lot
  
• The Tower contains more than $1m in fire protection, including a 162,000-litre water tank
  
• The tower's stairs are pressurised
  
• The observation deck and the turret's two restaurants can cope with 960 people at a time

Captivated, a young boy takes in the amazing view (images: TikiTouring.co.nz)

Now if you are still in the mood for some sightseeing after a trip to the observation deck then you could have a look at Skytour - a sensational virtual tour that focuses on Australia's culture, history and geography.

Using amazing high-technology and real motion seats the Skytour allows you to climb Uluru (Ayers Rock), go white water rafting, be an Australian Rules Footballer and get close enough to smell the breath of a salt-water crocodile.

And coming soon to Sydney Tower is a new attraction called the Skywalk.

Visitors - even those in wheelchairs - will be able to get out on to the roof of the turret and feel the wind in their faces from 260 metres above Pitt St.

The Skywalk will be 75 minutes long and everyone who goes on the adventure will be outfitted in safety gear and harnessed to various viewing platforms and walkways.

The Skywalk will be open every day, except Christmas Day, and you'll even get a framed Skywalk photo included in the price of the event.

Sydney Tower Opening Hours:

Sunday - Friday: 9am - 10.30pm
Saturday: 9am - 11.30pm
(A complementary guided tour is available on request and day and night excursions available.)

Tickets prices are:

Adults $22.00
Child (5-16 years) $13.20
Under 5 years FREE
Seniors/Concession $15.85

Family Tickets Available
Family Ticket A 1 adult & 2 children $39.00
Family Ticket B 2 adults & 1 child $45.90
Family Ticket C 2 adults & 2 children $57.00
Family Ticket D 2 adults & 3 children $67.00

Tickets include a visit to the Observation Deck at Sydney Tower and admission to Skytour.

Entry to the Sydney Tower is at 100 Market Street, adjacent to the Pitt St Mall.