The Tower Eye is one of Sydney’s classic structures, apart from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House of course. Wherever you are in the Harbour, just look up and you’ll see it. The last time my friends and I were in Sydney, we had to fill in some time between the activities we had booked instead of just sitting in the car. So I suggested going to the Sydney Tower Eye! I’ve been before but not in a long while, and I love going to observation decks or lookouts to view the city. Something about being up so high and looking down on a mini version of what is actually so large is just so spectacular!
So How Was Sydney’s Tallest Structure Built?
Sydney Tower, or Centrepoint Tower as it is also known, has been part of the Sydney skyline for over 40 years, standing at 309 metres tall. Construction of the building started in 1970, but the tower’s observation deck was not officially opened to the public until 1981. The tower’s supporting turret was made from 46 steel barrels which have been bolted and welded together to support the weight of the observation deck. The 4 story observation turret was then constructed at the base of the building and gradually raised to the top where it sits today.
Sydney Tower has been specifically engineered to brave earthquakes and extreme winds with a maximum 1-metre sway. A hydraulic tank, a seismic damper used to reduce vibrations, and the signature high-tensile steel cables surrounding the building all work together to help stabilise the Sydney Tower through this natural motion. Because of this, it is considered one of the world’s safest buildings.
The Ascent!
Being a Saturday, it was fairly busy when we got there. We had our pictures taken and joined the line to wait for the 3 elevators that take you straight to the observation deck. Despite there being a moderate line for the elevators, we didn’t have to wait long. What’s really interesting is that these elevators operate at 3 speeds depending on how strong the winds are at the time. At full speed, the elevators can take you right up to the observation deck in just 40 seconds!
When we stepped off the elevator onto the observation deck, it definitely felt weird for the first few minutes. Seeing how high you are off the ground after only being down there a few minutes ago seems almost unreal. Until you get used to it and then you feel like you’re in heaven. Unless you’re a little acrophobic like one of my friends. She had a little trouble looking right over the edge of the viewing platform, which is understandable as it is the tallest building in Sydney.
It felt peaceful to me to be up this high looking down on the city of Sydney. I felt like I was floating. It was really quiet in the observation deck compared to the busy atmosphere we had been in all day. You could see all the iconic Sydney attractions from this high up; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the Anzac Bridge, and all the places in Sydney I’ve visited throughout my life. You can see views of Sydney Harbour like never before and take amazing pictures from an angle you wouldn’t have seen.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I recently visited the Melbourne Skydeck, which is very similar to Sydney Tower. It has the same vibe, layout and experience, but obviously with different views. The observation platform at Sydney Tower isn’t as tall as Melbourne Skydeck, but the views are still amazing. Some would say “Been there, done that” but I wouldn’t mind visiting Sydney Tower Eye, or any observation tower for that matter, multiple times. Honestly, if it was free, I would visit every time I was in Sydney.
One thing that saddened me a little while visiting Sydney Tower, was the amount of people who were sitting on their phones instead of looking out at the views. Now I know people want to take photos of what they’re seeing, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about people sitting with their backs against the window watching videos or looking at social media rather than taking in what a wonderful experience they have the opportunity to enjoy. I know $30 isn’t a lot to some people, but it doesn’t feel right to me to spend money to see something so valuable, only to be distracted by something you can see every day. This is a chance to put your phone down and see the world. Don’t waste it.
Now, it wouldn’t be a classic Aussie attraction without a gift shop. They had the signature snow globes, magnets, keychains, t-shirts and anything else you would expect to find at an Australian tourist destination. But I couldn’t leave without a cute little stuffed koala with “The Sydney Tower Eye” embroidered on its belly. And for a gift shop, it was pretty cheap too! I guess you pay for the experience. The Sydney Tower Eye also offers cafes, restaurants and a skywalk if you’re feeling brave enough, but we weren’t really feeling too invincible that day. Maybe next time.
All photos in this post were taken by me or my friends.
For more information about the Sydney Tower Eye and its construction, here are the resources I used in my post.
https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/explore/explore/about-sydney-tower/
The Travel Journal 
Leave a comment