Are you budget conscious traveller and need to decide whether you should visit the Melbourne Star or Eureka Skydeck? Are you strapped for time and can only do one of these attractions? Or are you simply having a special day out? Then read on because we did both on our most recent trip to Melbourne so you don’t have to. Read on for Melbourne Star vs Eureka Skydeck.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is a 120m tall ferris wheel located in Docklands. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and offers uninterrupted 360 degree panoramic views of Melbourne. The adult entry fee is $36 however it can be purchased online at a cheaper rate.
The service we received from every employee we dealt with was outstanding. Luckily for us there was no queue on arrival so we got straight into our cabin. We loved the experience in the cabin and the fact that it was just us definitely helped. I really liked how spacious it was and how you can move about the cabin. You have 30 minutes to sit or stand to absorb the view while the kids are contained. So because there is no running after them, you can truly enjoy the view.
The location! You certainly get 360 degree views but I felt like we missed a lot of the city because of the location. The views are great but not as impressive as expected. There is no cafe within the site but there are some in close proximity. The opening hours were also a let down during our time in Melbourne as we would have love to have done this in the evening. The last flight from May to August is at 6.30pm. However this extends to 10.30pm for the remaining months. Finally, we felt $36 was a little expensive for the experience.
The Eureka Tower is a skyscraper standing at 297m tall in Southbank. The Skydeck is located on the 88th floor and boasts being the highest public observation deck in the Southern hemisphere.
The view is simply stunning and totally worth it! You can stick around as long as you like and there is a licensed cafe on the floor. So there is no walking needed if you’re in need of a hot or cold drink. We were expecting it to be very busy as it was Friday night but we were surprised to see how quickly people moved along during the time we were there. Another positive is the location! Once you’re done taking in all the views you can go for a stroll down Southbank and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Bag checking before you enter the lift, but hey, not out of the norm in this day and age. It’s not as private as the Melbourne Star experience asyou share the Skydeck with every other visitor. Also be prepared for some ear popping as the lift quickly goes up to the 88th floor.
So to finalise our deliberation. The Melbourne Star was a cool experience but if we could only do one of these, we would head to Eureka Skydeck, hands down!
The views are easily better. We couldn’t even see the Melbourne Star from Eureka Skydeck as it was hidden behind some other buildings. This does show you how much higher Eureka Skydeck is. Another big plus is that you are not restricted to just 30 minutes and are free to roam around the floor to take in all the different views of the city. But what tops it off is the price tag is much better for what we thought was a better experience. Eureka Skydeck was just $20 compared to $36 for the Melbourne Star.
I hope these pointers help you choose and most importantly, have an awesome visit.
Have you already been to either of these attractions? Do you think there something we missed? Let’s chat! Leave us a comment below.
Elisa
The World n Us
Travel with Kids | Travel Blog | Travel Vlog
ps. Travelling with kids? Then don’t forget to check our tips and our take on the good, the bad and the ugly of travelling with kids.
12 Responses
I love the skydeck too. Will definitely have to take the kids up next time we are in Melb.
We haven’t been to Australia yet, but these look like great family activities. Unfortunately I’m a little afraid of heights.
Thanks for your detailed reviews! After reading these I feel like I will opt for the Eureka Skydeck as well. The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel sounds good, too, but its distant location certainly makes it less convenient to visit.
The views from Eureka Skydesk are definitely winners, the entire city looks so small below you. I like night views more than the day ones, all the lights make the city seem so alive. The Melbourne Observation Wheel sounds cool as well, shame about the location though.
The city definitely looks more spectacular at night. I would be nice to do the Melbourne Star in the evening but unfortunately you couldn’t do it during our time there.
Never been to Melbourne but since there is so much to see, this post is really helpful! Thanks for sharing!
No worries, I’m glad you found it helpful.
Wish they had a buffet up there with a 360 view haha
great blog!