Go to the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere at this soaring residential tower, which also offers fine dining with breathtaking views.

The Eureka Tower is a soaring residential skyscraper located at Melbourne’s Southbank on the Yarra River. It’s impossible miss the Eureka Tower rising 974 feet (297 meters), it sits above every other structure on the skyline.

The Eureka Tower is named after the Eureka Rebellion, a short-lived battle that took place on Victorian goldfields in 1854 when miners objected to heavy government taxation and licence fees. The rebellion occupies an important place in the Australia psyche as a symbol for resistance to uncompromising authority. The tower’s design incorporates numerous elements of this event. Look to the top for the gold that represents the nuggets from the minefields, and the red strips which represent spilt blood. The tower’s primary colors of blue and white represent the now iconic Eureka flag.

The main attraction of the Eureka Tower is the amazing view offered from Skydeck 88. Zoom up to the 88th level in the fastest elevators in the Southern Hemisphere at speeds of 29 feet (nine meters) per second. Once there, enjoy 360-degree views of downtown Melbourne and its parklands, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Mountains. Learn more about the city below through the interactive viewfinders, then step outside to the terrace.

If heights don’t scare you, step into The Edge a glass cube that extends out from Skydeck 88 and gives visitors the experience of floating hundreds of feet above the ground. If you are enjoying life in the clouds, finish your day with dinner at Eureka 89. This restaurant, located one level up from Skydeck 88, offers an exquisite degustation menu Wednesday through Saturday.

The Eureka Tower is located near the Yarra River in Melbourne’s Southbank. It’s an easy walk from downtown and Federation Square. There is a pay parking lot underneath the tower. Skydeck 88 and The Edge have individual admission fees and are open daily.