The Sydney Tower is one of the tallest structures in the world and is the highest building in Australia. Even though it was opened back in the 80s, long before the skyline has been reshaped by the new shiny skyscrapers, the 250 meter spire still stands well above the rest of the cityscape.
If you are visiting Sydney for a short time, taking an elevator to the observation deck on top of the tower is an excellent way to get an express tour – the place offers an incredible 360 view of the entire city, as far as 80km away. And while the way up can leave some dizzy, the tower is considered to be one of the safest buildings in the country. Since Australia is placed on top of tectonic plates, architects made sure that the construction can withstand even the strongest earthquakes.
Coming back down, the visitors plunge into the hustle and bustle of the George Street that for the longest time has been Sydney’s main artery. Follow the crowd to reach other landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, or just stay in one of the many cafes around the Sydney Tower and marvel at how well this futuristic spire manages to mix with a much older Victorian architecture, making the city look even more classy.
Excited about exploring more of Sydney and Australia? Here are a few recommendations for you:
- Lonely Planet Sydney. An in-depth city guides with maps, itineraries and cultural insights.
- Lonely Planet Australia. Ready to venture outside of Sydney? Grab this comprehensive guide to the beautiful country down under.
- Urban Nation. Australia’s Planning Heritage. Are you interested in architecture and urban planning? This book is a great read about Australia’s contribution to the science of designing cities.
