Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sydney Tower
4
VISITORS' CHECKLIST
100 Market St.
Map
1 B5.
Tel
9333 9222.
@
Sydney Explorer,
all city routes.
4
Darling Harbour.
St James, Town Hall.
City Centre.
Sydney Tower
#
9am-10:30pm daily.
Skywalk
#
9:30am-8:45pm daily.
¢
25
Dec.
6
7
8
0
-
=
www
.sydneytower.com.au
The highest observation deck in the southern
hemisphere, the Sydney Tower was conceived as
part of a 1970s shopping centre, but was not
completed until 1981. About one million visitors a
year admire the stunning views, often stretching
for over 85 km (53 miles). A landmark in itself, it
can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, and
far beyond. Visitors can also take a 45-minute
Skywalk tour over the roof of the tower.
The 30-m (98-ft)
spire
completes the
total 305 m (1,000 ft)
of the tower's height.
The water tank
holds 162,000 litres
(35,500 gallons)
and acts as an enor-
mous stabilizer on
very windy days.
Observation Level
Views from Level 4 stretch to Pittwater
in the north, Botany Bay to the south,
westwards to the Blue Mountains, and
along the harbour out to the open sea.
Skywalk
Level 4:
Observation
Level 3:
Coffee shop
Level 2:
Buffet
restaurant
Level 1:
A la carte
restaurant
The turret's nine levels
include
two restaurants, a café and the
Observation Level.
The windows
comprise three layers. The
outer has a gold dust coating. The frame
design prevents panes falling outwards.
The 56 cables
weigh
seven tonnes each. If
laid end to end, they
would reach from New
Zealand to Sydney.
The shaft
is designed
to withstand wind
speeds expected only
once in 500 years.
The stairs
are two
separate, fireproofed
emergency escape
routes.
Double-decker lifts
can carry up to 2,000
people per hour. At full
speed, a lift takes only
40 seconds to ascend
the 76 floors to the
Observation Level.
New Year's Eve
Every year, visitors
flock to Sydney's
highest observation
deck to watch the
fireworks over the city
and Harbour Bridge.
Construction of Turret
The nine turret levels were
erected on the roof of the base
building, then hoisted up the
shaft using hydraulic jacks.
OzTrek
has a 180-
degree cinema and
heart-stopping, real-
motion seating.
