Eureka tower

Over the past couple of weeks, Tim's mother and sister were visiting us in Melbourne, and we had a very lovely time doing some touring with them.

One place we visited early during their stay was the Eureka Skydeck. The Skydeck website advertises that this is the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere, and that "nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe inspiring view of Melbourne."

Since there was no way to be prepared for the view, we didn't prepare.  Except to look up the address.  And admission cost.  And to make sure we brought the admission money.  But that was it.  No 72 hour kit or anything. 

Here I am in front of the Eureka tower, totally unprepared. 

The tower is near the Yarra River, which cuts through central Melbourne.  Below is what the Yarra looks like from the 88th floor.  You can see the stadium in the center of the picture.  It's the park just to the north of the stadium where they shot off fireworks on the 4th of July.  Off in the distance you can see the Dandenong Mountains, where the Healesville zoo is located. 

And here is a picture of the central business district.  The bright orange building with the green round roof at the very bottom in the center of the picture is the Flinders Street train station, the main station.

Wrapping around, here's a view straight north.  Just past the tallest of the buildings is where the University of Melbourne is located, where I work.  Unfortunately, there was glare on the window, so it's hard to see anything.  Nestled in the tall buildings is the place Tim took Japanese lessons. 

Looking towards the west, you see the Yarra again, winding towards the Docklands. 

To the south is Port Phillip Bay.  And beyond that, Tasmania (not visible). And beyond that, Antarctica.

To the southeast is our house.  Do you see it?  Find the large water in the top right of the picture.  That's the bay.  The beach there is St Kilda.  Come inland a bit to the lake.  That's Albert Park, where the racing was held.  Cross through Albert park, through the glare in the center of the picture, and there is a large park again.  That's Fawkner Park.  And we live adjacent to Fawkner park right smack in the glare part.  Cool, eh?

So there you have it.  An aerial tour of the entire city of Melbourne.  I bet you were totally unprepared for those views, weren't you?  And you didn't even go up the tower.

Here's one last photo.

Look how tall I am!  Even without going up 88 floors in an elevator.