Dozens of cities around the world have some kind of tower that dominates the skyline and features an observation deck near the top, but Sydney’s Tower is one of the few that really should not be missed when visiting the city for the first time. It’s not cheap to visit, but it’s honestly one of the best ‘tours’ of Sydney you can get anywhere. It also comes with an impressive multimedia/thrill ride presentation for the same price, so it’s a pretty good deal, at least as long as the weather is clear.
They’ve recently added a new thrill attraction called the Sky Walk, which allows guests who pay significantly more to walk outside on another platform above the observation deck, after some safety training. There is also a buffet restaurant and a normal restaurant on another level of the main deck, so a sky-high meal is possible, though not cheap.
The Sydney Tower is located on top of the Centrepoint Shopping Center in the middle of the Central Business District. You pay your admission near ground level, and that entitles you to the elevator ride to the observation deck, as well as the OzTrek attraction, which is down below.
Sydney Tower
At 305 meters tall, this is by far the highest point on the Sydney skyline, and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the Southern Hemisphere. After a 40-50 second elevator ride you’ll emerge in the 2-level observation deck at 250 meters up. Due to the number of sunny days in Sydney, this will usually provide an amazing view of the entire city including its stunning harbour. This is a huge and sprawling city, so the ability to take it all in within a short time is a real treat, especially on your first visit. Experienced guides provide descriptions of what you are looking at, so you can follow a fairly complete tour of the city in under an hour (for not extra charge) by circling the inside of the deck with a group.
OzTrek
This virtual reality ride located down in the shopping center area recreates a tour all over Australia, through both time and space. Once strapped in to the roller coaster-style seats, guests feel each jarring turn in a way that completely sucks you into the action on the giant screen in front of the room. With 3D and holographic effects, and additional screens that wrap around the sides of the theater, this really is a combination of a thrill ride with a bit of history of the country.
Skywalk
This new attraction is meant to compete with the successful tours up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For an extra cost, in sessions that last 45 minutes, groups get a safety briefing and then don protective clothing before being harnessed to the external walkway poles. Only then does the group go out on the 260m platform above the observation deck for a white-knuckle tour of the city lead by a Skyguide who’ll describe what you are looking at while you try to keep your personal terror in check.
Sydney Tower and OzTrek
Adults – AUD$25
Ages 4-15 – AUD$15
Students and seniors – AUD$19
Skywalk
Adults – AUD$40 additional to purchase of above
Children – AUD$30 additional
If you buy your ticket online you automatically get a 10% discount. Check out the Sydney Tower online ticket page.
You can also download and print out a 10% off coupon from the official Sydney Tower site, or look in local magazines aimed at tourist for coupons that will save you as much as 20% off. These small magazines are available in most hotel lobbies and other places where tourists normally go.
Sydney Tower is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Sunday to Friday: 9:00am to 10:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 11:30pm
Skywalk is open from 9.30am to 8.45pm leaving aproximately every 45 minutes.
Sydney Tower
Centrepoint Podium Level,
100 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (+61 2) 9333 9222
