Skypoint Observation Deck on the Gold Coast

Skypoint observation deck offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.  Get a sneak preview and all the information you need to plan your trip.

We recently won passes to the Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck and decided to combine a trip up to enjoy the view, with a beach day in Surfers Paradise and trying out a new cafe that’s been on our must-visit list since it opened about 6 months ago.

When we visit a new city or area we make it a habit to find a high point to get a different perspective.  We find it really helps us to get orientated quickly and find our way around in the days that follow.

Further Reading:  Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Japan  | Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne, Australia

Of course, we’re already pretty familiar with the Gold Coast but Skypoint is Australia’s only coastal observation deck and to be honest, I did gain a renewed appreciation of the beauty of the coastal city and was wowed by just how extensive the waterways are with the benefit of a birds-eye view.  

Through the Australian winter as the humpback whales use the east coast as a superhighway to their breeding grounds in the tropical waters of north Queensland you’ll also likely spot a spout or two out in the distance.

The Q1 Skypoint Experience

When you arrive at the Skypoint entrance you can purchase your ticket or exchange your voucher at the reception desk.  You’ll then be taken to the lift entrance and escorted up to the 77th floor.  

The ride up 230 metres into the sky takes less than 43 seconds making it one of the fastest elevators in the world.  Remember to look up while you are in the lift, there’s a screen above your head showing the ascent up the lift shaft and displaying your altitude and the floor you’re currently passing.

You exit the elevators on the southern side of the building and are able to walk around to get the full 360-degree view.  The viewing deck is on a single floor with a couple of steps down from the mezzanine area to a floor-to-ceiling glass windowed area.  

There is also a ramp here making it fully accessible.  Skypoint viewing deck is entirely indoors so the view and any photography are through the glass windows.  Although clearly plenty of effort goes into polishing the glass to a streak-free finish, stick fingers and reflections can make photography through it a little challenging, especially on a bright day.

In hindsight possibly later afternoon and staying for the sunset may be the optimal time to visit if photos are a priority but the sparkling turquoise water below is hard to fault at any time.  

The sun rises out to sea from here and sets behind the mountain ranges to the west.  I’d say the view is pretty stunning at most times but we were lucky to get such a clear bright day, it really showed off the spectrum of turquoise and blue in the ocean.  

In July, the middle of winter, it’s too cold for me to swim but there were some who were feeling a little braver and I can see how it looked inviting enough to hop in.

There’s an audiovisual display in the theatre on the mezzanine level and high-powered binoculars around the perimeter to take a look at some of the features and landmarks further out.  

When you’re done walking around the perimeter there are a number of comfortable chairs to relax and enjoy the view or to have a drink, snacks or even high tea from the Seventy7 cafe in the centre.

The Skypoint App

Something that can be a challenge from these viewing decks or the top of a mountain for that matter, is working out exactly what you are looking at.  Skypoint has come up with the best solution I have seen so far in the Skypoint App.  It’s a free app that you can download that enables you to identify what you’re looking at.

Open the app and select the Skypoint Tour on the menu.  As you walk around the viewing deck rotate through the 360-degree panorama on your phone or tablet to give you pointers on the attractions in each direction.  Click on those that interest you to get more detailed information, you can read the description or select it to play the associated audio file.   

Q1 Skypoint Visitors Information

How to get to the Skypoint Observation Deck

Walking

Located in Surfers Paradise, the most famous of the Gold Coast beaches.  It’s a short 500-metre walk from Cavill Ave which is generally considered the central hub of Surfers.

Public Transport

If you are staying on the Gold Coast and want to use the Gold Coast light rail system there’s a stop right outside Q1 Skypoint.  From there you can travel as far south as Broadbeach, the terminal is outside Pacific Fair, or as far north as Gold Coast Hospital.  The next section of the light rail through to Helensvale will open in early 2018 which will connect the Gold Coast beaches to the Queensland rail system, you will then be able to travel right through to Brisbane City and Airport.

Driving

Free parking for Skypoint guests is available in their underground garage.  We parked beachfront at Surfers North as we were heading to the beach and in search of coffee first, it’s free street parking along there but you will need to walk a little way, the beach parking that’s closer to the centre of Surfers works on an automated pay and display system.  If you are using street parking do watch the signs as there is a bit of variation on what is free vs paid and also with time limitations on business days.

Skypoint is shown on this map, open the map and select directions if you want to work out the distance or time from your current location.

Skypoint Observation Deck Hours

Skypoint is open from 7.30 am until 7.00 pm Sunday through Thursday.  There is an extended closing time on Friday and Saturday until 9.00 pm although entry closes 30 minutes earlier.  Without daylight saving in Queensland that is late enough to see the sunset on any day of the week.

Skypoint Observation Deck Costs

There are a variety of ticket types available.

For general admission as described above, it’s $27 for adults and $17 for children.

A day/night ticket to enjoy the views by day, then return to watch the sunset and lights come on across the city is $34 for adults and $19 for children.

For convenience and sometimes advance booking deals, you can order your Skypoint tickets online.

Looking for a hotel on the Gold Coast?  The Skypoint Tower is also home to the Q1 Gold Coast Resort and Spa.