Review: Is Skypoint Observation Deck & Climb Worth it?

Is the Skypoint Observation Deck & external climb experience worth it? When planning a Gold Coast trip you often question whether the views (and price) live up to the hype. Skypoint is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, but deciding whether to visit isn’t always straightforward.

Issues arise when figuring out what you actually get for your money. Is the view significantly better from the climb than from the deck? Is there a real difference between daytime and sunset visits? And for those with a fear of heights, is the external climb too intense or still enjoyable?

Having done both the Skypoint Observation Deck and the external climb myself, I’ll walk you through my honest review! What the experience is like, what you’ll see, how much time you’ll need, and whether it’s worth including on your Gold Coast trip.

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My Overall Review: Skypoint Observation Deck & Climb?

If you’re looking for the best views on the Gold Coast, I think the SkyPoint Observation Deck is an absolute must-do. Ticket prices are for multiple entries in the same day so you can get a Day & Night time experience.
For those after a little more adventure, the SkyPoint Climb takes the experience to the next level, literally! Stepping outside onto the top of the building for a guided climb is thrilling and gives you a unique perspective of the coastline.

My Observation Deck Experience!

Located on the 77th floor of the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise, it offers phenomenal 360-degree panoramic views stretching from the beachside coastline to the Gold Coast hinterland.

I have to admit that I do prefer to visit during the day, which is better for views and taking photo’s. The night time is great with the city street lights, but I think the lights on the observation floor, deters from the ones outside and also harder for photo’s

In fact, if you only had one day available in Surfers Paradise, this would definitely be on my list! The good thing is a single ticket is for a FULL DAYS pass and you can visit as much as you like, as long as it’s on the same day. This means you can go up day and night to compare the different prospective yourself.

In the end, whether you visit during the day, at sunset, or in the evening when the city lights twinkle below, the views are simply unforgettable.

What makes SkyPoint special is not just the scenery, but also the atmosphere. The deck has a relaxed café and bar where you can enjoy coffee, snacks, or even a cocktail while soaking up the views.

The layout is spacious, with lots of seating (but these can fill up fast in busy times) and plenty of room to wander around. I found it a perfect spot to take a break from the buzz of Surfers Paradise and just appreciate the beauty of the region from above.

Opening hours can change seasonally, but generally open from 730am to 9am, 7 days a week. However, it can closes from time to time with Private bookings and you should check their website for up to date times for your visit.

Keep in mind, No outside food and beverages, including alcoholic, can be consumed on the Observation Deck. Plus, they are diligent with safety, and don’t allow outside glassware and knives to be bought into their facility.

How much is the Observation Deck?

Prices for the Observation Deck start from $42 for a single entry adult, but discounts can be applied to children, weekday visits, family’s, locals, or packaging with the external climb and/or dining.

➡  Get your Tickets for the Observation Deck HERE with GYG.

These can be purchased online, or direct from the bottom floor of the Q1 Building. And, you can access the entry on the corner of Clifford St and Surfers Paradise Blvd.

As mentioned above, your ticket cost is for the whole day, so you can exit and return several times, without paying any extra.

The Elevator Ride

You will start your adventure in one of Australia’s fastest elevators.

This takes you from the ground to Level 77 in 42.7 seconds ( Yep, your ears are going to pop). You’ll exit the elevator and have free range to walk around the observation deck for as long as you like.

About the Observation Deck

The Observation Deck is situated 230m above ground and offers 360-degree views of the stunning Gold Coast. Therefore, you can sit back and take in the amazing views of the beach, cityscape and the hinterland, all from the one spot in Surfers Paradise.

Café and food!

This level also offers high-quality hospitality with all-day dining and a buffet breakfast.

They have a lovely menu, but the prices are not the most budget-friendly, so I tend to just go for the views. However, they can help cater for conferencing and events and versatile to suit a range of sizes.

My Skypoint External Climb experience!

After completing this climb twice, I would recommend this as a unique adventure on the Gold Coast. If I was to compare it to something else, then the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Brisbane Story Bridge climbs come close!

But, this is much, much higher and I just love the beach views.

Plus, It’s not that strenuous to walk around it, and there are plenty of stops for guided information. Once you’re at the top, you can see for miles in every direction (especially on a clear day).

The hardest choice for me was deciding when to do the Skypoint Climb! During the day will be the clearest views, but completing it at night or sunset is a very different experience.

This includes watching the sun hide behind the horizon (past the Gold Coast Hinterland), or seeing the night time skyline lights in the distance.

Check in and Cost

The Climb should be booked in advance, and prices start for an Adult ticket from $99. Once you check in on bottom floor, you’re directed to a room to change into their sexy onesie suits and harnessing gear.

This is also when they go over the rules, safety and you can also be breathalysed for alcohol.

After that, the entire group is directed to the same elevator for the Observation Deck on level 77. Once at the top, you’re walked over to a glass chamber, which is your in-between point from inside and outside and where you’re strapped into the railing system.

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My First moments outside

In no time, we get to the the adrenaline pumping part, and take out first steps outside and up a ladder with about 10 steps!

Then, you will be standing on a platform 270 metres above sea level and gasp at the first unrestricted (no Glass) & 360 degree views.

➡  Book your Tickets for the Observation Deck HERE with Get your Guide.

The outside climbing section

Ultimately, for those that can handle the heights, you will experience brilliant day time views or the finest sunrises or sunsets you could ever imagine. Plus with an easy walk of 30 metres, I think this is one of the must-do attractions in Surfers Paradise.

NOTE: If you are a little frightened of heights or suffer vertigo, this may NOT be the experience for you.

You’re walked along slowly, maybe 5 or so steps at a time. The guide will explain about where you are and facts about Surfers Paradise. Including, the surrounding suburbs, buildings nearby and answer any questions you might have.

Eventually, you make it to the top and where you’ll spend a bit of time getting photo’s (these are taken by your guide). You can simulate leaning over the edge or trying to fly away, it’s all in good fun!

Once your finished at the top, it’s a slow 30 metres down the other side and back inside.

How much time do you need?

The whole Climb experience takes about 1.5 hours to 2 hours from start to finish. This includes check in, meeting downstairs to suit up, safety information, elevator to the top, complete the climb and elevator to the bottom.

Although, add on some extra time if you intend on visiting the Observation deck before or after your climb. This should be minimum 30 minutes, but could be longer with wait times on the Elevator.

NOTE: The Climb participants have priority on the elevator. But, only when your doing the climb!

Do you have safety concerns?

Know that the entire time your outside the Q1 building, your strapped into a purpose-built railing system that makes it impossible to via away from the path.

Because of this railing system, the order that the climbers are walked outside, is the order you’ll stay in for the entire time.

While you have a little bit of freedom on the walk, you’ll essentially, move together as a group while listening to the group leaders.

The team pride themselves on diligent safety and it actually takes about 30 minutes to go through these details beforehand.

If you have any concerns about safety or other things you might want to know, it could be handy to view their considerations and what restrictions are in place that may affect your booking.

Is the climb weather dependant?

The Skypoint Climb is weather-dependent to a certain degree.

However, It may be cancelled in cases of severe weather conditions. This includes heavy rain, strong winds, and especially thunderstorms, which could compromise safety.

If the climb is cancelled due to weather, the staff typically offer options to reschedule or provide a refund. Therefore, It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you book. Otherwise, contact the venue ahead of your scheduled climb to confirm its status.

Just so you know, I completed my first climb in a small amount of rain. Truthfully, this wasn’t the most pleasant time to do it, but, it certainly made for an interesting story afterwards!

Fact: The Climb involves walking right past the The Q1 Building Spire, which is known for attracting lightning bolts. Hence the reason why it’s cancelled during times like these!

How to get to the Q1 Building?

Like anywhere you plan to travel to, it is nice to become familiar with the options available to you before you get there. Therefore, here are a few things to consider when making your trip to the Q1 Building.

By Car

Obviously, you can easily drive there, but parking bays can be hard to find in this area and you’ll have to feed the meter based on time.

Q1 offer 50 complimentary parks in the underground carpark below the Q1 Building. However, guests need to register car details in the lobby, whilst waiting for the lift.

Entry to this car park is off Hamilton Ave, down the driveway just after the resort drop off area. This car park has a 2.2 metres high clearance and is available for the duration of your visit, open from 7:30 am until close.

By Public Transport

It’s more convenient that the Surfers Paradise TRAM station is across the road from the Q1 building, and my best recommendation for tourists to get here using public transport.

Keep in mind that while the Gold Coast is not part of Brisbane, they do share the same Translink Public Transport network. This means you can use the same GoCard or Smart Ticketing Credit card for using the Tram and you Tap on and off the different stops.

Tip: You can click HERE to watch my YouTube on Public Transport to help get you around the Gold Coast.

About the Q1 Accommodation & Fun Facts!

The Q1 building is a brilliant addition to visit on your Surfers Paradise Itinerary. Boasting elite and exclusive accommodation options with a penthouse that covers an entire floor. In Fact, you can select from one, two, three or four bedroom apartments, catering for the whole family or romantic experience.

➡  Book your stay for the Q1 Resort & Spa HERE with Booking.com.

Some fun facts about Q1:

• Highest external building climb in Australia.
• 270 metres above sea level.
• 360-degree views.
• Q1 Spire located at the summit is one of the world’s longest at 97.7m.
• Q1 is taller than the Chrysler building.
• 25th tallest building in the world, 322.5m high!
• There is 1331 steps from the Ground Floor to level 77.
• The design of the Q1 Building is inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch and the Sydney Opera House.

Is Skypoint owned by Dreamworld?

The Skypoint Brand is part of Ardent Leisure and includes other attractions like Dreamworld and Whitewater World (this is only 2 of the many Theme Parks available on the Gold Coast).

Luckily, you’ll find that yearly passes to Dreamworld will actually include entry tickets onto the Level 77 Skypoint Observation Deck.

However, the yearly passes don’t include the Skypoint Climb and you will have the purchase that separately.

Wrap up!

After reading the information and review my experience, do you think the Skypoint Observation Deck & Climb is worth checking out for yourself? I would like to think you would give it go, granted it’s something in your vacation budget!

If anything, I hope you found the information you were looking for. But, if you’re still researching, please gather more Gold Coast information here to help you plan.

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