Farewell to the Rialto
The Rialto Observation Deck will soon close, taking with it Melbourne’s finest viewing platform.
Melbourne’s famous Rialto Observation Deck will close at the end of the month, costing 30 people their jobs and our city it’s finest viewing point.
I am sorry to see the loss of this marvellous local attraction. Aside from its spectacular views and excellent facilities, I also enjoyed the peace and tranquillity that could be found on the breezy Melbourne 360° viewing platform.
The Rialto Observation Deck was opened in 1994. Back then, Jeff Kennett was Premier, Victoria was recovering from a terrible recession and the Rialto was the nation’s tallest building.
After it’s opening, the Observation Deck immediately became a hit with locals and visitors alike. From the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower, one could see right across Melbourne’s metropolitan area as far as Mount Dandenong and across Port Phillip Bay.
However, in 2006 the Rialto was superseded in height by the Eureka Tower, which opened an observation deck on their 88th floor; 33 floors above the Rialto’s. And whilst I felt the Eureka Skydeck was a much poorer facility, it seems many people disagreed with me.
In some ways, it came as no surprise when the Rialto’s owners announced that the facility would be closed down. They gave no particular reason for closure, but I am guessing it may have been in part because of competition from the Eureka Tower. A classy restaurant will replace the observation deck when the building is redeveloped in 2010.
ABC1’s Stateline programme has a nice video tribute to the Rialto Observation Deck, which you can view here.
This week, I visited the Rialto Observation Deck for one last time. Here are some photos of the occasion:
Comments
3 responses to “Farewell to the Rialto”
I am indeed sorry to read from your blog that that the observation deck is to close soon. Although it is a few years since I took the ride to the top, my memory of the breathtaking views are vivid still. Of course your excellent photo’s help ones recollections and, as usual your written word makes good reading. As I am not likely to visit the Eureka Tower, I cannot comment on the merits or otherwise of that venue.
What a shame.
I found the towers to be one of Melbourne’s highlights
Your photos are really great!
Adam I agree with you wholeheartedly. Eureka is a tourist attraction for the average blo joe. The observation Deck at Rialto was the superior viewing platform, especially for taking photos of the city skyline. Sadly my bi-annual trips to update the changing face of Melbourne, have come to a stop. Eureka is rubbish for trying to take good quality pictures from. R.I.P. Melbourne 360 and my hobby.