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However, in 2006 the Rialto was superseded in height by the Eureka Tower, which  opened an observation deck on their 88th floor; 33 floors above the Rialto’s. And whilst I felt the Eureka Skydeck was a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: