Sydney skywalk

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Getaway was invited to a sneak-preview of Sydney's latest attraction — Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower, Australia's tallest structure.

The high-altitude adventure, 260 metres above the streets of the city, offers an outdoor walk across a glass-floored viewing platform giving 360° views of the city and way beyond to the golden beaches and Blue Mountains.

After a safety briefing inside the Tower, walkers are given protective clothing to wear and are harnessed to safety rails by sliding cables before beginning the 1½ hour walk along purpose-built steel walkways and platforms. Skyguides point out geographical, historical and cultural landmarks along the way.

The walk begins on the bottom level of the south platform and is lifted by hydraulic devices to the top level. There are two levels with paths which circumnavigate the tower. The south platform is then lowered and you walk around that level, taking the steps to the north platform and onto the second glass edge. Another walk around the lower level and onto the lowered south platform ends your experience.

Once on the south platform for the second time, the Skyguide extends the glass wing which extends over the tower. The Skywalk was built by two construction firms offsite, dismantled and the two thousand pieces taken up the Tower lifts and re-constructed over three months.

Since it opened in 1981, Sydney Tower has welcomed over 16 million visitors. Skywalk anticipates their new venture, the only high-altitude, outdoor experience of its type in Australia, will be just as popular with adrenalin-seekers.

Location

The centre of Sydney.

Cost

Skywalk at Sydney Tower walks start at $109 for adults and $85 for children. It is open between 9am and 10pm every day.

Please note that the prices listed are valid at the time of filming.