The 10 Tallest Buildings in Australia
When you think of skyscrapers, we’re sure buildings including the Burj Khalifa in UAE and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur come to mind, but ‘Down Under’, we have our own impressive collection of buildings. In fact, Australia’s first skyscraper, the APA building, was built in Melbourne in 1889 and was among the tallest buildings in the world in the late 19th century. These days, Australian architects are continually reaching for the skies as states try to out-stretch each other with higher and more innovative skyscrapers. These ten are currently the tallest buildings in the country.
1. Q1
Building, Opera House, Spa
2. Eureka Tower
Building
120 Collins Street
Taking the bronze is 120 Collins Street which stands at 265 meters and is the tallest office building in Australia. Completed in 1991, the building’s postmodern design was inspired by New York City’s art deco buildings. Located at the Paris end of Collins Street, the building has 50 levels of office space and current tenants include Rio Tinto, ASIC and Blue Scoop Steel. The building’s current owners Investa Property Group have worked to refurbish the offices implementing ‘ozone friendly and energy efficient chillers, LED technology lighting to the communications tower, flow restrictors on all taps, a rainwater capture system with on-site capacity of 35,200 litres and a tenant commingle waste collection program.’
3. Collins Street
Building, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
4. 1 William Street
Building
5. Prima Pearl
Building
Rialto Towers
Designed by architects Gerard de Preu and Partners, Rialto Towers opened in 1986 on the west side of Melbourne’s Central Business District. The taller South Tower is 251 meters tall and has 63 floors, while the shorter North Tower is 185 meters high with 43 floors. Named after the historical Rialto Building next door, the tinted glass of Rialto Towers can often be seen changing colours throughout the day from navy to glimmering gold. In July 1994, Melbourne’s first public observation deck opened on the 55th floor and closed in December 2009 to make way for restaurant Vue de Monde.
6. Infinity Tower
Building
7. Central Park
Building
Chifley Tower
Rounding out our top ten list is Sydney’s Chifley Tower, which upon competition in 1992 stood 241 meters tall. However, in 2000 a three-meter lighting rod was added, extending the building’s height to a total of 244 meters. Designed by New York-based architects Travis McEwen and Kohn Pedersen, Fox Chifley has 53 floors and is used primarily by financial institutions and law firms. Until 2010, the French restaurant Forty-One was located on level 42.
2 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW, +61 02 9221 6111
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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