Rialto Towers

Rialto Towers

Rialto Towers is the tallest building in Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. Completed in 1986, it stands on Collins Street, known as the city's financial district. This skyscraper was ranked among the top 30 tallest buildings globally in 2004 and remains the tallest commercial building in the Southern Hemisphere, soaring to a height of 251.4 meters. With its antenna spire included, the total height reaches 270 meters. The entire building exterior is made up of 13,000 glass panels, making it one of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks.

Rialto Towers is actually a twin-tower structure, consisting of two separate buildings — the South Tower (the taller one) and the North Tower (the shorter one). The South Tower’s highest point reaches 251.4 meters, while the North Tower stands at 190 meters. From July 19, 1994, to December 31, 2009, there was an observation deck on the 55th floor, at a height of 234 meters, offering 360-degree views of major Melbourne landmarks and cityscapes such as the Yarra River, Albert Park Lake, Government House, Southgate, and the Victoria Arts Centre, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists. However, after the observation deck closed at the end of 2009, it was transformed into a high-rise restaurant where visitors can now enjoy fine dining while taking in the surrounding panoramic views.

Rialto Towers has a total of 1,450 steps from the ground to the top, and it also hosts an annual stair-climbing race, which is quite a fun event.

Rialto Towers

Reason to visit: The tallest commercial building in the Southern Hemisphere

Continent: Oceania

Country/Region: Australia

State/Province: Victoria

City: Melbourne