The Southern Hemisphere Sky Is Mine～Top 5 “Fly High” Experiences in New Zealand & Australia

Written/Compiled by Wei Ruyi, Reported by Moleskine Editorial Department

Most people think of New Zealand and Australia and envision farms, wineries, beaches, and diving. But there are also many “high-altitude experiences” worth trying. Go somewhere close to the sky and enjoy New Zealand and Australia from a different vantage point—you’ll gain a deeper sense of wonder. Make the most of the Southern Hemisphere summer and embark on a journey to New Zealand and Australia. Don’t just enjoy the ocean or the countryside—experience the whole sky too.

[Beginner Level]

Q1 Observation Deck

The Q1 Observation Deck, standing at 235 meters, is the tallest building on the Gold Coast and also considered the tallest in Queensland, Australia. This mixed-use skyscraper combines entertainment, a hotel, and private residences. Construction began in 2002, using 61,000 square meters of concrete, 9,000 tons of steel, and over 9,000 glass panels. The elevator takes you straight to the 77th-floor observation deck in just 42.7 seconds.

In addition to its massive transparent glass panels, the 78th-floor observation deck also houses a short film showcasing the history of Queensland and the construction of the Q1 building, giving visitors deeper insight into Q1’s significance to the state. It’s also recommended to unwind with a cocktail or coffee at the Skybar on the 77th floor—take your time to savor this rare high-altitude view. Below the observation deck is the Q1 Resort & Spa, featuring 526 rooms all designed in white tones, complemented by large floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish furnishings. Even from your room, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gold Coast. The resort has been listed among the world’s top 100 spas by the renowned British fashion magazine Harper’s & Queen, and Condé Nast Traveller named it Australia’s No. 1 spa.

Skyrail

The Skyrail in Australia is one of the longest cable cars in the world, stretching 7.5 kilometers and consisting mainly of four stations. The ride from the base of the mountain to Kuranda takes about 90 minutes. The entire cable car route is built above the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, which is part of the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest—existing for 12 million years and now preserved like a living museum, home to precious flora and fauna.

Balancing tourism development with the protection of this precious rainforest was no easy feat. It took seven years from conception to approval, and construction finally began in 1994 only after receiving consent from the federal government, the Queensland state government, and environmental authorities. The entire project was completed in just 15 months.

To ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem, workers collected soil from the planned tower sites and relocated native plants to preservation areas. After construction, the plants were returned to their original locations along with their native soil. Materials and equipment were either hand-carried daily by workers or transported via helicopter, along with the highly technical process of hoisting the towers into place.

Skyrail consists of 32 towers and 114 gondolas. The tallest tower, Tower 6, stands 40.5 meters high and can carry an average of 700 passengers per hour. Riders must transfer gondolas at the Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station after departing from the main terminal—an opportunity to explore these spots as well.