At 322.5 metres high, the Q1 is the 25th tallest building in the world and is the region’s most iconic residential tower. But, the one piece of statistic that gives you an immense sense of pride is that it is Australia’s highest external building climb and is comparable to similar climbs at Macau Tower, Macau and CN Tower, Toronto.
The adrenaline rush begins right from the time you buy your tickets at the bottom of the building. The rush is not due to you buying tickets, but from the fact that you cannot see the top of the building from the bottom. Then, a super fast elevator takes you to the observation deck on the 77th floor in about 42.7 seconds.
This is where you can learn about the history of this building, Surfers Paradise and the Gold coast in general. You will be given instructions and given a body harness and other safety equipment. At the observation deck, one can also see the 360 degree, but from behind thick glass windows.
This will change as you start climbing above the observation deck onto a metal staircase with a strapped on metal railing. The high wind speed, the outside temperature, the lack of glass, the height and the sensational views all together start increasing the flow of adrenaline into your blood stream.
As you climb up to the main deck, you get a 360 degree view of the Gold Coast, from its golden beaches to its green hinterland, from its supreme canal system to its high rises and from its emerald ocean waters to the dark waters of the canals.
The fact that you can sense the sheer drop below your feet adds to the excitement and to some, a bit of fear. But, do not be worried as there are enough safety measures in place. All you have to do is enjoy yourself, soak in the views and take gorgeous photographs while the safety mechanism and the instructor take care of you and your safety.
From the time you leave the observation deck to the time you re-enter it, it is a 90 minute journey where you are suspended roughly 300m above sea level where the cars below look like toys and the people look like ants.
The sheer vertical drop is a pure adrenaline rush and one of my favorites from this climb. I would be lying if I said, I wasn’t nervous or if my heart wasn’t beating wildly, but that was precisely why I opted for this climb. I am sure adrenaline junkies will agree with me.
The thrill of scaling one of the world’s highest external building climbs was simple and pure motivation for me. The sensationally fabulous views of Surfers Paradise, the canal system that is longer than that of Venice and the sight of one of Australia’s insanely beautiful landscapes were just the icing on the cake. If you go to the Gold Coast, you have to do the SkyPoint Q1 climb. You will miss out on a whole lot of excitement if you don’t!!
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