SkyPoint Seventy7 Cafe and Bar

A must visit on the Gold Coast is the Skypoint Observation Deck located at the Q1 Tower right in the middle of the tourist area of Surfers Paradise. Not only is it an observation deck but it doubles as a venue, where the aptly named SkyPoint Seventy7 cafe and bar can be found on the 77th floor. A great spot to enjoy some late afternoon cocktails before heading out for the evening.

To get there make your way down Surfers Paradise Boulevard to the SkyPoint Observation entrance and once your entrance fee is paid you will be directed to the elevator. The elevator takes you up to the 77th floor in a matter of seconds – 43 seconds to be exact. There are no awkward moments in this elevator as all eyes will be focused on the screen above your head – which visually shows you that journey up. The ride is quite the entertainment and it was not only the kids who were fascinated with the virtual journey, pretty much everyone got a kick out of it.

Once you step out of the elevator your first view will be over Surfers Paradise. If you think you have amazing views from your high rise accommodation then this will most certainly trump it. SkyPoint offers 360 panoramic views over Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, the ocean and the Gold Coast hinterland. The view is nothing short of spectacular and even the best photos really can’t replicate what you are seeing with your own eyes.

Seventy7 Cafe+Bar

The cafe and bar are located in the middle of the observation tower with tables and chairs on the raised platform and the surrounding areas with lounge chairs, ottomans and side tables closer to the windows. Dining is a fairly casual affair (almost cafeteria like) where you can enjoy the views from your table. My friend and I had a late dinner booking elsewhere so we opted to have a few pre-dinner cocktails at the bar before we went. The cafe and bar can get really busy around early evening and you may have to wait sometime to get your meal or drink. In fact they forgot to make our mojitos to which they profusely apologised after we reminded them we were still waiting.

As the day turns to evening, you can not only admire the night view with a cocktail in hand, but also listen to some acoustic music artists playing covers. Music acts attract an additional cover charge after 8pm of ten dollars on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

What I liked about this venue (aside from the amazing view) is that you can freely walk around all areas with a cocktail in hand and maybe get a few snaps sipping your drink with the view in the background.

Best time to go

The best time to go to the observation deck is just before sunset or twilight. Where you can capture both day and night views at the one visit.

Be sure to check out the website prior to going as it may have been booked out for a private function and therefore closed to the public at certain times.

Skyclimb

Skyclimb is a chance to climb the spire to the summit (similar to what they do with the Sydney harbour bridge climb) and will set you back around $69 per adult for a day climb and $89 for a twilight climb which lasts around 90 minutes.