Experiences in the sky

There’s nothing quite like seeing the spectacular city of Sydney from above. With BridgeClimb, private groups of up to 14 guests can ascend to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where they’ll admire 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and the famous Sydney Opera House from 134 metres (440 ft) above the ground. BridgeClimb can tailor a corporate experience to include surprises at the summit, from live music and sunset canapés to guided yoga sessions. Groups can also try the new Burrawa Climb experience led by a local Aboriginal guide, which allows guests to discover Sydney from an Indigenous perspective through the sharing of history and Dreaming stories along the way. Part of the proceeds from each Burrawa Climb also goes to Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit organisation that empowers community through Aboriginal culture.

In Western Australia’s capital of Perth, groups can marvel at Optus Stadium – crowned the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Stadium’ in 2019 by the Prix Versailles architecture awards – from its rooftop with a suite of exhilarating experiences at THE OZONE. The newest thrill is VERTIGO, which allows up to 10 guests at a time to venture out on a platform that extends beyond the edge of the stadium roof. Harnessed from above and with no handrails, the more adventurous can peer over the edge for an uninterrupted view of the Field of Play. Included in this experience is access to the new Western Viewing Deck, where guests will admire the sights of Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), the Matagarup Bridge and sweeping views of Perth city. Afterwards, guests can celebrate at a private soirée on the Field of Play, which is available for exclusive use for events.

For groups visiting Australia’s Red Centre, there’s no better way to see the World Heritage-listed Uluru than from the air. This magnificent monolith towers at a colossal 863 metres (2,831 ft) above the ground and can be viewed from the sky in a helicopter or light aircraft. Sunrise or sunset is the best time to take a scenic flight, as the glow of the sun hits Uluru and lights up the rock face in striking shades of red. After seeing Uluru from above, groups can then explore it up close with a ground-based tour and learn the spiritual significance of this site for its Traditional Owners, the Anangu people. Ayers Rock Resort and SEIT Outback Australia can arrange guided walking tours around the base, or for a more leisurely option, take a Segway or Harley Davidson motorbike ride.

When it comes to sky-high experiences, Melbourne has two impressive claims to fame. Not only is it home to the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, but also the highest event space. The Eureka Tower in Southbank houses both the Melbourne Skydeck on the 88th floor, and stylish dining and event space Eureka 89 on the 89th floor, towering a staggering 292 metres (959 ft) above the city below. Groups can start with a private tour of the Melbourne Skydeck, and those who dare can experience ‘The Edge’ – a world-first, transparent glass cube that projects out from the Skydeck allowing 12 guests at a time to be suspended above the streets of Melbourne. Groups can then ascend one final floor for sunset drinks and dinner on the 89th floor at Eureka 89. Exclusive use of the entire 89th floor allows for an event of up to 400 guests cocktail style, or the two individual event spaces can host seated dinners for 40 and 160 guests respectively.

An incentive program in Adelaide can be taken to new heights by arranging an experience with Roofclimb at Adelaide Oval. Up to 14 climbers can scale the stadium roof and marvel at the sweeping views of Adelaide, from the foothills to the coast. Game day experiences are the ultimate thrill; time it right to experience the excitement of watching a live cricket test match or Australian Rules Football game from the world-first stadium rooftop seats, 50 metres (164 ft) above the turf. Adelaide Oval has 20 different event spaces so there are plenty of options for a post-Roofclimb function; a twilight climb can be followed by cocktails on the Lindsay Head Terrace overlooking the city before a seated banquet in one of the Oval’s private rooms. Guests can rest their heads at the 138-room Oval Hotel, and for those early risers with an appetite for adventure, a sunrise Roofclimb complete with a rooftop yoga session the next morning makes for an invigorating start to the day.

For an experience that will be the talk of the trip, arrange dinner with a difference suspended 50 metres (164 ft) in the air with Dinner in the Sky. This unique experience sees 22 guests seated around a table which is raised 10 storeys into the air in a location of your choice. The table, with a central service platform, is surrounded by seats that recline and rotate, allowing guests to safely admire unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery. The company is based in Tasmania, but the two tables have no fixed location and are available for events across Australia. This high-profile experience attracts media attention and captivates passersby, and the underside of the table can be custom branded for extra effect. Dinner in the Sky has been staged at Tasmanian locations such as Clover Hill Wines and the Hobart waterfront, where one group even had the exhilarating privilege of watching the first boat to cross the finish line in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Melbourne may claim the title of Australia’s highest observation deck and event space, but it’s Queensland’s Gold Coast which is home to Australia’s tallest building. To the tip of its spire, Q1 Gold Coast stands at a staggering 322 metres (1,056 feet) tall and boasts one of the world’s fastest elevators which takes guests from the ground to Level 77 in 42.7 seconds. There are several ways for groups to experience this impressive structure; Skypoint Climb allows up to 10 guests at a time to climb 270 metres (886 feet) above sea level as part of Australia’s highest external building climb. For less intrepid guests, the Skypoint Observation Deck - Australia’s only beachside observation deck - offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast through floor to ceiling glass windows. The Observation Deck is available for exclusive use for functions, as is the private event space on Level 78. Exclusive use of the entire Skypoint venue can accommodate up to 250 guests for a gala dinner and 380 guests for a cocktail function.