Q1 is the tall tower on the beachfront at Surfers Paradise, and its SkyPoint observation deck on level 77 is about 230 metres above the beach. It gives you 360 degree views of the coast and the hinterland.
Q1 Gold Coast is the tallest building in Australia, with 78 floors above ground. Most of the tower is apartments, but SkyPoint on the top floors is open to the public.
About the Q1 tower
Q1 was completed in late 2005 and officially opened in November 2005. Its architectural height is 322.5 m including the spire, and the roof is about 245 m. It was designed by SDG and The Buchan Group, and built by Sunland Group.
It was the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere from 2005 to 2022, and it held the title of the world’s tallest all-residential building from 2005 to 2011. In 2009 it was named a Q150 Icon of Queensland.
The tower has two basement levels as well as its 78 floors above ground, and cost about $255 million to build. The observation deck can hold 400 people across levels 77 and 78.
SkyPoint observation deck
SkyPoint is on level 77 and describes itself as sitting about 230 m above Surfers Paradise. It has 360 degree panoramic views over the coast and the Gold Coast hinterland. SkyPoint Bistro + Bar on the deck serves beachside meals and drinks into the evening.
The deck was formerly called QDeck, and you will still see that name on older maps and listings.
SkyPoint tickets and prices
Book on the SkyPoint tickets page. The official page lists “from” prices:
- Family package: from $102.
- Locals entry: $15, with proof of local residency (postcodes 4207 to 4272) and photo ID for adults.
- Annual Rewards Pass: $55, which includes 20% off the SkyPoint Climb.
- Fixed date ticket: from $33, with Flexi Access from $51 and Priority Access from $71.
- Day Climb and Dine: from $109.
- Breakfast with a View: a buffet breakfast, from $46.
Prices change, so check the ticket page for adult and child tickets on the day you want.
SkyPoint Climb
SkyPoint describes the Climb as Australia’s highest external building climb. It takes 90 minutes. You get a safety briefing and a climb suit and harness, ride the lift to level 77, then climb a stairway guided by a safety rail to the summit. A climb leader points out landmarks along the way, and your photos are taken at the top. The summit is 270 m above sea level.
The minimum age is 12, and 12 to 15 year olds must be with a paying adult (no more than two children per adult). The minimum height is 130 cm and the maximum weight is 136 kg. You need fully enclosed shoes, and loose items go in the free lockers. Day, twilight, night and sunrise climbs run; the day climb is from $89, the night climb from $105, the sunrise climb from $114 and the twilight climb from $119.
Pregnant people, people aged 75 or over and people with a disability or medical condition may need a medical clearance form before climbing, which you can find on the SkyPoint site.
Planning your visit
- Opening hours: 7.30 am to 9 pm on most days, with last entry at 8.30 pm. A few days have different hours or a closure, so check the SkyPoint visit page before you go.
- Accessibility: SkyPoint publishes an accessibility guide (a PDF) on its visit page, and there are disability-accessible parking spaces.
- Eat and drink: SkyPoint Bistro + Bar on the deck, described as a beachside dining experience.
Getting there
Q1 is in the middle of Surfers Paradise, about 65 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
The Surfers Paradise G:link light rail station is directly in front of the SkyPoint lobby, so you can ride from other parts of the coast and walk straight in. Check times on the Translink journey planner.
SkyPoint says free undercover parking is available for visitors via Hamilton Avenue, with disability-accessible spaces. Nearby public car parks include Centro Surfers Paradise (Hanlan Street) and the Bruce Bishop car park (Beach Road). Check the SkyPoint visit page for the current conditions.
Nearby
- Surfers Paradise Beach – right at the foot of the tower.
- Surfers Paradise – shops, cafes and the beachfront.
- The Spit – the sand spit north of Main Beach.
- Southport – the next suburb north.
- Marina Mirage – the marina on the Broadwater side.
- More lookouts
- All Gold Coast day outs
You might also like
- Beechmont (Gold Coast Hinterland)
- Best of All Lookout (Springbrook)
- Mt Gravatt Lookout (Mount Gravatt)
Quick answers
What is Q1 on the Gold Coast?
Q1 is a 78 floor tower at Surfers Paradise and the tallest building in Australia. It has a public observation deck called SkyPoint on level 77.
How high is the SkyPoint observation deck?
SkyPoint is about 230 m above the beach, on level 77.
How much does SkyPoint cost?
Gold Coast locals pay $15 with proof of residency, and a family package is from $102. Check the ticket page for adult and child prices.
Can you climb the outside of Q1?
Yes. The SkyPoint Climb takes 90 minutes, and you must be at least 12 years old and at least 130 cm tall.
What time does SkyPoint open?
Most days it is open 7.30 am to 9 pm, with last entry at 8.30 pm. Check the visit page for days with different hours.
Is there parking at Q1 and SkyPoint?
SkyPoint says free undercover parking is available via Hamilton Avenue. The G:link light rail station is also right out the front.
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