SkyHigh Mt. Dandenong

SkyHigh Mt. Dandenong is a restaurant located on top of Mount Dandenong, Victoria, Australia.

Location

The current location of the restaurant was first founded as a survey point in 1861, owing to its height of 633m above sea level.

History

In the 70's and 80's the site was an iconic Melbourne attraction, and was well-known to most Melburnians, however in the early 90's the site fell into disrepair, and the building began to look aged and dilapidated. What had previously been a large tourist attraction quickly slipped from the minds of Melburnians. This culminated with the site being shutdown completely in 1997.

In 2004, a new lease was negotiated with Parks Victoria, the government authority in charge of the land. The restaurant and surrounding gardens were given a $3.5 million facelift, and the site re-opened in July 2005; with the name officially being changed from “Mt. Dandenong Observatory” to the current “SkyHigh Mt. Dandenong”.

The renovations to the site included construction of an upstairs balcony and an enlarged viewing window. Besides work on the building itself, the land around was also graded and landscaped, with many new plants going in. In addition the beginnings of a hedge maze were started.

Attractions

The English Garden has grown significantly since being planted in 2005. It features meandering gravel paths and several wooden arch bridges crossing a man-made stream, constructed as part of the renovations.

The SkyHigh Maze, designed by John Connellan, is expected to open in 2007. The maze will feature garden squares designed around fountains, and a Trompe l'oeil .

The Giant’s Chair is a large novelty wooden chair on the front lawn of the site.

Binoculars on the viewing terrace give visitors a chance to see Melbourne in better detail. On clear days it is possible to see to Port Phillip Bay and Geelong.

The Australiana Tree is a large gum tree. Rapidly dying after being struck by lightning in 2006, it has been carved into the shape of many native animals in a totem pole style.

Pictures

External links

* [http://www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/ SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Official Website]