The outside observation decks at 66m might sound tame. But when you consider that Black Mountain is already 256m above Lake Burley Griffin [^], then the decks come in at a respectable 322m.  That compares favourably to the 250m observation deck in the Sydney Tower, and the 192m main observation deck at the Auckland Sky Tower [^].

Canberra’s Black Mountain Tower up-close and personal. The tower is part of Australia’s communications network providing part of the trunk link between Melbourne and Sydney. The tower also provides a base for TV, radio and mobile phone antennas serving the nation’s capital.

We had intended eating in the rotating restaurant and seeing the Canberra’s lights come on. However being a Saturday, the restaurant was hosting a wedding reception and was closed to the public – timing is everything!

Canberra’s Black Mountain Tower from the National Carillon, looking across Lake Burley Griffin. The weather had changed from the previous day’s glorious sunshine, to a rather overcast sky with the threat of rain.

The November afternoon sun creates a shadow of Canberra’s Black Mountain Tower [^] on the surrounding national park. Taken from one of the open air observation decks.