World's tallest

The Q1 building in Surfers Paradise was indeed the world's tallest residential building when it was completed in 2005. It's been overtaken by five others since then, but it's still Australia's tallest building overall (though only the 80th tallest building in the world!)

It has a big spire on top, and they tend to include the spires in the quoted heights, which I think is cheating, and the top of Q1's spire is one metre higher than the top of Dubai's Burj Al Arab's spire. I imagine that's not coincidental.

I had to go up to the observation deck of course, and as these things go, it was a pretty good observation deck experience. You do have to pay, but there are no pesky metal detectors or other security checks. You just get in the lift, press the button, and up you go.

And it's a pleasant and relaxing observation lounge too. No time limits, no crowds, and wonderful views of that oh-so-familiar strip of unreal Gold Coast real estate.

The view to the south.













And to the north.







A somewhat optimistic world's tallest comparison chart. World's 80th tallest in yellow.