The Black Mountain Tower, formerly known as Telstra Tower, is a telecommunications tower located atop Black Mountain in Australia's capital city of Canberra. One of the city's most notable landmarks, at 195.2 metres tall, it offers visitors wonderful panoramic views of Canberra and its surroundings from one of three observation decks or from a revolving restaurant.
In April 1970, the Australian Minister for Communications commissioned the Department of Buildings to undertake survey work for the erection of a tower on Black Mountain that could provide communications services and a meeting place for residents and visitors. The tower was to replace the radio relay station at Red Hills and the television aerial then existing on Black Mountain. There were heated debates at the design stage - the public feared that the tower would dominate Canberra's other aesthetically important sites by virtue of its position at the top of the mountain. A lawsuit was even filed in the Supreme Court of Australia against the government's decision to build the tower, but the court sided with the government and construction began. On 15 May 1980, Telstra Tower was inaugurated by former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
.Today the tower operates 3 observation decks (1 inside the building and 2 outside), a cafe, a gift shop and the Alto Tower revolving restaurant, in addition to businesses providing communications services to the public. Canberra's only revolving restaurant makes a 360º turn in 81 minutes, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of views from the windows while eating.
Until recently, the tower foyer was home to the Creating Connections exhibition, which explores the history of telecommunications in Australia from the earliest days through to the early 21st century. There is also a small video room where you can watch a short film about the design and construction of the tower, shot just after its opening.
The Black Mountain Tower has become one of Canberra's major symbols and a major tourist attraction, with over 6 million visitors! In 1989, the World Skyscraper Federation included the tower on its list, placing it alongside such famous buildings as the CN Tower in Toronto, the Blackpool Tower in England and the Empire State Building in New York. Today, the Black Mountain Tower is one of the most impressive structures on the Canberra skyline, visible from many parts of the city and suburbs.
