Sky-high stunt over Southbank

High-wire artist Kane Peterson achieved an Australian first last month, when he successfully walked across a 21-metre tightrope suspended from Melbourne’s tallest building, Eureka Tower.

Staged to mark the arrival of feature film The Walk to Melbourne in October, Eureka Skydeck provided Southbank Local News with rare access to the building’s rooftop to witness the breathtaking stunt.

Mr Peterson walked from one point of the north western side of Eureka Tower to the other, along a 21-metre and three-quarters of an inch wide tightrope suspended 300 metres above Southbank.

While the tightrope specialist was given immaculate weather for the stunt, it did little to settle nervous onlookers who watched as Mr Peterson completed the walk with ease.

With only a few metres to go, he even lay down on his back on the wire to take a brief nap!

Re-enacting the crossing of Philippe Petit, who walked between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, Eureka Skydeck executive general manager John Forman said Mr Peterson’s high wire feat was a fitting symbol for Eureka Skydeck.

“The unique shape of Eureka Tower enabled this type of stunt which has, in turn, allowed us to pay homage to Philippe Petit and the World Trade Center Towers,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase Melbourne and what was certainly a heart-stopping stunt.”