SkyHigh Mount Dandenong Enters Liquidation
One of the Dandenong Ranges’ best-known tourist attractions has entered liquidation, leaving its immediate future uncertain.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong temporarily closed its doors after SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Pty Ltd entered liquidation on the 21st of July.
However, the liquidator says efforts are underway to preserve the business and reopen the popular Observatory Road venue.
SkyHigh Temporarily Closes
A winding-up order appointed Adrian Roca as liquidator of SkyHigh Mt Dandenong Pty Ltd.
The venue will remain closed until at least Sunday, the 2nd of August, while discussions continue with key stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the liquidator advised customers with restaurant, function or event bookings to make alternative arrangements.
Continuing negotiations will determine whether bookings beyond the 2nd of August can proceed.
Despite this, the liquidator’s immediate focus remains preserving the business and reopening SkyHigh as soon as possible.
Parks Victoria Discussions Continue
Parks Victoria owns the Observatory Road property and manages the site where SkyHigh operates.
Consequently, its involvement will prove critical to any reopening or sale of the business.
The liquidator is working with Parks Victoria to secure approvals and operating arrangements needed for the venue’s return.
At the same time, the liquidator is pursuing an orderly sale of the business and its assets.
However, the liquidator warned that the required approvals must come before any outcome becomes certain.
Lease Uncertainty Surrounds Venue
The closure follows uncertainty surrounding a new lease for the prominent Mount Dandenong site.
Earlier this year, SkyHigh announced plans for what it described as a new 21-year lease.
The venue also revealed ambitious renovation plans for its restaurant, bistro, kiosk and bar areas.
However, Parks Victoria subsequently advertised expressions of interest for the lease, with applications closing on the 4th of July.
Parks Victoria later listed the lease process as under negotiation.
Notably, SkyHigh previously claimed through social media that a lease agreement had been verbally granted months earlier.
The business said it restructured under a new company and ABN ahead of the anticipated lease.
However, SkyHigh subsequently deleted those social media comments.
Closure Disrupts Upcoming Events
The sudden closure has already affected customers with functions and events planned at the well-known mountain venue.
For example, Boronia K-12 College had scheduled its senior formal at SkyHigh for Friday the 31st of July.
Organisers instead had to secure another venue at short notice following the closure.
Additionally, SkyHigh regularly hosts weddings, celebrations, restaurant bookings and major seasonal events.
Its official website now states the venue is temporarily closed while it waits for approval of its new lease.
Yet the website’s booking system has continued accepting some reservations for August.
Future of SkyHigh Remains Uncertain
SkyHigh remains one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most recognisable tourism and hospitality destinations.
The Observatory Road attraction overlooks Melbourne and includes dining facilities, gardens, a maze and scenic viewing areas.
Therefore, its closure represents a significant development for tourism and hospitality across the Dandenong Ranges.
The liquidator hopes an agreement can preserve SkyHigh’s goodwill while delivering the best possible outcome for stakeholders.
For now, however, Parks Victoria negotiations and operating approvals will determine when SkyHigh can reopen.
