Ardent Leisure Group has acquired Q Deck, Australia's highest beachside observation tower, for A$13.3m (£7.4m, US$12.3m, 8.1m euro).

Occupying the top two levels - 77 and 78 - of the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Q Deck comprises a cafe, bar and observation deck with 360 degree views over the Gold Coast beaches and hinterland on level 77, and a function room on level 78. Also included in the agreement is a dedicated high speed lift - travelling from Level 1 to Level 77 in about 43 seconds - and around 98sq m of ground floor retail space.

Established in 2005, Q Deck will be incorporated into Ardent's Dreamworld business which, with its WhiteWater World operation, currently records more than 1.9 million combined annual visitors.