If you only have time to do one thing in Sydney and love adventure and adrenaline - you have to give the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb a try!
On my recent trip to Sydney, I challenged myself to complete the Summit Climb and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The 360° views you experience from the summit are breathtaking. I am afraid of heights and get mild vertigo but honestly, you don't really notice the height once you're up there, the views and the fact you got there are successful as a distraction.
Our climb tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and very funny. Each climber has a headset that links you with your tour guide as they tell you amazing facts and stories about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the surrounding Sydney Harbour. As you're not able to take any photography equipment on the climb for safety and security reasons, your tour guide is trained to take great photos of you throughout the climb. You may even get to record a quick video at the summit!
One note on the size of walkways, etc: As you can see from the photos, I am a larger woman. BridgeClimb Sydney does not have a weight restriction however if you are on the larger size you may find it difficult or uncomfortable to walk along the catwalks before the ladders to the arch. There were a few times when I had to squeeze between a handrail and a support pole but otherwise the walk was enjoyable.
The Climbs
BridgeClimb Sydney has four different climb experiences available. They range from 2.5-3.5 hours and run at most times of the day, including dawn and twilight/night! All climbs include a BradgeClimb cap and Certificate of Achievement. Full price climbs also include a Climb Photograph.
Summit Climb
Duration: 3 hours
Steps: 1,332
Price: $198-$388 (Adult), $139-$189 (Child)
The Summit Climb takes approximately 3 hours, including induction and training. After walking along catwalks below the road deck, you climb four ladders between the lanes to reach the arch. Then begins the climb to the summit. All in all, you climb 1,332 steps to a height of 134m above sea level. Reaching the Summit, you have 360° views of the Sydney Harbour, where you'll have a little celebration with your group and take photos. Then, you'll head back down the other side of the arch and back down to Base.
Summit Express Climb
Duration: 2.5 hours
Steps: 1,002
Price: $198-$308 (Adult), $139-$149 (Child)
The Summit Express Climb is similar to the Summit Climb however it is done at a faster pace with fewer stops. You start moving along catwalks under the bridge then climb ladders to the arch. You will climb 1,002 steps on your trip to the Summit and then head back down to Base.
Ultimate Climb
Duration: 3.5 hours
Steps: 1,621
Price: $348 (Adult), $189 (Child)
This is the ultimate climb to experience the magnificence of the Bridge. The Ultimate Climb takes you along catwalks under the bridge before heading up ladders to the arch. On your trek, you will climb 1,621 steps as you traverse the entire arch, and then back again, experiencing the amazing 360° views at the summit not once but twice!
Burrawa Climb
Duration: 3 hours
Steps: 1,332
Price: $288 (Adult), $149 (Child) - Adult price includes a $10 donation to BridgeClimb Sydney's charity partner - Tribal Warrior
The Burrawa Climb is not just a climb, it is an indigenous cultural experience. You will follow the same route as the Summit Climb, accompanied by an Indigenous Storyteller who will share stories and facts about Aboriginal culture and history. You will also experience a few special touches throughout your climb to fully immerse you in the indigenous experience.
About the bridge and bridgeclimb sydney
Construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge began on 28 July 1923. The £10 million construction employed approximately 1,400 workers over the 8 years it took to construct. 6 million rivets were driven by hand into 52,800 tonnes of steel and 272,000 litres of paint were used to make the bridge ready for opening day on 19 March 1932. When the Bridge opened, there were less than 20 cars registered in New South Wales. In an incredible feat of foresight, the Bridge now carries eight lanes of traffic and two rail lines, plus individual pedestrian and cycling lanes, with more than 200,000 vehicles crossing the road deck each day.
BridgeClimb Sydney was established in 1998. Since then, they have helped almost 4 million local and international visitors to climb the Bridge, and have been voted the #1 Experience in Australia.
Check out the BridgeClimb Sydney website for more information and great photos!
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