Looking for some adventure along with great views? A trip to Sydney really should include the Harbour Bridge Climb
The iconic Sydney harbour has world wide acclaim - the water, the Opera House and of course the Bridge itself. But nothing compares to seeing the harbour from up high, at the top of the Harbour Bridge. The view from up there is stunning.
You dont just get to see the harbour though, you get uninterrupted, 360 degree views of Sydney and its suburbs. You can even see the Blue Mountains on a good day.
A symbol of Sydney and even Australia, the Harbour bridge is an institution. In my opinion, it's a masterpiece. You only have to see the New Year's Eve fireworks from the bridge to know why.
Believe it or not, the bridge is the world's largest steel-arch bridge. It was opened in 1932 to link the northern Sydney suburbs with the CBD (Central Business District)
Providing you don't have an issue with heights and have a reasonable level of fitness, you can do the climb. It's not advisable if you are pregnant of if you can't walk unaided without a stick for example. Children from 10 years up can take part in the climb so that should give you a sense of the level of fitness you need - not that much. The climb takes about 3.5 hours but that includes the safety video an briefing. All in all it's under 2km.
The tricky bit is the first bit where you have to climb up ladders before you reach the fairly wide walkways. There are now two climbs that you can do. The original (and still the best) is the Bridge Climb. This takes you to the summit and then back down again and you get to see the lovely views.
If you are into your bridges then go for the newer climb. This climb takes you for a behind the scenes look at the workings of the bridge. You still get to see those wonderful views too.
Safety is of paramount importance and you are all linked together with a harness. You also get a special radio ear piece so you can hear the commentary easily. Another safety precaution is that you have to wear one of their special suits to be able to do the walk. Dont think about having a big night on the grog either as they will give you a breath test to check you have zero alcohol in you. You cannot take anything up there including your camera. If you dropped something from that height, you could do some serious damage. Still, its a little disappointing that you cant take photos from up there.
The official website is www.bridgeclimb.com and it is easy to book your climb. First thing you need to decide is what time to do the climb? Dawn and Twilight are the most popular. Dawn is only run on the first Saturday of the month so you can imagine how quickly those slots go - book well in advance for this one. Twilight is good because you get to see the city in the day and evening. Book a month or so in advance to get this time slot. You should also expect these options to cost a little more.
Day and Night are the other two time slots. A warning about the day slot - it can get very hot in the peak of summer and climbing in the mid-day heat is not easy. The night climb is also stunning as you get to see the city lights but the view is perhaps not quite as good as the other times
If you arent that bothered about what time you go, Id suggest booking when you get here (provided you can give about one weeks notice) That way you can have a look at the weather forecast and pick the best day. The days when theres not a cloud in the sky are just amazing.
The bridge climb isn't that cheap I'm afraid but it is worth it. The cost is around $250 and for that you'll get a group photograph taken right at the top.
The iconic Sydney harbour has world wide acclaim - the water, the Opera House and of course the Bridge itself. But nothing compares to seeing the harbour from up high, at the top of the Harbour Bridge. The view from up there is stunning.
You dont just get to see the harbour though, you get uninterrupted, 360 degree views of Sydney and its suburbs. You can even see the Blue Mountains on a good day.
A symbol of Sydney and even Australia, the Harbour bridge is an institution. In my opinion, it's a masterpiece. You only have to see the New Year's Eve fireworks from the bridge to know why.
Believe it or not, the bridge is the world's largest steel-arch bridge. It was opened in 1932 to link the northern Sydney suburbs with the CBD (Central Business District)
Providing you don't have an issue with heights and have a reasonable level of fitness, you can do the climb. It's not advisable if you are pregnant of if you can't walk unaided without a stick for example. Children from 10 years up can take part in the climb so that should give you a sense of the level of fitness you need - not that much. The climb takes about 3.5 hours but that includes the safety video an briefing. All in all it's under 2km.
The tricky bit is the first bit where you have to climb up ladders before you reach the fairly wide walkways. There are now two climbs that you can do. The original (and still the best) is the Bridge Climb. This takes you to the summit and then back down again and you get to see the lovely views.
If you are into your bridges then go for the newer climb. This climb takes you for a behind the scenes look at the workings of the bridge. You still get to see those wonderful views too.
Safety is of paramount importance and you are all linked together with a harness. You also get a special radio ear piece so you can hear the commentary easily. Another safety precaution is that you have to wear one of their special suits to be able to do the walk. Dont think about having a big night on the grog either as they will give you a breath test to check you have zero alcohol in you. You cannot take anything up there including your camera. If you dropped something from that height, you could do some serious damage. Still, its a little disappointing that you cant take photos from up there.
The official website is www.bridgeclimb.com and it is easy to book your climb. First thing you need to decide is what time to do the climb? Dawn and Twilight are the most popular. Dawn is only run on the first Saturday of the month so you can imagine how quickly those slots go - book well in advance for this one. Twilight is good because you get to see the city in the day and evening. Book a month or so in advance to get this time slot. You should also expect these options to cost a little more.
Day and Night are the other two time slots. A warning about the day slot - it can get very hot in the peak of summer and climbing in the mid-day heat is not easy. The night climb is also stunning as you get to see the city lights but the view is perhaps not quite as good as the other times
If you arent that bothered about what time you go, Id suggest booking when you get here (provided you can give about one weeks notice) That way you can have a look at the weather forecast and pick the best day. The days when theres not a cloud in the sky are just amazing.
The bridge climb isn't that cheap I'm afraid but it is worth it. The cost is around $250 and for that you'll get a group photograph taken right at the top.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years experience in travelling Australia. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for visitingAustralia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more helpful hints on Sydney Australia
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