If you are planning a trip to Sydney Australia then you really should consider doing the Harbour bridgeclimb.
Sydneys harbour is pretty spectacular at the best of times but seeing it from an elevated position from the top of the Harbour bridge, is quite simply breathtaking.
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.
The Harbour Bridge is an icon across the world not only for Sydney but for Australia. It is quite simply a masterpiece. No-one could have missed the amazing fireworks every New Year's Eve that get set off right on the bridge.
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)
The climb itself is no longer than 2km and takes 3.5 hours in total (that includes the safety briefing.) I wouldn't advise doing the climb if you are afraid of heights or if you struggle to walk unaided (e.g. you need a stick) or if you are pregnant. Kids from 10 years up are able to join the walk so that should give you an idea of how difficult it is - not that difficult!
The first section of the climb is the most difficult as this involves walking up steep ladders. But once you have done this, the rest is pretty easy as you are walking on wide walkways. There are in fact two types of climbs that you can do. The first is the original climb and is the one where you get to climb to the very top and see the amazing 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.
As you can imagine, those in charge of the climb take safety very seriously. Firstly, you are all linked together with a harness so there is no chance you could fall off! Secondly, you have to wear an ear piece so that you can hear the commentary and any instructions from your guide. Thirdly, there's a no alcohol policy with everyone having a breath test before taking part. Other things you should know is that you can't take anything up with you on the climb including your camera. Dropping something from that height could do someone some serious damage. It is a shame though given the views are so good from up there.
Booking is easy through the official www.bridgeclimb.com website. The only thing you need to consider is what time to do the climb. There are generally 4 time slots with dawn and twilight being the most popular and most stunning. The dawn one is only available the first Saturday of each month. If you want to do either of these times, book well in advance (months) and expect to pay more, particularly for the dawn bridgeclimb experience.
The other two times are during the day and then at night. The day time slot can be very hot if you intend to be here in the peak of summer " this is the one that is usually left. The night one is good too as you get to see the city lights but its perhaps not quite as impressive as the other times.
If you can be flexible on time slots then I'd wait to book it when you get here - you need at least a weeks notice though to book. Once you are here, you can check out the weather forecast for the week and pick a day when it looks like the weather will be clear skies (but preferably not too hot!) The best days or the ones when there isn't a cloud in the sky and we do get a lot of those.
So, it's not the cheapest thing to do in Sydney but it is one of the best. The climb will set you back about $250. They will even throw in a group photo taken at the summit.
Sydneys harbour is pretty spectacular at the best of times but seeing it from an elevated position from the top of the Harbour bridge, is quite simply breathtaking.
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.
The Harbour Bridge is an icon across the world not only for Sydney but for Australia. It is quite simply a masterpiece. No-one could have missed the amazing fireworks every New Year's Eve that get set off right on the bridge.
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)
The climb itself is no longer than 2km and takes 3.5 hours in total (that includes the safety briefing.) I wouldn't advise doing the climb if you are afraid of heights or if you struggle to walk unaided (e.g. you need a stick) or if you are pregnant. Kids from 10 years up are able to join the walk so that should give you an idea of how difficult it is - not that difficult!
The first section of the climb is the most difficult as this involves walking up steep ladders. But once you have done this, the rest is pretty easy as you are walking on wide walkways. There are in fact two types of climbs that you can do. The first is the original climb and is the one where you get to climb to the very top and see the amazing 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.
As you can imagine, those in charge of the climb take safety very seriously. Firstly, you are all linked together with a harness so there is no chance you could fall off! Secondly, you have to wear an ear piece so that you can hear the commentary and any instructions from your guide. Thirdly, there's a no alcohol policy with everyone having a breath test before taking part. Other things you should know is that you can't take anything up with you on the climb including your camera. Dropping something from that height could do someone some serious damage. It is a shame though given the views are so good from up there.
Booking is easy through the official www.bridgeclimb.com website. The only thing you need to consider is what time to do the climb. There are generally 4 time slots with dawn and twilight being the most popular and most stunning. The dawn one is only available the first Saturday of each month. If you want to do either of these times, book well in advance (months) and expect to pay more, particularly for the dawn bridgeclimb experience.
The other two times are during the day and then at night. The day time slot can be very hot if you intend to be here in the peak of summer " this is the one that is usually left. The night one is good too as you get to see the city lights but its perhaps not quite as impressive as the other times.
If you can be flexible on time slots then I'd wait to book it when you get here - you need at least a weeks notice though to book. Once you are here, you can check out the weather forecast for the week and pick a day when it looks like the weather will be clear skies (but preferably not too hot!) The best days or the ones when there isn't a cloud in the sky and we do get a lot of those.
So, it's not the cheapest thing to do in Sydney but it is one of the best. The climb will set you back about $250. They will even throw in a group photo taken at the summit.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years experience in touring Australia. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives practical tips for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more local's knowledge on Sydney Australia
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