Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: A Journey to New Heights Down Under

Find out all about my amazing experience during the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, everything you need to know and frequently asked questions. 

What is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an ionic landmark in Australia. Not only does it have a striking design and size, but also serves crucial transportation links connecting the business district with the North Shore. Today the bridge is a popular tourist attraction allowing you to experience breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and city skyline from the bridge’s summit.  Standing a grand 134 meters tall above the harbour water shows off both its engineering and human achievements.

History

Starting in the 1800s, ideas were suggested to help improve the transport system in Sydney. However it wasn’t until a long while later that a plan for a bridge was considered. In 1922 a design competition was used to select the bridge design. The winning design was an English engineer Sir Ralph Freeman whose drawing featured a steel arch structure.

In 1924 the construction of the bridge commenced, using thousands of workers and over 52,000 tons of steel. 8 years later the bridge was finally completed in March 1932, and then opened to the public. The bridge was classed as the world’s longest steel arch bridge, its arch spanning 503 meters!   

Over the years, the bridge has undergone several modifications to help cope with the increasing traffic demands. Additional lanes were added, train tracks were electrified, and a pedestrian walkway was opened enabling you to explore the bridge on foot.  

Over 4 million people have completed the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb since it first opened in 1998.

Before the climb

Prior to arriving in Sydney, I had no activities planned and didn’t know if I was going to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. 

The activity is a lot of money and as I was traveling solo, it was an activity I would have to do by myself.

For the first few of days I was visiting Sydney, it was the last couple of days of the Sydney Harbour Light Show (Vivid Sydney) – where illuminations are cast, featuring a free light walk, including 60 light attractions covering Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Darling square for 23 nights of the year. 

I checked into my hostel (Wake Up Sydney Central) and started to explore the area. Upon returning back to the accommodation – the tour desk was open so I had a look through the trips they had to offer. They had one available space for an evening climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge the following night (second to last night of Vivid Sydney). After checking online and seeing very limited availability I decided to go for it as there would not be another chance during my visit.  The tour desk then booked it for me. It is also very easy to book tickets online yourself too. I received an email confirmation and was advised to arrive 15 minutes before the designated time slot. 

Preparation and safety first

I found the climb base easily using google maps as I hadn’t had a chance to fully orientate myself with the area yet.

After they checked my booking confirmation and photo ID at the check in desk, I was told my group would be called once the climbers were ready. I was free to look around the building which contained interesting history about the bridge and the people who built it. 

Once our group was called we were given a safety brief, and shown to the lockers where we could store all of our things. We had to put all our personal belongings in the lockers including: phones, cameras, jewellery, loose objects and bags. These items are prohibited on the climb for safety reasons. The guides take all the photos – individual, family and group photos which you can view and buy after the climb. If you wear glasses or sunglasses – let your guide know and they will attach them to your climb suit prior to the climb. Your locker key is securely attached to you at all times. 

During the safety brief I met the rest of our group, there were 14 of us in total and the guide. I was the only solo climber in the group but everyone made me feel welcome and included me in the conversations.

I was given a climb suit (to wear over your own clothes), harness, headset and radio (so you can communicate with the guide and the other climbers), and a handkerchief which was also securely attached. 

In colder weather they provide a fleece-lined jacket and gloves.  

In warmer weather they provide a cap and sunscreen.

A Stairway to the Sky

It was now time to start the climb! We were asked to stand in an order with the more confident members towards the front and the less confident towards the back. A mixture of excitement and nerves amongst the group,  as we started the journey on the catwalks beneath the road deck. We maneuvered through narrow walkways, steep stairs and catwalks. 

We continued to climb to the summit for around 90 minutes. We stopped for plenty of photos on the way, and learned fascinating history from our guide through our headset. We heard tales of the bridge’s construction, its significance to the city, and challenges faced.   

As we ascended higher, the panoramic views became more breathtaking. The views were simply stunning! The Sydney Opera House on one side, lit up in illuminations, while the cityscape sprawls along the other. The illuminations and dazzling lights lit up the night sky making the views mesmerizing. 

There was an exciting surprise at the top. A 70’s flashing dance floor! With music! To accompany the Sydney Vivid vibe! After a little bogey on the dance floor we started the descent back down on the other side. The climb back down took about an hour. We took more photos on the way down too!  

After the climb

Once we had returned back to the climb base, we handed back our equipment and collected our items from the lockers. 

You could then look at all the photos taken on the climb and choose which ones you want to buy. Once I had purchased my photos I was given a memory stick with the photos on so I could upload them to my computer. There is also a small amount of merchandise and gifts available to buy. 

I then just had to make sure I didn’t lose the memory stick during the remainder of my trip! 

How to get there 

The bridgeclimb is located at 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, and is easily accessible by different modes of transport. 

By car – There are lots of parking places nearby including overseas passenger terminal car park, 155 George street car park and Clocktower car park. Make sure you check parking rates and payment methods before you arrive. 

Public Transport – Take any mode of transport including bus, train or ferry to Circular Quay. You can then walk along George Street, Argyle Street, up the Argyle stairs to Cumberland street. Walk along Cumberland street (north direction) to the bridge climb base. 

How much does it cost

Prices start at $294 australian dollars per adult for a night climb to the summit, rising up to $424 australian dollars climbing to the summit at dawn. There are varying packages and prices in between this range.

Are there different types of climbs? 

The Sydney Harbour Bridge climb offers different climbs to suit different budgets and preferences. You can climb dawn, during the day, twilight or at night.  There are several different climbs to choose from. From the most popular climb to the summit, or a climb that ventures all the way over the bridge to the other side, and everything else in between, there is someone for everyone. Each climb is unique in its own way. 

Do I need a reservation?

I would strongly suggest pre booking your ticket for the bridge climb. This activity is extremely popular and sometimes can be booked weeks in advance. To ensure you get the date and time of your choice pre book your ticket on the bridgeclimb.com website.

How much time should I spend there?

The climbs usually range from 2.5 – 3.5 hours depending on the type of climb chosen and pace of the group. You may want to allow extra time at the end for buying photos and gifts.

Ensure you are well-hydrated and eaten before your climb as the experience can last up to 3.5 hours. 

What should I bring? 

Wear enclosed rubber-soled shoes eg. running, sport or hiking shoes and ensure they are comfortable to wear as you will be doing a lot of walking. Avoid wearing PVC and leather-soled shoes – these are not suitable for the bridge climb.

Wear comfortable clothing eg. active or sportswear that is appropriate for the weather condition. You may want extra layers on colder days.  

Bring your sunglasses if the forecast is for sun on the day of your climb 

Essential medications can be taken on the climb by your climb leader 

Make sure you have a debit / credit card for any purchases at the gift shop / photo purchases. They no longer accept cash for bookings / photos / retail / cafe purchases. 

Are there safety requirements?

Yes. Climbers must be 8 years of age or older. If you are aged 75+ you can climb with a certificate of fitness from your GP completed within 3 months of the climb date. 

You must also be 1.2m in height or taller.

If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant you are unable to climb. If you are less than 24 weeks pregnant you can climb with a fitness certificate from your GP.  

You also must have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.05 to proceed to the bridge climb. 

Some conditions may affect your ability to take part in the climb and require disclosure beforehand, including: amputations, heart and respiratory conditions, vertigo, epilepsy, diabetes, recovering from surgery. 

If you are unsure about anything contact the team via the emails listed on their website and they will be able to answer any queries. 

Can the climb go ahead in all weathers?

The climb will be canceled during very high winds or during an electrical storm. If this is the case the climbing team will be in touch to let you know. 

The rest of the time the climbing team will equip you with the appropriate gear based on the weather conditions. 

Is the climb worth the money?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! 

The bridge climb was unlike any other activity I have done! And absolutely loved it! This was definitely one of my top highlights when visiting Sydney. 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Australia’s most renowned landmark. For an unforgettable experience this is an absolute must!