Forgive us for talking straight, but if you’ve been thinking about doing Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for ages and still haven’t, then isn’t it about time you made it happen?
We know it’s an easy one to put off until “later” (after all, the bridge opened way back in 1932 and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere). But, BridgeClimb Sydney (to use its proper name) regularly tops lists for the best things to do in Sydney and Australia for a reason. Since people were able to start climbing this Australian icon (safely and legally at least!) more than 20 years ago it’s welcomed over four million local and international visitors!
So, if sheer weight of numbers and a string of celebrities who’ve done it doesn’t convince you to go and book right away, let us tell you a little more about the experience and why it’s worth doing.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb sampler vs full
Has the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb cost and the time it takes to do it been holding you back? Maybe it’s a fear of heights? We get it, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney that cost less and seem less challenging. But, we have a potential solution – the sampler climb.
This shorter experience is the cheapest way to climb the Harbour Bridge. It takes around 1.5 hours and you’ll go approximately halfway up the arch, so there’s still plenty of opportunity to soak up the best view in Sydney and go home with that all-important souvenir photo. It’s a great option for those looking to save money, as well as those with some nerves about the height.
Of course, many people will want to follow in the footsteps of many people who have gone before them and climb right to the top. Call us biased, but we’d say the spectacular 360-degree views and sense of accomplishment make it worth every moment of the 1,332 stairs. Don’t just take our word for it, reviews from previous climbers regularly describe it as “money well spent” and “worth it”. You should allow 3.5 hours for the entire experience.
Both options are suitable for people who are generally fit and healthy, and both provide the same level of expertise and focus on safety. On the day, you’ll be kitted out with everything you need, including a BridgeClimb suit and lockers for your personal belongings, as well as any additional accessories (cap, fleece, rain jacket etc if necessary).
When is the best time to climb?
Take your pick from daytime, twilight and night climbs. All times of day make for a pretty incredible experience, but the twilight climb tends to be the pick of the bunch for views. As locals will tell you, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House never look better than at sunset, so imagine looking over the water as the sun comes down on another beautiful day.
Expert guides and interesting facts
You won’t be climbing the bridge alone. You’ll learn some interesting Sydney Harbour Bridge facts and history from the knowledgeable guides, and they’re experts in offering encouragement and helping people overcome any nerves. You don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie or a serious walker to complete the climb, but you’re sure to walk away afterwards with a great feeling and new knowledge about the bridge and Sydney in general. For example, did you know that the final (and now iconic) steel-arch design wasn’t the only option considered to connect Sydney CBD and the North Shore?
Where is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Once you arrive in Sydney it’s hard to miss to miss the Harbour Bridge. You’ll catch sight of it from a range of places, and nearby Circular Quay and boats on the harbour (including local ferries) offer some incredible views of it. But, for those of you keen to climb it, your starting point is Cumberland Street in historic The Rocks. From this city-side spot the bridge crosses the water to Sydney’s North Shore.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline 