As soon as we got off the train at Circular Quay in Sydney and walked outside, we were at the hub of cruise ships, the opera house, and in a few more steps we saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which the next day we would be on the top of.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just the name conjures images of that iconic steel arch soaring above the sparkling harbor, a symbol of Australia recognized the world over. As we were researching how to spend our days in town, and came across this opportunity, we knew we had to try it. We were going to experience a bridge in a way I never thought possible.
Booking the BridgeClimb was straightforward through their website. Peering at the various climb options, I settled on the Pylon Lookout to Summit Climb, a fantastic introduction that takes you right to the very top. Their webpage boasts some impressive stats that really sink in as you prepare: 1,332 steps to the summit, a staggering 134 meters (440 feet) above sea level, and a total climb duration of around 3 hours. Reading those numbers beforehand definitely added a thrill of anticipation (and maybe a tiny bit of nervous energy!).
Our climb wasn’t until 5:05 PM so we had the morning to get our bearings around town. We arrived, attended a thorough briefing, put all or belongings in lockers, suited up in their specially designed grey and blue climb suits (which, while not the height of fashion, felt secure and practical) and practiced going up and down a ladder while tethered. When we were warmed up, our friendly and knowledgeable climb leader guided our group towards the base of the southeastern pylon.
The initial ascent involved a series of walkways and ladders within the bridge’s structure. It was fascinating to see the sheer scale of the steel up close, the massive rivets, and the intricate network of beams that hold this giant together. For me, climbing up was the most thrilling part of the tour, taking carefully concentration on the ladder and not wanting to look down. Through our headsets, our tour guide peppered us with interesting facts about the bridge’s history, construction, and ongoing maintenance. You really gain an appreciation for the engineering marvel it is.
As we emerged onto the outer arch, and after a deep breath we made it, the views started to steal the show. The Opera House gleamed white against the turquoise water, ferries crisscrossed the harbor like busy ants, and the city skyline unfolded in a breathtaking panorama. The higher we climbed, the more expansive the vista became. The wind picked up slightly, a refreshing reminder of our increasing altitude.
The climb itself is a steady incline, and while the number of steps sounds significant, it’s broken up by various stops and viewpoints where our guide shared more stories and allowed us to catch our breath and soak in the scenery, while also stopping to take our photos. There’s a real sense of camaraderie among the climbers, all sharing this unique experience.
Reaching the summit was an exhilarating moment. Standing on that narrow platform, the Australian flag flapping gently beside us, the entire city laid out beneath our feet was simply awe-inspiring. The 360-degree views were truly unparalleled – from the distant Blue Mountains to the sprawling suburbs and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It felt like being on top of the world, a perspective you just can’t get any other way.
The descent followed the other side of the arch, offering a slightly different perspective of the harbor. While I was nervous for the climb down, it was easier than going up, perhaps because I knew what to expect in the reverse. Once back on the flat under bridge walkway area, the feeling of accomplishment lingered, a satisfying ache in the legs a testament to the climb. Back on solid ground, I felt an immense sense of awe and a deeper connection to this iconic landmark.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn’t just about the physical challenge; it’s about the unique perspective it offers, the fascinating insights into its history and engineering, and the unforgettable panoramic views of one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. The stats on the webpage definitely give you an idea of the scale, but nothing truly prepares you for the breathtaking reality of standing on that summit. It’s an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting Sydney – a true highlight of our Australian adventure.
We loved this experience, and it turns out there are other bridges to climb! We decided to go for the trifecta of bridges in the cities we were visiting. Up next – Brisbane and Auckland.
November 2023.
For more information about the bridge climb: https://www.bridgeclimb.com/
Since you can’t bring cameras or phones on your tour, I do recommend purchasing the photo package.
FUN FACT: The Hell Gate Bridge, a railroad bridge in New York City, which opened in 1916, served as the inspiration for the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, which opened in 1932. While the Sydney Harbour Bridge is larger and more well-known, the Hell Gate Bridge was the earlier example of this type of structure. While the Hell Gate Bridge is used by Amtrak, I’ve seen the bridge from a window passing by the area on an MTA train.