Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

You really have to be in the presence of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to appreciate its majesty. Towering high above the Harbour it is as iconic as Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower; it serves a staggering 160,000 cars a day so it does have its uses too.

Since the late 1980’s members of the public have been able to climb the bridge as an attraction, hearing this and seeing the bridge meant only one thing, I had to do it!

I booked online in advance with nervous apprehension; it was August and although considered winter in Sydney it was a pleasant 18 degrees, the sun was glowing and the breeze was pleasant for a hardened Englishman. You could have mistaken it to be a summer’s day in England, without the rain of course.

Arriving early showed my eagerness and I was forced to wait for 40 minutes or so, the building its self was not too hard to find, simply follow the bridge on the east side, Google maps did all the work for me. Waiting inside you could see the tours departing and arriving every 20 minutes or so, walking around the gangways above the waiting area; a mixture of fear and excitement on the faces of the departing and relief and euphoria on the faces of those returning.

It was finally my turn, leaving the waiting area with the other members of the climb we were escorted to a room and stood in a circle before being handed the iconic jump suit. Not just a fashion symbol we were told, it was a blue and grey colour scientifically proven to not distract the motorists, who would be zooming past as we would be ascending. After a quick change of clothes in the locker room and the safe storing of all loose items in the provided lockers we had our safety briefing.

Instructions received, we were attached by a tether to the rail, and the next time we would be released was when we returned. Every climber is given a headset which allows the guide to communicate with the group giving interesting facts and guidance as the climb progresses. We set of in the underbelly of the iron beast, just above Luna Park on a catwalk even at this relatively low height it felt high. We made slow and steady progress towards one of the towers of the bridge where steel ladder/steps greeted us for our first challenge. Here we were told a quick rub of the stone colums would provide some luck, a non believer in such superstitions but I still gave it ago, nothing to lose after all.

A steep and slow ascent taking it in turns to use the ladders, just in case the person in front falls they don’t take any others down with them. As you make your way up you feel every car thunder past and the shaking of the trains rumbling makes you believe you’re in the epicentre of a mild earthquake. Hold tight and you’ll be fine they soon pass. As your head pokes out from the middle of the highway you are grateful for the metal cage cocooning you from the oncoming traffic, a surreal feeling as you approach the final section of ladders.

We have made it to the last outpost before the walk up and over the arch of the bridge, here we are given five to catch our breath, gather our thoughts and take a last drink of water for an hour or so. Led expertly by our guide we make our way up. The ascent is made easier by the arch being one giant stair case, with larger than average steps, taking two steps to reach the next step. Here progress is made quite quickly and the traffic below soon becomes to appear to be toy like figurines, as their roar becomes a distant buzz.

Nearer the summit there is a feeling of serenity, with majestic views over the Harbour, City and Opera House. The sun is shining and although blustery is still warm; as we climb we are given various snippets of information on the construction, nothing too heavy and plenty interesting. The summit is reached in less than 30 minutes and we take some time to breathe in the view, truly is a beautiful sight, awe inspiring.

We cross the apex of the bridge under the famous flags which we are told cost thousands of dollars and are replaced on an annual basis. After 20 minutes or so we begin or decent back down, again at a reasonable pace, I found myself going slow on purpose, I wanted to observe and memorise the moment as it felt like a true once in a lifetime experience.

Afterwards I headed for a well earned beer in the lovely Rocks area and reflected on a great afternoon. Those that suffer from mild vertigo should not be deterred, the bridge climb is wide and there are limited views directly below, making it less frightening. Cameras and phones are not allowed on the climb but they do take some good pictures for you which can be purchased at the end of the tour. I would suggest having a moderate level of fitness. A day ascent ticket cost me $155 Aus so by no means a cheap experience but by every means extraordinary.