Sydney is an iconic city. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are must-see attractions that make it onto every aspiring traveller’s list. But for those of you visiting Sydney with some adventure in mind, take your experience of the iconic city to new heights! Enjoy soaring to a height of 134 metres, scaling the summit of Harbour Bridge. It's easy and safe. Here’s how to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy fabulous views!
Adam.J.W.C., Sydney harbour bridge new south wales, CC BY 3.0
What to know before you climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
First, head out to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climbing office. There, you will get a briefing on safety protocols, information about the climb, as well as a standard blue coloured jumpsuit, which is fitted with safety equipment. Then, you are ready to start that unforgettable climb to the summit of the bridge.
If you plan to enjoy exploring all of Sydney’s iconic attractions, choose convenient city-based accommodation. Some like a Sydney City Hyde Park hotel will put you within easy access of attractions. For example, if you are a guest at Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites, Sydney Harbour Bridge is only 8 minutes away. This means other top attractions in Sydney are close to your hotel too! Thus, you save on time spent for long commutes and enjoy walking from your hotel to points of interest in Sydney.
Are you wondering if you are fit enough to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Many tourists doubt their ability to climb the bridge once they are standing at the starting point or looking at it from the base. However, a basic level of fitness is all one needs to attempt the climb. Observe the climbers and you will notice that people of varied shapes, sizes, and ages are enjoying the climb with no trouble. Hence, anyone with a moderate level of mobility can enjoy the climb. Plus, you are given lots of breaks in between your climb.
Can I take photos once I get to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Photos are not allowed. This is due to strict safety protocols. And no cameras are allowed to be taken on the climb. However, the guide accompanying you will have a very good quality camera and is experienced to take impressive photos which you can purchase at the end of your adventure. The photos are very impressive and you get the chance to buy amazing shots of yourself, the group, the vistas of the bridge, and its surroundings.
Choose from different climbing options
There are different climb options to choose from if you are stuck for time or your fitness levels are not up to standard.
The Original BridgeClimb option: This climb takes about 3 ½ hours. There are four ladders to climb, which will have you ascending the outer arch of the bridge to get to the top.
The BridgeClimb Express option: The shorter climb, this option takes only 2 ½ hours climb and you will be scaling the bridge on its inner side of the arch.
The BridgeClimb Sampler option: This is the shortest option and takes only 1 ½ hours to climb. On this route, you climb to a prime lookout point halfway to the peak of the bridge. It’s ideal for those impressive photos and a taste of the stunning views before heading back down.
Choosing a time of day to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
Tours take place all day with groups climbing the Harbour Bridge day and night. The dawn tour, which needs to be booked ahead of time, is ideal for making it to the top of the bridge in time to view the sunrise over Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Or you can choose the dusk tour for views of the sun setting over Sydney and sights of the sky ablaze in hues of orange and gold. In between these two specific times are the general tours taking place throughout the day for spectacular views and an unforgettable experience.