Touristy Tuesdays: The Sydney Bridge Climb

Today I am starting a new series called Touristy Tuesdays.  This series will highlight the fantastic tourist experiences I’ve had in Australia.  After all, I never expected Australia to be anything more than a holiday destination when I arrived back in 2000.

By far, one of the best tourist experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world is the Sydney Bridge Climb.

You know, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge?  You’ve probably see it like this on New Years Eve.

Photo by coquetboy.

Well, the good people at Sydney Bridge Climb can help you to climb right up to the top.  And, you don’t have to be Spiderman to do it.

This was top of my list of things to do when I first arrived in Sydney, and I climbed it for the first time a couple of days before I met The Aussie.  To say that it was awesome would be an understatement.

When I arrived at the Bridge Climb, the first thing they did was give me a breath test as bridge climbing and drinking do not go together.  Then they outfitted me in climbing gear.  Remember that this bridge is in use for traffic, so the jumpsuit they give you to wear is gray and blends in with the bridge.

Not really my color, but it is a must to be allowed to climb the bridge.

Once I was suited up, I got hooked up with all my safety gear to keep me tethered to the bridge.

Next, there is a little practice climb (ladders and stairs) right there in the facility before getting out onto the bridge itself.  I was not sure what to expect and had never done any sort of climbing before, but I felt completely ready for my climb after the instruction.

Finally, I was fitted out with a headset to communicate with the guide.  Then I latched my safety rope to the railing, and I was off for the climb of my life.

There are several ladders to climb, to get to the arch.  Then it is all stairs to the summit.  There are several rest breaks along the tour and the guide provides a bit of history about the bridge and the city during the climb.

Sadly, they do not allow you to carry a camera, but the views from the arch and summit are stunning, breathtaking, spectacular, awe inspiring, …

That was the moment that I fell in love with Sydney.

Logically, I know that I was on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a hell of a long way up.  But, I never once felt unsafe up there.  It is just so well set up that even though way I was up in the air, I really just felt like I was climbing some stairs with an incredible view and the wind blowing through my hair.

Now, this is a climb, so there is a reasonable amount of fitness required.  This does not mean that you need to be in the best shape of your life, but you do need to be able to climb stairs and ladders.   I was not in great shape, but I managed just fine.  My legs were a little shaky by the end, but during the stair climbing, the guide would stop for a break just about the time I got tired each time.

I loved the Bridge Climb so much, that I recommend it to all my friends and family who come to visit.  Really, they should thank me for all the business I send their way.  Are you listening Bridge Climb people?

I even dragged The Aussie along when my dear friend Joyce visited me a few years ago.

Now despite refusing to ride anything more strenuous than “It’s A Small World”  in Disney World because he was afraid of heights, The Aussie had a great time on the Bridge Climb.  He was a bit nervous about the heights, but, like me, he felt completely prepared and completely safe throughout the climb.

I still can’t get him on a roller coaster though.  He may never forgive me for talking him into Space Mountain, but, that another story…

So, next time you are in Sydney, make sure to put the Sydney Bridge Climb at the top of your list.  It is well worth the money and, really, jut the best tourist experience I’ve had anywhere in the world.  And, if you are thirsty afterward, the Glenmore Hotel is just across the street, and the Australian Hotel is just a block away for a cold beer and great pizza.

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Note: This is NOT a paid advertisement.  Just sharing one of my many Australian experiences.