Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb: A Must-Do Activity When Visiting Australia

The Sydney Harbor Bridge, alias the Coathanger, is not merely a famous sight for your viewing pleasure, or a means of getting from one section of Sydney to another. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is a challenge, a mass of metal waiting to be conquered. Yes, you can climb the actual structure of the bridge, and it is worth every breathtaking penny.

Book your tickets in advance. The Bridge Climb is a popular activity and the summer months are booked solid. Plus knowing you have tickets waiting for you at will-call, will keep you from chickening out. When you stand at the entrance of the Bridge Climb and look up at the bridge, your heart starts pounding and you question the wisdom of this endeavor.

Upon entering, you are distracted by paper signing and the general preparations. You are given a breath-a-lyzer test and thorough instructions on medical issues. Safety and knowledge of the equipment are foremost in the preparation stages. Issued stunningly fashionable (!) gray suits and gray hats, you will be at one with the bridge. Any and all loose objects are forbidden. Your glasses, hat, and sweat cloth are tethered to your suit. Cars run on the bridge, and there can be no distractions for the Sydney drivers zooming below you.

You are in groups of ten to twelve people and introductions are made. Our group had two young college girls from Adelaide, a senior from Miami, Florida, we were from Texas, and the rest of the group was from the UK. One tiny woman, Jane, from Cambridge was approximately five feet tall and ninety pounds dripping wet. Her husband passed on the opportunity to climb, and she was a bit apprehensive. She contrasted with one bloke who was over six feet tall and muscled.

Our guide, Brett, was a jolly Aussie chap who quickly put everyone at ease. He lined us up according to size and had us practice our climbing technique before the actual climb. Hooked to pylons, we took turns at steps and ladders with the safety emphasis being one at a time. Soon we were working as a team, and our time to climb the actual bridge arrived.

You are never unhooked from the pylons. At all times you are clacking along and the unique design allows you to maneuver without becoming unhinged. Brett kept us at a brisk pace and fortunately our group was fairly fit. The various ladders and catwalks were at a decent slope. At no time did we find ourselves out of breath or panting. It was less physically rigorous or daunting than expected. We reached the flags at the peak and had a spectacular 360 degrees view of Sydney. After one thousand steps and being five hundred feet in the air, the group was exhilarated. The fabulous Sydney Opera House springs out into the harbor. The Blue Mountains can be seen in the hazy distance. One special surprise greeted this group in Circular Quay. The Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship sat majestically. That is one huge ship!

Obligatory pictures are shot and since you cannot bring a camera, you know you will be purchasing the souvenir package. By this time, your group is a family and you chatter excitedly as you begin the descent. In a total of three hours from prep to finish, you have new friends and you feel as if you conquered Mount Everest. Instead you have the photo package showing you and the team at the top of the bridge. Grinning from ear to ear, you are a part of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Other than the picture, you do have another souvenir from the trip. Two to three days later, you are still hobbling a bit and groaning as you get in and out of tour buses. The gradual slopes and ladders were no big deal on the day of the climb. Your muscles are now protesting and are punishing you for doing the climb. However, have no regrets. The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb is a MUST for any adventurous tourist.