HOW TO CLIMB THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE- The Scenic Suitcase

Two structures are iconic to Australia – the Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Their silhouettes are quintessentially Sydney and are recognizable across the globe. And while it’s impossible not to marvel at their architectural beauty, I find it equally impossible not to think

“Yea, I could climb that.”

After all, what better adventure to add to your bucket list than scaling one of the most famous landmarks in the world!?! But how do you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge without being arrested or, worse yet, falling to your death? Enter BridgeClimb Sydney.

How to Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

In 1998, founder Paul Cave’s tenacity and persistence paid off, and BridgeClimb Sydney was officially opened to the public. Today, you can book a number of different climbs ranging in duration, intensity, and time of day for a perfect Aussie adventure.

Want an easygoing experience? Then book the BridgeClimb Sampler, which lasts a mere hour and a half and ascends the inner arch halfway to the top.

Want to get your steps in for the day? Then book the classic BridgeClimb, which reaches the summit after 3.5 hours for a 360 view of the harbor. And if you’re really a go-getter, you can book the BridgeClimb Express, which reaches the summit after only 2.25 hours!

You can book climbs during different times of day (including twilight, dawn, and night) for an even more unique experience. Plus, tours are offered in English, Mandarin, sign language (twice monthly), and other languages upon request. Basically, you name it and BridgeClimb Sydney has a climb for it!

Time for the Adventure Pants

Since climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge had been on my bucket list forever, it was the first thing on the itinerary when I visited my good friend Travis in Sydney (much to his chagrin.) You see, like a lot of other people out there, Travis doesn’t love heights… or birds.

So what’s a perfect activity for someone with Acrophobia? Climbing one of the tallest structures in the city’s skyline. Obviously.

And he’d be the first to tell you it isn’t nearly as scary as you’d imagine. Safety is BridgeClimb Sydney’s #1 priority, so they have taken every precaution to ensure the experience is memorable for all the right reasons. First and foremost, you’re anchored to the bridge with a harness the entire time. And while you’re anchored to the bridge, everything else is anchored to you.

To keep people below safe, you aren’t allowed to bring anything that isn’t attached (even Chapstick!) And what are all these items attached to, you ask?

Your super sexy onesie, of course!

Not only does this little gem keep you warm, but it also looks fantastic in group photos. Bonus!

In addition, you’re surrounded by a high railing as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And no, it doesn’t just seem high to me because I’m the size of a hobbit. Travis is practically a giant, and it still came up to his waist. Trust me, you’re not going anywhere.

And just to be really, really sure you’re feeling confident before your climb, BridgeClimb Sydney has you practice on a mock bridge beforehand. Because you know what they say – practice makes perfect!

So face your fear and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge! It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and the view is well worth it!

Fun Facts About Our Favorite Bridge

Want to know more about this iconic structure? Check out these fun facts:

There have been an estimated 3.5 million climbers on the bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney (the majority of which are international visitors.)
Think you’re too old to climb the 1,332 stairs on the full BridgeClimb? Well, consider that Chris Muller completed the trek when she was 100 years old! If she can do it, so can you.
About 5,000 couples have gotten engaged during their climb, and another 29 have gotten married at the top (along with one on top of the Pylon Lookout.) How’s that for an exciting beginning!?!
Three workers fell to their death during the bridge’s construction (which is actually pretty low, considering none of them wore safety gear while dangling from open beams.) One worker actually managed to turn his fall into a swan dive and survived with three broken ribs and a ruptured eardrum. And he was back to work in two weeks!
The bridge is held together by 6 million rivets (while another 10,000 fell into the harbor during construction.)
BridgeClimb Sydney does its part to give back to the community, donating upwards of $6 million in climbs to various charities and schools.
Numerous celebrities have climbed the bridge too. A few include Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz, Vince Vaughn, Oprah Winfrey, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, Will Smith, and Ben Stiller (among others.)