Sydney Bridge Climb: Is it worth it?

Sydney Bridge Climb: Is it worth it?

The Sydney Bridge Climb is one of Australia's most famous activities - but is it worth the cost and effort? We braved some overalls to find out

If nothing else, the Sydney Bridge Climb is a lesson in pure strength. When its creator, Paul Cave, first made suggestions for the climb, regulators responded with a list of over 60 reasons why it simply wasn't possible.

Cave's proposed blue suits would distract drivers, they said. Falling objects would cause accidents and climbers would fall and injure themselves. The list went on.

Not one to accept defeat, Cave set out to systematically investigate and resolve each problem. The blue suits were made gray so as not to distract the drivers; Climbers were put in overalls to prevent objects from falling; and safety harnesses were added to restrain climbers.

In the end, the Sydney Bridge Climb took longer from concept to launch than the construction of the bridge itself.

“I had a two-year business plan and it took 10 years,” Cave noted wryly.

alt="Climbers at the Sydney Bridge Climb are always attached to the bridge">Atlas & BootsClimbers are attached to the bridge at all times

The Sydney Harbor Bridge itself was built over nine years, from the groundbreaking in July 1923 to its opening on March 19, 1932. Today it is 1,149 m long and 134 m high. The steelworks, which are screwed together with around six million rivets, weighs 52,800 tons.

Strangely, of the 16 deaths during construction, only one was caused by a fall from the bridge. There was a second fall, but the lucky Irishman in question hit the water feet first and escaped with a broken rib or two.

Nowadays, safety is of utmost importance and climbers are attached to the bridge at all times. All belongings, including phones and cameras, must be stored in a locker beforehand, with the exception of sunglasses, which will be attached to climbing suits. Everything else is provided by the climb. Hats, gloves, fleece, rain gear and even handkerchiefs are pinned up to prevent items from falling onto the cars below.

We were given special permission to carry a small camera, which was of course plugged in after being checked and signed off by a superior. Again, security is taken very, very seriously.

We set off from our hotel, Mantra on Kent, and arrived at the Sydney Bridge Climb office 15 minutes before our scheduled climb. There we checked in, signed our waivers and changed into our overalls, leaving any loose items in a locker.

The Sydney Bridge Climb comes in different versions: Dawn, Day, Twilight or Night. The most common choice is a day climb, which itself has several options.

The classic BridgeClimb lasts 3h 30m and follows a route along the famous bridge arch. This climb has 1,332 steps and is a better option for nervous climbers as it offers more support from climbing guides.

The BridgeClimb Express lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is designed for “independent-minded people who want to get to the top quickly.” With 1,002 steps, it takes climbers not along the arch of the bridge, but through the bowels to get a close look at one of the largest suspension bridges in the world.

We decided to take the express and set off along the “catwalk” with our climbing guide. This is where nervous climbers struggle the most. The traffic noise is clearly visible beneath the metal mesh, which can sometimes be overwhelming for nervous souls.

alt=“Most climbers find the Sydney Bridge Climb easier than feared”>Most climbers find the Sydney Bridge Climb easier than feared

Most people persevere and find that the Sydney Bridge Climb isn't as strenuous as they feared. There are no ladders or ropes. Instead, participants walk up steps, most of which are flat and punctuated by ramps and horizontal catwalks. There are also many stops where you can stop and listen to your climbing guide tell stories about the bridge and its many famous visitors.

The Sydney Bridge Climb has attracted a variety of celebrities over the years. We won't name and shame our climbing guide, but we will say that despite visitors like Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, Paul McCartney and Kylie Minogue, he was most excited to lead PC Tony Stamp to the top!

alt="Views from Sydney Bridge Climb">Atlas & BootsThe view from the Sydney Bridge Climb

The Sydney Harbor Bridge has also played host to over 4,000 proposals and a few dozen weddings (yes, you can get married on it!). There were no such shenanigans when we rose. Instead, we traced our way upward, past large girders and pylons, endless rows of rivets, and dizzying vantage points over the rushing traffic. There we found one of the best views in all of Sydney. The Sydney Opera House and the famous harbor lay on one side, while the city sprawled on the other.

We took a few standard photos, including awkward poses with thumbs up and arms spread ("British people always struggle with this," our climbing guide remarked with amusement). Of course we preferred the most natural option.

alt="Atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge">Atlas & BootsOn top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge

So – was the Sydney Bridge Climb worth it all in all? There's no denying that the prices are steep ($303 AUD / $230 USD per person plus more for photos). Before arriving in the country we were certainly annoyed by the prices, but we quickly realized that everything in Australia is expensive. The Sydney Bridge Climb is one of the most iconic things you can do in the country, and for that reason alone it's worth it.

Adrenaline junkies won't be tested by the climb, but the sheer uniqueness of the experience, combined with the insights of the climbing guides and the resulting harbor views, makes the Sydney Bridge Climb worth the cost and effort. As I said in the lessons I learned traveling the world, when in doubt, spend the money. A year from now, you probably won't remember the cost, but you will remember the experience. I promise you that.

Sydney Bridge Climb: the essentials

What: The Sydney Bridge Climb in Sydney, Australia.

Where: We split our time in Sydney between Mantra 2 Bond Street and Mantra on Kent, both of which offer apartment-style accommodation in excellent locations.

Located in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District), Mantra 2 Bond Street is within easy walking distance of the city's top attractions. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge are a 15-minute walk away, while Circular Quay and The Rocks can be reached in just 10 minutes. Wynyard train station is two minutes away, making it an excellent base from which to explore Sydney's attractions.

The apartments themselves are stylish and extremely comfortable. Set over 2 levels, the executive studio apartments are open-plan and feature a sunken lounge, marble bathroom and fully equipped kitchen - if you like to cook! A rooftop pool and spa, as well as a lobby cafe and bar, complete the hotel's excellent amenities.

Mantra on Kent is less opulent but just as comfortable. Our modern one-bedroom apartment offered sweeping city views and easy access to Darling Harbor, five minutes away, and Chinatown, ten minutes away.

The stylish hotel features an on-site restaurant, meeting rooms and a 24-hour reception. All apartments offer WiFi, kitchen and laundry facilities. With Town Hall Station 100 meters away and Wilson parking (charges apply), Mantra on Kent is a convenient and convenient way to explore Sydney and the surrounding area.

Mantra Hotels offer accommodation across the country - a safe choice for comfortable accommodation in excellent locations.

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Atlas & Boots

When: The best time to visit Sydney is September to November and March to May. This avoids the high season of December to February and offers pleasant temperatures with manageable crowds.

How: Book a climb via the Sydney Bridge Climb website. The offices are centrally located in Sydney, within walking distance of most CBD hotels. Go through the pre-climb checklist a few days before your climb and try to arrive 15 minutes before your climb.

Book domestic or international flights to Sydney with Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Australia is a huge country. If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Main image: Pisaphotography/Shutterstock

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