Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is without a doubt the most talked-about tourist attraction in Sydney… and with good reason!
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb has been a tourist attraction since 1998, seeing hundreds of thousands of people climb to the summit of this incredible structure that stands tall over Sydney Harbour.
I was lucky enough to climb 134 meters above sea level, up the 1200+ steps to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
In this guide, I want to talk to you all about the experience, how you can do the Sydney Bridge Climb, and show you just how gutted you’ll be if you miss this attraction during your visit.
Table of Contents
HOW TO GET TO THE BRIDGE CLIMB IN SYDNEY
Although it’s pretty hard to miss the Sydney Harbour Bridge itself, it can be pretty hard to miss the entrance to the Harbour Bridge Climb.
So the most simple way to get there is to head to Circular Quay and walk around by Wharf 6, where you’ll often see a humungous ferry parked up. Make your way around to The Rocks which is located underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge itself.
From here, you’ll see a set of steps, take these to the top and turn left. Follow the road for around 50 meters and you’ll see on your right-hand side, The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. It’s here your epic adventure is about to begin!
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The entrance to climb the Harbour Bridge
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB COSTS
It’ll be no surprise that the bridge climb is pricey… though it’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity that takes 3.5 hours in duration and let’s not forget, you’re climbing the most iconic bridge in the world.
However, there are several different packages you can purchase, some of which are a little cheaper making the experience that much more accessible.
The regular Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb that takes you to the summit and back down again will cost you around $308 AUD for an adult and $208 AUD for a child (6-15 years old).
You can book the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Experience online in advance on Klook.com to secure the best rates!
For the sampler, which gives you a halfway Sydney Bridge walk experience, it’s going to cost you around $174 AUD for an adult and $148 AUD for a child (6-15 years old). Again, you can book this ahead of time on Klook.com.
As I said, it’s not a budget activity but what you get for the experience is absolutely priceless. You’ll receive a framed image of your choice as well as a group photograph, a complimentary Sydney Bridge Climb cap, a certificate to say you completed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, and plus the experience itself is breathtaking.
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB TIMES
You’re able to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the day, at twilight, or during the night. The cost of each of these can vary.
During the day there is a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, on the hour, every hour. Starting at 9:00 am and finishing at 5:00 pm.
The Harbour Bridge Climb Sydney at twilight can be done either at 5:00 pm or at 6:00 pm.
Doing the Bridge Climb in Sydney at nighttime can be done at either 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm.
So needless to say, there are plenty of options for climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge so be sure to add this experience to your Sydney itinerary.
Sydney Harbour Bridge walk
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BRIDGE CLIMB IN SYDNEY
To begin with, you’ll check in around 30 minutes before the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb time. You’ll then meet your group, fill in the relevant paperwork and be subject to an alcohol breathalyzer test. Every single climber must undergo this test before they’re able to climb the Sydney Habour Bridge as it’s for the safety of everyone.
After that, you’ll enter the next room where you’ll get fitted for your climbing suits and (if raining) your wet weather gear. Once in your gear, you’ll go through and get harnessed up.
You’ll be fitted with a harness, radio gear, a cap, and all other safety equipment. You’ll practice on the style of ladders you’ll climb before heading through the tunnel and out onto the bridge.
Up we go!
You’ll start the Bridge Climb in Sydney by walking above the pavements below you. It’s here that’ll be the most narrow part of your climb. As you walk along this pathway, you’ll learn about the area below and what’s around. From here, you’ll make your way over to the first pylon before getting onto the actual bridge above the water and beginning your climb up.
This is the hardest area of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb… the ladders. You’ll take the ladders (that you previously practiced on) up to four flights. You’ll be climbing between the road on the bridge so if you look to your left and right, you’ll have traffic passing right next to your ears. It’s a pretty cool experience.
Halfway up the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney Opera House
Once you’ve made this climb, you’re out on top. It’s here the climb gets easier and turns into more of a steady walk to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Again, along this stretch, your guide will be talking to you all about the surrounding area, Sydney’s history, and pointing out a few important landmarks.
Then it’s time to pose for the camera at the first photo spot along the way. You’ll pose with your friends, on your own and have your chance to ask the tour guide anything you want. After your first photocall, you’ll make the final ascent on the Sydney Bridge walk.
When you reach the summit, you’ll have another chance to have your photo taken with your fellow climber friends as well as a group photo. You’ll spend time up at the top, watching the speeding traffic below and taking in this amazing panoramic view of Sydney.
Posing for the camera
Yeah team!
After that, it’s time to begin the descent. Remember, what goes up has to come down. You’ll climb back down (which is often harder than climbing up), going between the lanes of traffic and dropping back down to the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
You’ll make the long narrow walk back to the tunnel where the Harbour Bridge Climb Sydney finishes. It’ll be time to take off all your gear, get back into your normal clothes, and redeem whatever pictures you’ve chosen, plus any extras. You have the option to buy a USB with all your images, merchandise, etc.
The Bridge Climb in Sydney is a well-thought-through activity down to the smallest of details. You’re not allowed to take any watches or fit-bits up but they know you’ll be wanting to track your steps… so they have calculated how many you do.
The cap you wear for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is the cap you’re allowed to keep. They have water fountains on the bridge to quench your thirst (these are only around the lower half, before the ladders). Once you’re halfway up, they have misters spraying a fine mist of water to cool you down.
Each and every detail is thought out and that’s what makes this Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb experience so epic!
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View of Sydney CBD
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE FACTS
The bridge took 8 years to build, with construction ending in 1932. During those 8 years, 16 lives were lost and one man fell from the bridge into the water, though managed to survive. 2 weeks after falling from the bridge and breaking 3 ribs, he returned to work.
The pylons on either side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge aren’t actually attached to the bridge. They were put there as people didn’t think the bridge could stand without them.
At the time of building the bridge, the tallest building in Sydney was just 70 meters high. Sydney Harbour Bridge is 134 meters above sea level.
The Harbour Bridge Climb opened its doors in 1998.
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View of the Sydney Opera House
WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
Sydney has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Sydney to suit the needs of luxury travelers and budget backpackers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Hyatt Regency Sydney
Probably one of the most luxurious and top-rated hotels in Sydney, the Hyatt Regency. Located right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this hotel is at the height of luxury with a swimming pool, restaurants, open-air bars, and a 24-hour fitness center! Spacious rooms with large comfortable beds, private bathroom, free wifi throughout as well as those incredible views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Mid Range: Ryals Hotel Broadway
This is the perfect mid-range option in Sydney. Located in Glebe, this stylish and modern hotel offers great value accommodation with luxury rooms. Large comfortable beds, free breakfast every morning, wifi throughout and even washing services. Located just a 40-minute walk from Circular Quay or if you’re not feeling the walk, then just hop on the tram from the station about 10 minutes from your door. A really great hotel for a really great price.
Budget: Holiday Lodge Hotel
A family-run hotel, located in Potts Point, just 10 minutes by public transport to the Harbour Bridge. A small, quaint, and very unique hotel, offers you a wonderful stay during your time in Sydney, at a really reasonable price. With rooms that sleep up to 5 people, this accommodation offers something for everyone. Airport shuttle, wifi, and heating are also features of this budget accommodation in Sydney.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
- BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
- SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
- VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
- BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
- RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
- GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase World Nomads travel insurance
- TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free
Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE SYDNEY BRIDGE CLIMB
In short, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done, and to be able to say I’ve climbed the most iconic bridge in the world. I’ve stood on top of such a beautiful structure and looked out over one of the most special cities in the world.
For anyone scared of heights, I really would urge you to do this. When you’re up there, it’s weird… you don’t actually feel like you’re that high off the ground. It’s only at the very beginning that you’re able to look over the edge, after that and the higher you get, the wider the steps become. You’re further away from the edge and you feel really secure.
Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I urge every single person to do and something you’ll look back on for years to come with fond memories.
For the price you pay, you really are getting such great value for money. The care and attention that The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb team has put in to make this the best experience ever, really is faultless.
The Sydney Habour Bridge Climb is definitely one of the best things to do in Sydney and if you have any questions at all, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
Hello. I am thinking of booking a bridge climb in November with a female friend. I am 72 year old male of average fitness and my friend is 69. Should we be worried about the climb being too challenging for people our age? I do a 4km walk a couple of times a week.
Hi Angus, sounds awesome, I think you won’t find it too challenging! Go for it and enjoy 🙂