When is the Best time to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
I thought I had seen the Sydney Harbour Bridge before….. Oh yeah, I live near Newcastle Upon Tyne..
So it is basically a bigger and better version of the Tyne Bridge!
Climbing the iconic bridge was a highlight of our trip to Australia, but when is the best time to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
This blog will detail your options, along with what you can expect from this awesome activity!
We climbed it during midday and we loved it, so my personal opinion is to climb it while the sun is shining down on the Sydney Opera House and Cruise ships in the port.
Other times of the day and night have their benefits also though, so keep reading!
My trip up the Sydney Harbour Bridge with amazing views.
When can you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
The four options are dawn, sunset, day time, or night time!
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge - Booking information.
The Bridgeclimb is a unique experience, therefore, it can get very busy during peak times, so it is best to book your Bridgeclimb in advance.
There are many options available to you, so pick the most suitable one and get climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge ticked off your bucket list.
Different climb options.
All the different climbs offer a challenge in terms of fitness and facing your fears, however, the reward is a unique 360-degree panorama view of Sydney - definitely the best view in Australia.
All climbers receive Bridge & Sydney history commentary, a Bridgeclimb cap and certificate of completion after conquering the 134 metres high ascend.
Ultimate,
The Ultimate experience is definitely one for the most adventurous visitors, and fittest! - with 1621 steps to tackle.
The newest route available to climbers, allows you to travel across the whole bridge, from South to North. Definitely an incentive for previous climbers to return for a more challenging second climb. This option ticks every box for a gap year idea for couples.
Summit.
The Summit experience is the most popular choice with tourists wanting to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time.
Although still challenging, the more manageable 1332 steps ensure that your day on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is slightly shorter, so you can fit other activities in alongside the challenging bridgeclimb.
As the original Bridgeclimb route, the summit experience is like a well oiled machine, so you can expect a very efficient tour.
DAY - ADULT: $328 - $348, CHILD: $149 - $169.
TWILIGHT - ADULT: $374 - $394, CHILD: $189 - $209.
NIGHT - ADULT: $268 - $288 , CHILD: $149 - $169.
DAWN - ADULT: $388 - $408 , CHILD: $189 - $209.
Summit insider.
The slightly easier Summit Insider experience is only 1002 steps, a good option for climbers who may be less fit.
If you want to get up close and personal with the Bridge and experience the structure and fully appreciate the steel, then this is the perfect choice for you
ADULT: $268 - $394.
CHILD: $139 - $209.
Burrawa.
For the more cultured tourists, The Burrawa experience is unrivalled in terms of teaching you about the history of the bridge - from an Aboriginal perspective. Famous Indigenous landmarks around Sydney Harbour can be viewed from one of Sydney’s best viewing points.
As with the Summit climb, there are 1332 steps to tackle, but with great rewards.
ADULT: $328.
CHILD: $149.
A different perspective of the bridge.
Are there any discounts for Bridge climb Sydney tickets?
Everyone loves a bargain, right? Unfortunately, you aren’t going to get one here! The demand for one of Australia’s most popular attractions is constant, therefore, you should expect to pay full price for your tickets.
If you are looking for ways to save money during your trip to Sydney, then you can find cheap accommodation here.
Bridgeclimb Opening times.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is open 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. Bridge climbs start very early, before sunrise and continue well into the night.
Arriving for your climb.
There are different ways to reach the Bridgeclimb experience. Circular Quay is the destination you need to aim for, which can be reached by train, bus or ferry.
From here take A little stroll along George Street until the ‘Guiylian Cafe’, then take Argyle Street until Argyle Stairs (next to Sake Restaurant), which takes you to Cumberland Street following your ascent.
Further up Cumberland Street, you will notice the Bridgeclimb located on the western side underneath the bridge.
Map showing location of Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb.
Tips for climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge:
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your allotted time, so you can check in etc.
If you download and fill out your form before arrival, it will be a quicker process
Free lockers are provided for your personal belongings.
Watches and jewellery are prohibited during the climb.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Don’t forget your sunglasses.
Don’t arrive on an empty stomach, as you have a long day ahead of you (there is a café on site to grab a bite).
Preparing for your climb.
Lockers.
The only personal possessions you will be able to take on the bridge with you are earrings, necklaces or other pieces of small jewellery, however, there are free lockers included for your Bridgeclimb experience. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, these will be attached to your suit so don’t worry!
Breath Test.
As safety is paramount during your adrenaline filled day, you are not allowed to complete the climb if you are drunk. In fact, you must have a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or below.
So save that nerve settling pint until after your climb!
Video briefing.
As you start to change into the famous grey and blue jumpsuits, you will watch a safety demonstration video briefing explaining how the day will go and the do’s and DONT’S. Your allocated tour guide will also introduce themselves and answer any questions or concerns you, or any other climbers may have.
Practice Climb.
There is a mini replica structure in place of ladders and walks to give climbers a feel for how the walk will work and to have the opportunity to practice clipping the safety harnesses in. Only one person is allowed on a ladder at any given time. This is compulsory for all climbers!
Scared of heights?
The team have protocols in place to help climbers face their fears to conquer Australia’s most famous landmark.
Don’t forget to bring your smile for your photos in front of some of Sydney’s famous backdrops!
Halfway up the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
What to expect during your Climb of Sydney Harbor Bridge.
You can expect your overall Bridgeclimb to take around 3 hours in total - although, only 1.5 hours actually climbing the famous ‘coathanger’.
You booked the Bridgeclimb experience? you better believe you are doing it!
The climbs go ahead through rain or shine, so check the weather forecast before booking the bucket list experience.
You can expect to be clipped into a safety wire the whole time you are outside of the main HQ. If you are in a large group, make sure you choose your preferred order before you set off as you can’t change this on the bridge.
There are drinking water stations available throughout the Bridgclimb, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable - particularly during really hot conditions.
Sydney Harbour Bridge at night.
The Bridgeclimb tour guides make for a fascinating experience.
They give commentary via your own personal headsets every step of the way, so you can leave full of facts about one of the world’s most famous bridges.
Our tour guide remembered all of the group’s names which was a lovely personal touch.
They are great photographers!
Even though you are not allowed your own cameras or phones in your possession during the climb, you can guarantee the tour guides will get the perfect snap of you and your friends in front of some of Sydney Harbour’s amazing backdrops.
Although this does mean you can be waiting around for a while in certain spots on the bridge waiting for group photos to be perfected.
Picturesque Sydney city skyline view.
Ten Sydney Harbour Bridge Facts.
At a length of 1,149 metres, Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge.
It took Dorman Long eight years to construct the bridge, starting on 28th July 1923, until 18th January 1932.
2023 marks the 100th year anniversary of construction starting on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
550,000 separate pieces of steel, weighing 52,000 tonnes form the bridge.
As well as one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions, Sydney Harbour Bridge is the most climbed bridge in the world.
Unique 360-degree panorama views of Sydney await climbers at the top of the bridge.
The ‘Coat Hanger’ is a very popular nickname given to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is popular for weddings with over thirty weddings taking place on the famous icon.
The oldest person to complete the Bridgeclimb was 100 years old.
Children as young as 8 have completed the Bridgeclimb.
An awesome photo of the bridge with the Sydney Opera House.
Magnificent views and photos.
Prepare yourself for the best views of your favourite Sydney sights!
There is one guarantee during your bucket list experience, some magnificent views of Sydney Harbour!
During your ascent of the famous bridge, you will experience unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House, unique sights of Sydney Harbour, which usually includes a spectacular cruise ship parked in the port - perfect for one of your snaps!
sunset scenes in Sydney.
If you happen to be visiting Sydney in the months of May and June, then a night time climb is recommended, as it will give you amazing views of the Sydney Vivid Festival. The festival is an annual event which brightens up Sydney with a combination of art, technology and creativity. Find out the festival dates, so you can plan your perfect Sydney getaway.
On a clear day, you can spot the Blue Mountains, whilst absorbing the most beautiful natural harbour in the world.
Make the most of your position in the best vantage point in Sydney Harbour by spotting other top sights in Sydney, such as Circular Quay, the best spot to catch a ferry.
If you want to be at one with nature then look no further than the splendid views of the Sydneysiders favourite Royal Botanic Gardens.
You won’t get a better view of the Sydney city skyline than from the summit of the global iconic bridge.
Reaching the top.
After your climb.
As you arrive back into the Bridgeclimb HQ, there is one last chance to share some comradery with the other team climbers whilst you get changed out of your jumpsuits. You will all share some great memories, accomplishments and on a nice day - a great sun tan!
You will receive your certificate and also get to keep your bridgeclimb cap. If you want to purchase your photos in front of some of Sydney’s famous landmarks then there is an opportunity to purchase different packages (although these are not cheap).
At Bridgeclimb headquarters there’s also a gift shop and lots of memorabilia to look at including celebrity photos following their climbs.
One last look at the iconic bridge.
Final thoughts on the climb.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks throughout history, following its development nearly a century ago. Its breathtaking views, elegant architecture and excellent engineering, all accompanied by exceptional tour guides, makes for a truly remarkable day, in which the memories will last forever.
The climb is expensive relative to other global excursions, but what in Sydney is cheap?
One of Sydney’s great experiences is a must on anyone’s bucket list - It just has that WOW factor!
You are guaranteed professionalism and efficiency throughout your experience from the amazing tour guides. - Share a laugh with them while learning some intriguing century old history, embracing the beautiful views.
Get the legendary ‘coathanger’ ticked off your bucket list along with other Sydney experiences.
The Sydney Harbour bridge and Opera House are just two of many reasons why Sydney is one of the best cities in the world.
For more Sydney guides and travel blogs about everything Sydney check out Nomadic Notes here.
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