In Sydney, Australia and wondering if the BridgeClimb Sydney experience is worth it? This post will go over and review BridgeClimb Sydney based on my experience and help you determine if it is worth it. It will also provide all the information you need to know to help better prepare you for your visit. I also provide some useful tips so you can spend more time enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime Sydney adventure.
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Intro
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll never forget. You get to climb the upper of the steel arches on one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Along the entire journey, you get 360-degree views of the harbour below and amazing views of all of Sydney. This thrilling BridgeClimb adventure is a must-do activity while in Sydney, and yes I do believe it is worth it!
Here’s my full review of the BridgeClimb experience and I will provide information on what to expect before you go. Don’t forget to check my tips out too!
BridgeClimb Sydney Tickets
To experience the BridgeClimb, you can reserve your spot by clicking here, or clicking on one of the Summit Climbs in the widget below. There are several options throughout the day where you can experience the climb either during the Day, at Twilight (sunset), or at Night.
I recommend booking ahead of time so that you can choose a date and time that best suits your schedule while in Sydney AND time slots do fill up! I chose to book the 10:30 AM slot, and this was a perfect time that allowed us to eat breakfast for some much-needed energy before the climb.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The BridgeClimb Sydney Experience
Location
The BridgeClimb Sydney center is not actually on top of the bridge, so don’t go up the stairs that lead up to the actual bridge walkway. The meetup spot is actually on a street sort of under the bridge. You’ll know you’re definitely in the right place when you start seeing BridgeClimb flags.
Inside the center, there is a small cafe where you can get some pastries or energy bars (in case you didn’t get an energizing meal beforehand). We arrived at 10 AM to allow time to get more food fuel and use the restrooms. However, there is a restroom right before the actual climb starts too though.
Entering the BridgeClimb Sydney center • photos by Jeanie A
Gearing Up
Intro Video
After checking in at the front desk and getting another bite to eat, we then briefly waited in the waiting area up the stairs. This little waiting section had photos of celebrities who have done the BridgeClimb. You’ can’ll find celebrities such as Steve Irwin, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ben Stiller, just to name a few.
At right about our start time at 10:30 AM, the doors open and we watch a short video briefing of the climb and what to expect.
Waiting to BridgeClimb! • photos by Jeanie A
Changing into the Climbsuits
Afterwards, we were all given our blue & grey climbsuits to change into. There are a bunch of curtained changing room stalls where you can either take off your clothes (especially if it’s a hot day), or you can choose to still wear your clothes under the climbsuit (perhaps if it’s on a cold day), and put on the climbsuits. For me, the weather was a perfect low 70s °F (~21 °C), but I still opted to remove my pants and shirt so that I could be at a comfortable temperature in case the sun decides to come out blasting.
There are lockers to put your belongings into, and you wear the locker key around your neck so you don’t drop or lose it during the climb. You can also get a sunglasses strap so that they stay tethered to you and not drop. You do have to leave EVERYTHING behind (except sunglasses as long as you get the strap). This means no phone, no camera, no watch, no hair claws/clips. I was able to keep my jewelry rings on though.
At this point is also where you can use the restroom before moving on to the harnessing portion.
Harnessing Up
The next step is harnessing! The climb leaders assigns each person a climbing harness to put on. We are then directed to step into the leg-holes and essentially put the harness on and around our shoulders. While this is happening, the staff members are coming around and tightening and checking the buckles. They also connect a few other items too. A tethered hat in case you need a bit of shade from the sun, a hankie in case you need to use it as a wipe, and headphones and receiver so that you can hear the guide during the climb.
Safety Briefing & Ladder Training
The next step is then the safety briefing on how to navigate the ladder portions of the climb. There are a few times where you will have to position yourself properly so that you don’t tangle yourself in your harness rope on the ladders. Because of this, they show you how you’re supposed to position yourself on these ladders, and how to ascend and descend them. The demonstration is then followed by your own opportunity to practice on their ladder mock-up structure as well.
I did find this training super necessary because I found the descending ladder portions to be the scariest part for me in fear of getting tangled and falling.
Climbing Experience
The entire climbing experience is about 3 hours long which includes check-in, gear-up, safety briefing, ladder training, and the climb. The climb itself is 2 hours long and was perfectly paced with plenty of breaks, and you amazingly take a whopping 1,332 steps!
Next I’ll go over the BridgeClimb experience in detail, from getting onto the bridge, the ascent, descent, and the return:
Getting on the Bridge
Once everyone did the ladder training, the next step was to do the actual climb! Before heading out on the bridge, there is a water fountain to hydrate a bit at. Then the doors open and we were underneath the bridge! We walked along the flat catwalks with Dawes Point streets below us. This is the first instance of feeling above the ground.
There are two climb leaders that go with you on the journey. They will give you directions and prepare you on what to expect every step of the way. Additionally, throughout the entire journey, they also talk about the bridge, its historical significance, and the surrounding area as well. I loved that they include a history lesson throughout the experience! Definitely another point to the BridgeClimb Sydney worth it factor.
Ascending the Ladders
When we got to the ladder portion to head up to the arches, we were then reminded of the training we just did where we have to go one-by-one each ladder section. Your harness rope should be following you along the rail, but there might be times where you have to grab the rope to have it right near you and move forward.
Ascending the Bridge Arches
Once on the steel arches, the steps begins! We gradually ascended the arches which I found very doable even if you don’t consider yourself super fit. I sure don’t and was actually a bit worried that I’d get too exhausted, but it was perfectly paced with sufficient amount of breaks to catch our breath. The guide also preps us before we begin each section of bridge we’re about to climb. I think there was only one section where we did feel a bit of burn, but it wasn’t bad at all!
At the Summit!
Once we reached the summit, we really felt the height being at 440 feet (134 meters) above the water. We were able to take a moment and just soak in the views of the harbour, of the Opera House and Circular Quay area, as well as the towering buildings of Sydney’s central business district (CBD). To me (someone who loves views from high vantage point), the views from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge made the BridgeClimb absolutely worth it!
At the Summit! • photos by Jeanie A
Descending the Bridge Arches
We then crossed the bridge at the highest point to reach the opposite arch for our return back. This downhill portion had less breaks and we were sort of going down pretty fast. I definitely felt this descent in my knees lol.
Descending the Ladders
Then we reached the ladder portion again and descended back down to be back under the bridge. Like I said, I found this portion to be the scariest in fear of being tangled and potentially falling. SO my advice here is to remember how to position yourself before getting on the steps, descend slowly and take it one step at a time.
The last part is back on the flat catwalks, heading back to the center. This was a nice wind down of the entire experience.
Gear Return & Photo/Souvenir Shopping
You’ll then return your gear, change out of your climbsuits, collect your belongings, and be treated to the free hat they tethered to you! You’ll have an opportunity to purchase the photos they took of you atop the bridge, and also do some souvenir shopping at the front to remember your climb. I loved this experience so much that I had to purchase the photos for the memories 🙂
Purchased souvenir photos of the BridgeClimb • photos by Jeanie A
Photo Opportunities
Once you get on the steel arches part of the bridge, there are a total of 3 photo stops. one right before ascending the arches, one about midway with the view of the Opera House behind you, and the last at the very top in the center of the bridge. These photo stops also act as breaks to catch your breath as each pair or smaller group gets their pictures in. They do take multiple pictures at each spot too in case you want to do different poses. I think I got to do about 3 to 5 different poses at each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the BridgeClimb Sydney Expensive? Yes.
Is the BridgeClimb Sydney Worth It? Absolutely Yes.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, but the BridgeClimb IS expensive. Prices vary depending on the time of day you climb and the climb type. But expect to pay anywhere between AUD$260-400 per adult (about USD$162-$250 per person). So I can certainly see why anyone would be questioning whether the Sydney BridgeClimb is worth it or not.
All that being said, it’s really hard to put a price on the experience. On being able to stand on top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The entire experience was so smooth and polished, clearly professional, and is a truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would recommend this experience over and over!
The BridgeClimb Sydney ticket price does include all of the following, which further contributes to its worth-it-ness:
- Climbsuit and all the safety gear: Climbsuit, harness, cable & carbiner clip, headphones & receiver, sunglasses strap, tethered hankie and a hat (which you get to keep!)
- Dedicated climb leader guide: Constant climb guidance, directions, and preparation on what to expect every step of the way
- Commentary throughout: The guides provide bridge facts, bridge history, sydney history & culture of the Gadigal people
- Unforgettable views: This goes without saying, but the views you get atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge are truly unforgettable, making it hard to put a price on. The Harbour, the Opera house, Circular Quay, Central Business District, Luna Park, and the entire city of Sydney can be seen from this vantage point.
Which Climb Time is Best?
BridgeClimb Sydney offers several options throughout the day:
- Day Climb: Climb the bridge in broad daylight where you can see the city in full light. I opted to do this (10:30 AM start time)
- Twilight Climb: Ascend while it’s still light out, watch the sunset at the top, and descend while the city lights start to turn on.
- Night Climb: Climb the bridge at night with all the twinkling city lights
As mentioned, I opted to do the Day Climb with a 10:30 AM start time. I found this to be a perfect time to have an energizing breakfast beforehand, and be able to see the entire city in broad daylight. The Twilight Climb was my close first choice since I LOVE watching sunsets, but there was no availability for my date so that sort of solidified my decision.
If you’re climbing in the summer months of December to February, I suggest booking an early morning climb or the twilight and night climb to avoid the sweltering heat. And to repeat myself, I do recommend booking in advance as time slots do fill up, and so that you can experience this at your desired date and time.
Can you Bring a Camera?
Not on the bridge, no. All personal loose items are not allowed on the climb. This means no phones, no cameras, including action cams like GoPro and Insta360. Technically you can bring them with you to the BridgeClimb center, but they will need to stay in the lockers.
Additionally, your guide will take photos at various points where you are able to do multiple poses. As mentioned, I was able to do about 3 to 5 different poses at each stop, and we had 3 photo stops in total. The guide also takes photos of the surrounding views as well. These photos are all available for purchase at the end of the experience.
What Should you Wear?
Wear comfortable sneakers or at least closed-toe walking shoes that have a good grip. I wore my white Old Skool Vans and these worked perfectly fine for me!
If the weather is hot, you might feel like removing your clothes before putting on the jumpsuit, but if you prefer to keep your clothes on on a hot day, then wear breathable fabrics like workout clothes or athleisure underneath.
If the weather is cold, then certainly keep your clothes on under the jumpsuit. On super cold days, I believe they will provide a fleece sweater to wear underneath.
What Should you Bring Then?
Only a few items are allowed on the climb with you. Sunglasses are allowed where they provide a strap to keep it tethered to you. For women, you are allowed to keep your rings on and wear hair ties on your wrist, but hair claws/clips are not allowed.
Also, bags, water bottles, watches, and your own hats are not allowed on the bridge either. But if you do bring these items to the center, they will have to stay in the lockers with the rest of your clothes/belongings.
Is it Scary?
If you’re afraid of heights, you are probably going to feel a bit nervous, especially on the ladders. But the entire time, you are secured with the harness and cable, and the guides were great at keeping everyone calm and confident.
There are two parts where you can see all the way down beneath you though. The first part on the flat catwalks under the bridge that look down at the Dawes Point streets, and eventually over the water. The second part is at the top of the bridge in the center, with the passing cars right below. So if you’re scared of heights, best not to look down at these two points.
The actual ascent on the arches aren’t that bad. You are connected to a cable system the entire time, and the farthest drop-off point to even look over the edge is a few feet away from your walkway.
Also, my fiancé is scared of heights too and he said he had no problem with the whole experience! He just didn’t look down at the parts you can see down below lol. Otherwise he also believes the Sydney BridgeClimb was completely worth it!
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Book in Advance
I recommend booking ahead of time because time slots do fill up! Not only that but booking in advance allows you to choose a date and time that best suits your Sydney schedule. I chose to book the 10:30 AM slot, and this was a perfect time that allowed us to eat breakfast for some much-needed energy before the climb.
To experience the Bridge Climb, you can reserve your spot by clicking here, or clicking on one of the Summit Climb options in the widget below:
2. Choose a Climb that Fits your Interest
There are a few time options to do the climb at: during the day, during twilight hour (sunset), and at night. Choose a time based on what you want to see on top of the bridge. Do you want to see Sydney with full light? Do you want to watch the sunset from up top? Or do you prefer the twinkling lights of the city? The BridgeClimb Sydney experience is pricey, so go during a time that adds more to its worth.
As mentioned, I opted to do the Day Climb with a 10:30 AM start time. I found this to be a perfect time to have an energizing breakfast beforehand, and be able to see the entire city in broad daylight. The Twilight Climb was my close first choice since I LOVE watching sunsets, but there was no availability for my date so that solidified my decision.
3. Check the Weather
The weather can greatly impact your climbing experience, so be sure to check it ahead of time. If it’s hot and sunny, hydrate a ton in the days leading up to the climb and expect to probably remove your clothes from under the climbsuit. If it’s cold, wear warm clothes to go under the climb suit.
I actually believe I went with the best weather possible! I visited in early November and it was mostly cloudy where the hiding sun really helped me to not overheat (there’s no shade on the arches). It also wasn’t overly hot nor too cold, just at a perfect low 70s °F (21 °C) temperature. But still warm enough for me to opt to remove my clothes underneath my climbsuit. There was also hardly any wind gusts either so my hair hardly flew around all crazy. I got super lucky.
4. Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be climbing up and down ladders, and walking 1,332 steps, so do wear comfortable shoes! They must be closed toe and its best to wear shoes with a good grip on the sole.
5. Bring Sunglasses
Pretty much the only item you’re allowed to bring during the climb, so bring it! It can get sunny and super bright on the arches, so it’s best to bring eye protection. They do provide a sunglasses strap so that they stay tethered and connected to you the entire time.
6. use the Lockers
Even though you aren’t allowed to bring much on the climb itself, there are lockers that you can keep your belongings in. So feel free to bring things to the center. Just expect that it’ll be stowed away in the lockers.
7. Eat Beforehand
The BridgeClimb is pretty much a workout so fuel up with energy by eating a good and healthy meal beforehand! If you miss a meal, there is a cafe corner inside the BridgeClimb center where you can buy some pastries or energy bars. You won’t be able to bring anything to snack on or drink while on the bridge. There are a few water fountains you pass during the climb though.
8. Eat Afterwards
Since you’ll be taking a whopping 1,332 steps over 2 hours, you’re going to want to eat afterwards! So after your climb, leave some time to eat in the nearby areas. Nearby areas are Millers Point, Dawes Point, and the Rocks, all with plenty of options to eat.
BridgeClimb Sydney: Absolutely Worth It!
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lives up to the hype. It’s thrilling and memorable, and offers incredible views of Sydney. Despite its high price tag, these views, all the inclusions, and the professionalism of the guides made the BridgeClimb Sydney experience 100% worth it! I hope this review urges you to consider adding it to your Sydney itinerary. Bon Voyage!
Have you experienced BridgeClimb Sydney?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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