Sydney Harbour Bridge

It's something everyone talks about doing when they go to Sydney. But your still not sure whether or not to take the final plunge, pay the money and do it are you?!

I did it on my second trip to Sydney as initially my brother was under ten and couldn't participate so we decided to wait until he was old enough on a return trip to complete it. A definite once in a life time experience which is why it is such a top tourist attraction.

*****Scared of heights?*****

Having eight lanes of traffic beneath you is pretty daunting. I'm not scared of heights but my knee did start to go on the decent a little! It is 100% safe everything is so efficient and well organised you can see where some of the money goes, and its not just the sexy jump suits! So if the reason you are scared is because of the safety aspect then don't worry. If its really bad weather then its cancelled anyway the publics safety is extremly important and not jeopardised, constant supervision is always given.

*****The Experience*****

Initially you start off in the prep rooms getting kitted out in jump suits, fleece, baseball cap, intercom system and even a tissue which has to be elasticised and wrapped around your wrist as nothing is allowed to fall. Plus the explanation of how to use all the equipment and general safety issues. The equivalent of an engagement ring falling from such a high height is the same as a bullet to the cars below so everything has to be tied on for safety, as it can get quite windy. You get breathalysed so no VB before you go up! You do get full commentary all the way round and are continually attached to the bridge by a carabineer and rope. You go up the bridge in intervals interspersed with commentary and there are water fountains around, however you can't go to the toilet when you're kitted out so go to the toilet beforehand as close to your climb as possible.

*****Timings*****

The whole experience lasts approx 3 ½ hours so it is quite a long time. You have to check in 15mins before hand. It still goes ahead in most weathers apart from lightning. I always thought you walked across the bridge from one side to the other, but you don't! You walk to the top on one half and then cross over to the other side and walk basically back on your self but on the opposite side.

*****Prices*****

Different prices apply for night, on-off peak, dawn and sunset too. During the English summer it is classed as off peak (peak is only Christmas time ish) it costs $169 per adult Mon-Fri daytime, which is about 67GBP and 40GBP for a child…all the way up to a dawn exclusive of $295 per adult, which is about 117GBP.

*****Extra bits included*****

Included in the price is a photo of your walking group (approx 12 to one instructor) and commemorative certificate. You also get free admission to the museum and look out tower where you can view the history of the bridge's construction as well as view the bridge and see the climbers below you on their decent.***See photos from my trip*** This is also a good spot for anyone who doesn't want to do the climb but still wants to take photos (digital zoom would help!)

*****Location*****

Its quite prominent and if you head in to the right direction then you can follow the tourist sign posts to the attraction. When you get to Sydney we approached it from an area called 'The Rocks' which is close to where the ferry trips come in to the harbour with street entertainers etc. (the opposite end to the opera house). If you get lost then most people are really friendly and helpful so don't hesitate to ask.

*****Accessibility*****

The way we accessed it there were lots of steps so if this is a problem then you could contact the Bridge Company direct.

www.bridgeclimb.com (website is very informative)

*****Overall*****

I really would recommend that if you have the guts and the money to spare you go and do it. You do need to book in advance but I think we did it on the phone or over the net from an Internet café when you get there if your unsure when you want to do it.

It has also been awarded many different awards including the Australian Tourism Excellence Council Award for Excellence on 19th May 2006 and many previous.

Many celebrities have also chosen to take the experience which is shown in the enterance.

Happy climbing!

P.S: If a young climber decides to go back then an adult must accompany them back down.