How To Prepare for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Journey

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most iconic sites. Connecting the downtown Central Business District area with North Sydney, the bridge is something you’ll see from most vantage points along the harbor.

If you’ve got a keen eye, you can spot climbers on the bridge at almost all hours of the day! Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-do activity as a tourist, and there are several ways you can experience this thrilling landmark.

Having done this bridge climb several times, I’ll walk you through the process, what you can expect, the different types of climbs, and how you can experience this attraction yourself!

Getting Started

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is managed by a company called BridgeClimb Sydney, and when you’re finished, you’ll see its logo on a variety of merchandise commemorating your climb.

You get started at 3 Cumberland St. in The Rocks neighborhood, which is a short distance from famous Sydney hotels such as The Langham, Sydney, and the Park Hyatt Sydney. It is also only 10 or 15 minutes from the Circular Quay railway station, which is a major public transportation junction.

Hot Tip:

Depending on the time of year, BridgeClimb Sydney experiences sell out fast, so purchase your tickets well in advance, likely before you even arrive in Australia.

Routes

There are 4 different climbs, each with a slightly different route:

• Summit, the most famous of all the climbs, goes up one side of the bridge, across the top, and then down back toward the starting point on the opposite side of the bridge. This is the climb I have done twice, and it is the one I’d recommend to anyone who is doing the climb for the first time.
• Summit Insider climbs to the top of the bridge only on the lower arch. For this experience, while you get to the top, you don’t actually climb the outside of the bridge’s famous arches, and you spend less time on the bridge than the other climb.
• Burrawa-Aboriginal Climb is the Summit climb but with focused storytelling of Indigenous history and how the surrounding land is steeped in Indigenous culture.
• Ultimate allows you to cross from one side of the bridge to the other using the lower and upper arches, making it the longest climb possible.

The reason I chose the Summit climb is not only because it was the original climb but because it used the outer arches to reach the top, which, for me, would allow the best views. No matter which climb you choose, however, you’re sure to see a breathtaking 360-degree overlook of the entire city.

During my time on the bridge, it seemed like the vast majority of people were doing the Summit climb, so it definitely seems like the go-to climb if you’re trying to decide which one to do. Having done that climb twice, I think if I return back to BridgeClimb Sydney, I might do the Burrawa-Aboriginal Climb for a different cultural perspective since you receive a lot more information on the Indigenous history of the area while still doing the same Summit climb.

Booking the Climb

Prices for a bridge climb are approximately $300 a person, though the BridgeClimb Sydney company uses a dynamic pricing system so that climbs at odd hours of the day may be lower in price and climbs that are almost sold out may be higher in price. It’s not a cheap experience by any means, so it’s something to budget for.

I used my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for the purchase to be guaranteed 2 miles per $1 spent without any foreign transaction fees (rates & fees). Admittedly, I did not know how this purchase would code, and with it being so expensive, I didn’t want to risk losing out on valuable miles, so I purchased it on a card where I knew I’d at least get decent rewards even without a potential bonus. I was willing to pay the admission fee, since I had flown down to Australia on miles, saving me thousands of dollars!

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I booked my climb for early afternoon, mainly because I wanted a leisurely morning in the city before it started to get dark. There were times available at all hours of the day, and, as I understand it, all times offer unique perspectives of the city, so you need to decide whether you would like to climb at dawn, dusk, or daylight, but I don’t think you can go wrong no matter which climb you choose.

The only downside to choosing a climb midday is having to deal with heat, which could be a challenge if it’s a scorcher. Fortunately, on the day I climbed, it wasn’t too terribly hot, so things were manageable.

Hot Tip:

My booking coded as general merchandise, not entertainment, so consider using a credit card that delivers top rewards on everyday purchases.

Arriving

BridgeClimb Sydney is about a 10-to-15-minute walk from the Circular Quay ferry and train station. You walk along the water and then up through The Rocks to get to the departure area. While the BridgeClimb Sydney office sits under the bridge itself, the bridge is accessible just a few blocks down, where you can walk a pathway across the entire length of the bridge.

When you arrive at BridgeClimb Sydney, you’re directed to a reception desk where you’re asked to show some form of identification and fill out a health questionnaire indicating you’re able to do the climb without any difficulty. Customers over 72 are required to have a doctor sign the form, so if you’re older, prepare by having this form signed prior to arrival.

The first thing you’re probably wondering about, considering you have to fill out the questionnaire, is how strenuous the climb is. It isn’t, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t the greatest with exercise!

The climb consists of 3 main parts: a flat walk on a series of planks to a pylon, 4 short ladders to a landing, and then gradual stairs up to the top of the bridge. The hardest part for most people will be the short ladders you need to climb to get to the base of the stairs. While it may seem scary, the ladders have large steps and handholds on both sides, so it is very easy to climb up and down. There’s little risk of falling or hurting yourself.

The climb is designed for ages 8 and up. While an 8-year-old could certainly physically do the climb, I think they need to be mature (as much as you can be at that age) to complete the climb and follow all instructions.

Hot Tip:

You should arrive about 20 to 30 minutes prior to your booked time so you can check in and fill out paperwork.

Preparations

Once you’re done filling out the health questionnaire, you’re asked to have a seat until your group time is called. Once it is time, you’re directed to a holding room, where you’re asked to sit and watch a very short film welcoming you to the Indigenous lands the bridge spans. After this, a staff person comes around and administers a Breathalyzer to each person.

Assuming you’re good to go, you’re then directed to a room where you’re given a climbing jumpsuit. I climbed in January (which is Australian summer), so with the temperature outside being above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the instructor suggested everyone dress down to their underwear and then put on the jumpsuit instead of wearing clothes underneath.

There are private changing stalls, and this is the last chance to use the bathroom (and you’re reminded of that a number of times). There are no bathrooms on the climb itself, so even if you don’t think you have to go, I recommend using the restroom just to be sure.

During the changing process, you’re reminded to remove any and all jewelry, watches, necklaces, earrings, and all items in your pocket. Essentially, you can bring absolutely nothing with you on the climb, which I think is part of the reason that they suggested everyone strip down to their underwear under their jumpsuits. Not only is carrying any personal items a hazard to you and other climbers, but if something falls down onto the roadway on the bridge, it could cause a major accident. There are small lockers you can store anything in, but you will be checked and rechecked and asked to walk through a metal detector.

You cannot bring a camera with you on the climb, so all photos will need to be taken by your instructor using their camera, and you can purchase these pictures at the end of your climb. There’s a 20% discount to prepurchase the pictures (which is what I did), though if you can’t decide and want to wait until the end, you can purchase them at full price at that point.

Without the ability to take your own photos, I think it’s worthwhile to buy the photo package, whatever it costs, to document your journey. For many people, this will be the only time they do this climb.

While it’s disappointing to not be able to take your own pictures, this is actually a blessing. On the climb, you can focus on your footing and take in the surrounding scenery without fumbling with a camera and always looking through a screen.

Once you’ve finished suiting up and getting checked for any metal or other objects, you proceed out onto a walkway where a group picture is taken. I’ve done this climb a few times, and the group picture is new, so it’s a nice memento to walk away with a souvenir of the whole group. After your group photo, you head to a big room where you begin the process of hooking up your harness.

There are large metal racks with harnesses of various sizes, and your climbing instructor directs you to a suitable harness based on your size and weight. The harnesses are positioned where you can very easily put your legs through the holes, pull the harness around your waist, and tighten it. It’s an extremely easy process, and your instructor guides you each step of the way, but you absolutely do not need any climbing experience to participate.

After you get your harness on, the instructor attaches a radio to your back and gives you a headset through which you can listen to the instructor. From here on out, things can get noisy just from being outside, so this ensures you hear the information your guide gives you (though you can’t talk back through the headset).

With your headsets on, the final stage is to practice the ladders that take you to the bridge walk. There are 4 practice ladder sets, and you’re asked to go up each and then back down to ensure you’re able to practice your grips and footing. You shouldn’t be scared at all. These practice ladders are there to give you an idea of what to expect, but you do not need any climbing know-how to figure it out.

Before stepping onto the ladders, your instructor shows you how you’ll be hooked in during your climb. On each harness is a cord with a plastic tube on the end. This tube slides over a metal wire that runs the length of the climb. As you walk, the tube and cord follow you, and while you may need to nudge them along occasionally if they get stuck, it’s a foolproof way to stay safe on the bridge. There are no carabiners or unhooking at all during your climb, so rest assured you’ll always be safe.

Once the instructor has allowed everyone to practice on the ladders, it’s time to begin your climb.

Climb

You’re taken to the entranceway of the bridge, and at this time, you need to decide the order you want to be in for the climb. The instructor will be at the head of the group, so if you want to be close to this person, either because you’re scared or have questions along the way, you want to be the first person to hook into the metal wire. The last person who hooks in is at the back of the pack, and keep in mind that you will not be able to change your position at all, as the wire that you’re hooking into extends the length of the bridge without any gaps.

The first part of your climb is easy — it’s a couple hundred yards’ walk on a walkway suspended under the straightaway of the bridge. While there are handrails on both sides, you really don’t need them. Your guide starts off by explaining the nearby sights, talking about The Rocks neighborhood and some Sydney history. Once you reach the end of the walkway, you’re directed to another walkway that makes slight twists and turns until you reach the bridge’s pylon.

While this first part isn’t really scary, if you’re afraid of heights, it’s best to look straight ahead and not look down. As was explained to us, if you feel afraid at any moment, you should stop, close your eyes briefly, and open your eyes to reset your senses as to where you are.

Once you reach the pylon, you’re then directed up the 4 ladders to reach the base of the actual bridge climb itself. On these ladders, you’re instructed to go one by one, allowing the person in front of you to finish their ladder before you step on the same ladder. It’s a well-organized process, and it allows you to climb without feeling rushed. It’s worth noting that at various intervals, the group stops and briefly takes a break to allow everyone to catch up, so you don’t have to worry about losing the folks ahead of you.

Once on the pylon, you then begin the actual bridge climb itself, but not without a picture first. At this point, you’re asked to pose with the Sydney Harbour as your background. If you’re climbing with someone else, you can do a solo picture, together, or both, and your poses are entirely up to you. After this picture, you go up the bridge a few steps to wait for the rest of the group.

As you climb, it’s a steady but gradual step-by-step process (literally). It’s different than climbing a set of stairs at home, as the stairs on the bridge climb aren’t as far apart from each other, making the climb relatively easy for those in moderate physical condition. About halfway up is a misting station where you can cool off and another photo op.

After the group collects themselves, you head up to the actual top of the bridge, where the Australian Aboriginal and Australian national flags await you. It’s here that you truly get a commanding view of the entire city of Sydney, and if the weather is perfect, you’ll be able to see miles in every direction. Your guide points out famous landmarks and surrounding towns and is available for any questions. On my tour, the group seemed particularly interested in real estate prices and housing availability, which the guide was keen to answer. It’s no surprise people want to move to this beautiful city!

While you’re on top, there’s another photo opportunity before you cross over to the other side of the bridge and begin the walk down to the same pylon you started from. You’ll likely find the walk down much easier than the climb up, of course, and because you’re facing the city, it allows you to take in the views pretty much the whole way down, which is awesome.

Most climbing groups stop a few times on the way down, as they do on the way up, to soak in everything and listen to the guide discuss the geography and history of the area.

Once you reach the pylon, you climb down the same ladders you went up in the same orderly fashion. Once at the bottom, you essentially retrace your steps back to the starting point, this time on the other side of the bridge.

Hot Tip:

If you’re a tourist, your guide does more than point out landmarks and points of interest — they can also be a great resource for recommending restaurants and things to do on your visit to Sydney!

After the Climb

Once you’ve made it back inside, there’s a protocol to remove all of your gear, your headset, harness, and the like. It’s a relatively quick process, and before you know it, you head back to the locker area, where you change back into your street clothes.

Of course, finishing the climb is not without a sales pitch. You’re directed into a room where a staff person shows you the photos from your climb and asks if you want to purchase them if you haven’t already. If you have prepurchased them, you’re sent an email to download your photos, and if you haven’t bought them, you’re allowed to purchase one, some, or all of them.

No bridge climb is complete without purchasing some swag, and there’s a gift shop where you can purchase T-shirts, hoodies, and other souvenirs to mark your expedition up the bridge.

Safety

On my most recent visit to Sydney, I was with 2 family members, but only 1 of them actually wanted to do the bridge climb with me. There’s nothing to be afraid of throughout the climbing experience, and I didn’t feel unsafe at any point throughout my time on the bridge. Safety is taken very seriously, and you know this because of the Breathalyzer test, the requirement to remove everything that could come loose, the double-checking of the harness hookup, and so on.

If you have a fear of heights, however, the bridge climb may not be for you, but most people don’t realize they’re even walking up stairs for most of the climb, so it’s really a pleasurable rather than stressful experience. The other nice thing is that the hookup into the metal wire alongside your climb is never unhooked until you get back to the starting point, so you don’t need to worry about any carabiners or other usual technical climbing devices. You hook it up, and away you go, making the process very user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

The Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions for good reason. With sweeping views, an adventurous climb, and the opportunity to take home some truly stunning pictures, it shouldn’t be missed when visiting Australia’s largest city.

While the price is steep, I think it’s well worth it, especially for first-time travelers. While you may not want to repeat the climb each and every time you visit Sydney, it’s certainly something you should do on your first visit!