Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: a guide for 2024

Considering the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb? It’s honestly one of the best things I did in Sydney, and I really can’t recommend it enough. You’ll never forget the experience. In this guide, I share all you need to know about taking on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, as well as some recommendations.

It’s fair to say I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is well worth any ounce of anxiety you might have. I’ve been up the CN Tower and the Empire State Building, but thankfully I didn’t have to climb the steps myself, instead whizzing up the elevator. So, I really didn’t know what to expect when facing Sydney Harbour Bridge – but I loved it, and it’s a travel bucket list item I’m so happy to have ticked off. Climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge isn’t just an adventure; it’s an exhilarating journey that offers the most incredible panoramic views of Sydney’s stunning skyline you’ll find anywhere in the city. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before embarking on this unforgettable experience.

Quick tips for visiting Sydney

Get this: a morning or afternoon Sydney harbour cruise. This is such an amazing way to see Sydney’s sparkling harbour, as well as spot a few of the city’s famous landmarks. See Sydney Harbour Bridge from a totally different angle!

Don’t miss: an open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour. I found this a really great way to get my bearings of the city while enjoying some stunning views. Sydney’s public transport system is notoriously not the best, so it’s also a handy way to hop between landmarks you want to see.

Bucket list experience: a guided trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. The Blue Mountains is an absolute must-see while staying in Sydney, and this tour is a convenient and comfortable way to visit this incredible landmark.

Flights: find the cheapest flights to Sydney with Skyscanner.

Stay: find the most affordable hotels in Sydney on Booking.com.

Where is Sydney Harbour Bridge?

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is located in Sydney, Australia. It spans across the Sydney Harbour, connecting the central business district (CBD) of Sydney to the North Shore area. It’s an iconic landmark that stands prominently in the Sydney skyline. It’s also arguably my favourite bridge in the whole world (sorry, Golden Gate!)

How to get to Sydney Harbour Bridge

Getting to Sydney Harbour Bridge is relatively straightforward thanks to its central location within the city. There are several ways to get there:

• By train – the bridge is within walking distance from Circular Quay Station. Trains from various locations in Sydney, including the CBD and suburbs, all stop at Circular Quay making the train a convenient option.
• By ferry – many ferry services operate to Circular Quay, offering probably the city’s most scenic route to the bridge. Ferries run from various points around Sydney Harbour.
• By bus – several buses run through the CBD and North Shore areas, stopping at locations near the bridge. Circular Quay and Wynyard Station are common stops for buses heading towards the bridge.
• By car – if you’re planning to drive, there are multiple roads leading to the bridge, including the Cahill Expressway and the Bradfield Highway. Parking is available at nearby locations, but it can be limited and sometimes expensive.
• By foot – depending on where you’re staying, Sydney Harbour Bridge has a pedestrian walkway accessible from both the CBD and the North Shore. It offers stunning views and is a popular spot for walking or cycling.

Before your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

There are a few things I’d encourage you to do before taking on your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, some of which I wish I’d known before I did it.

Booking your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

It can feel a little overwhelming to learn that there are four different types of bridge climb on offer! Here’s a breakdown of the different climbs on offer:

Do note that Kids Climbs are for children aged 8-15, and they must be over 1.2 metres tall and  accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult. You can also book a private climb experience with your own personal Climb Leader for 1 – 14 people. 

I chose the simple Summit climb and it was incredible – I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from the experience, and I’d 100% do it again if I went back. I’d advise you look at the steps required, but I didn’t find it too strenuous and the guides are brilliant at helping you along.

Reserving your Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

My best piece of advice is to book as far ahead in advance as you can, and only book via the official website. As soon as I booked my flights to Australia, I booked my bridge climb as I knew I really wanted to do it while in Sydney. This guarantees you a spot, and often you’ll get more choice on the time of day you’d like to do the climb. My climb was Twilight, which was brilliant as I could see Sydney in the day and then as we began our descent, the sun began setting. It was really magical! Make sure you review the health and safety guidelines provided by BridgeClimb before you book, to ensure you meet the necessary health and physical requirements.

On the Day of the Climb:

What to Bring:

• Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
• Footwear: Closed, rubber-soled shoes are mandatory for the climb (no flip-flops or high heels).
• Leave the Gear Behind: Personal items like cameras or phones are not allowed during the climb; BridgeClimb provides secure suits with attachments for your belongings.

How much does it cost to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb?

Here are the prices of the different tickets available for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb:

Health and Safety Considerations

There are a few pre-climb measures you should consider before making your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb reservation:

• You should have a general level of health and fitness, and the ability to climb stairs and ladders on your own.
• You need to fill out a BridgeClimb health declaration form before you climb.
• All climbers need to be at least 8 years old, and be 1.2 metres in height or more.
• If you’re less than 24 weeks pregnant, or over 75 years old, you can climb with a Certificate of Fitness signed by a GP.
• You must have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.05 to climb.
• There are some conditions that could impact your ability to climb – it is best to check these with Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb before you reserve.

What if you have a fear of heights?

I’m certainly not the biggest fan of heights, and I was a little wary before climbing. But I really can’t emphasise how great the guides are in making sure you’re comfortable during your climb. I didn’t actually find the height too overwhelming on the climb. You’re more focused on the incredible panoramas across Sydney, which are seriously amazing. BridgeClimb’s team actually specialise in supporting those with heights, helping you to overcome your fears and reach the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll feel a serious sense of achievement when you get there!

What if there’s bad weather on the day of your climb?

Fear not if there’s rain forecasted for your climb. You’ll be equipped with all of the outdoor gear you need, based on the weather conditions. If there is more extreme weather forecasted, like an electrical storm, or extreme winds, you climb might be postponed. Don’t forget, though, this is Sydney and hopefully you’ll experience beautiful weather for your climb.

What to bring with you for your Climb

There are just a few simple things I’d recommend for your climb:

• Wear comfortable trainers – you’ll have a lot of steps to tackle!
• Don’t forget your sunglasses, especially if it’s bright.
• A good factor 50 sunscreen – I’d always recommend wearing a SPF 50+ while in Australia where the sun can be so strong. This is a good, affordable suncream which you can slather on before your climb,
• Wear comfortable clothing. I went for activewear which was perfect, as you need to wear this under your climb suit. Everything else will be provided for you, based on the day’s conditions.
• Any essential medication, like an inhaler. Just let the staff know when you check in.

On the day of your Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

There are just a few simple things to do before getting started with your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb:

• Ensure you’ve eaten before your climb, and that you’re well hydrated. Don’t forget that the experience can last up to 3.5 hours
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled climb time to give you enough time to check in
• Bring a valid photo ID
• Store your personal belongings. You’ll be given a free secure locker to store your things, including any phones, cameras, and GoPros. Fear not – the staff will take your picture while on the climb. Any fitness trackers and jewellery will need to be removed, too. Your sunglasses will need to be attached to your climb suit by the staff.

Upon entry to the BridgeClimb, you’ll see dozens of pictures of celebrities dotted across the entryway. So many of them have completed the climb, including Oprah Winfrey, the Hoff, Richard Branson, and a whole host of impressive movie stars.

During your Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Here’s a little about what to expect, in case you’re like me and don’t like the unknown! I opted for the Summit climb, which is around 3.5 hours long, 1,332 steps, and there are usually around 14 people in your group. It takes you all the way up to the upper arch. I woke up bright and early in preparation for my climb. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb kicks off from The Rocks. The Rocks is Sydney’s historic region where its colourful convict past began. It’s located harbour side and boasts wonderful views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s where European settlement began, and nowadays juxtaposes the historic with the new. You can wander down the cobbled streets and find bustling restaurants, bars, and markets. It’s a great place to grab a meal before starting your climb.

Safety briefing and suiting up

As my family already climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge on their visit to Australia last year, I went solo! I was a little nervous about this beforehand but was soon assured it’s nothing to worry about. In fact, 4 million people have done the climb which takes you 134 metres above sea level. When you get there, you’ll run through a comprehensive safety briefing before your bridge climb, sign any relevant waivers (if not completed via email). You’ll then get suited up in the safety gear provided to you by BridgeClimb (hello, dashing boiler suit!) The attire is actually designed in colours that blend into the bridge so that you don’t distract drivers crossing it. You even get a little headlight and a hanky attached to your suit for safety. You’ll also put any of your belongings away (including cameras) into the security lockers provided. It’s really important you listen to your guide and follow their instructions.

The Climb Experience

The fun part begins! Once harnessed, we began the climb. Although I do have a slight fear of heights, it honestly wasn’t too bad. Our guide asked if any of us were afraid, and took good care of those who were. The only slightly uncomfortable bits included walking across mesh where you can see through to the bottom. At one point, you also climb some slightly awkward ladders whilst at traffic level. This means you pop your head through adjacent to the noise of cars rushing by. It’s nothing too alarming though and is brief, and the views are totally worth it. Once you’ve reached the appropriate height by ladders, you climb across the bridge which is truly amazing. It offers such incredible views over Sydney. Here’s how the climb typically goes:

• The stairway to the views: firstly, you’ll ascend the bridge’s arches, navigating catwalks and ladders while learning about Sydney’s history and landmarks from your knowledgeable guide.
• Summit and views: after around 45 minutes, you’ll reach the summit, where you can enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and even the Blue Mountains in the distance. I loved doing the climb at twilight – we watched the sun go down and watched as the city lights began to twinkle, casting the most amazing atmosphere. As you can imagine, it’s quite romantic. Our guide said around 2,000 proposals have taken place to at the top of the bridge. As it was St. Patrick’s Day when I did my climb, Sydney Opera House was lit green in its honour, making the climb all the more memorable.
• Photo opportunities: as you’re not allowed cameras or phones with you during the climb, you can capture the moment with professional photos taken by BridgeClimb’s photography team during the climb.
• The descent: once you’ve reached the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you begin your descent. We began our descent in the dark. Fear not, you have headlamps to guide the way, and the staff are super helpful at getting you down safely.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb was an incredible experience, and definitely a highlight of my trip in Australia. If you’re in Sydney, I can’t urge you strongly enough to book and do it.

After the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

You definitely feel a sense of achievement and awe after completing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. You get a moment to reflect and soak in all the incredible views you’ve witnessed once you finish the climb. You’ll also receive a personalised completion certificate, a BridgeClimb cap, and a complimentary group photo to remember your climb.

Climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge is an incredible adventure, offering not only unmatched views but also a sense of accomplishment. Whether you fancy an adrenaline rush or a unique perspective of Sydney, the bridge climb is an unforgettable journey above one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: FAQs

How hard is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb?

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a moderate physical activity. It’s crucial to be aware of certain factors that may impact the difficulty for you as an individual:

• Physical fitness – you should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Although there’s some physical exertion involved, the climb itself isn’t overly strenuous. If you have a pre-existing health condition, you should consult with your GP before attempting the climb.
• Height exposure – the climb involves ascending to a significant height, and you’ll be exposed to open spaces. If you have a fear of heights, it may be challenging, although your guide will be there to help. There are sections with steep inclines and staircases, so you’ll need to be comfortable with climbing stairs.
• Approximate duration – the climb takes approximately 3.5 hours, including pre-climb preparation, the ascent, and descent. The climb is conducted at a moderate pace, allowing you to progress comfortably.

While the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb may present some physical and mental challenges, it’s an incredibly rewarding and achievable experience. Always consult with BridgeClimb for specific requirements and advice based on your individual circumstances.

Is it free to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

If only! Unfortunately, climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge is not free. It’s a guided experience provided by BridgeClimb Sydney. You’ll need to buy a ticket to join the climb, and the cost varies depending on factors such as the time of day, the type of climb (day, twilight, dawn, or night), and whether it’s a weekday or weekend. I’ve included the cost to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge in this article.

Can people climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour bridge?

Yes! You just need to climb it via a guided experience offered by BridgeClimb Sydney. This is how you ascend to the summit of the bridge, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of Sydney and its surroundings. During the climb, you’ll wear safety harnesses and be accompanied by an experienced guide who provides information about the bridge’s history, as well as interesting facts about the city. The climb is available in various formats, including day climbs, twilight climbs, dawn climbs, and night climbs.

Is the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb closing?

No, there are currently no plans for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb to close. All current statuses, operating hours, and potential changes to services are listed on the BridgeClimb website.

Can kids do the Harbour bridge climb?

Yes, children are allowed to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, but there are specific age and height requirements that must be met. The minimum age for children to participate is typically 8 years old, depending on the type of climb. They also need to be at least 1.2m tall. Additionally, children must be accompanied by an adult during the climb.

Tips for doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Here my top tips for doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, based on my own experiences:

• Book your tickets in advance. The climb is a popular attraction, so booking early ensures you secure your preferred date and time, especially during peak times.
• Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll also want to dress according to the weather conditions on the day of your climb. Do note you’ll have to wear a boiler suit over your clothes during the climb.
• Wear closed shoes. Avoid any high heels, sandals, and flip flops as they’ll be unsafe.
• Secure any loose items before your climb. This is essential for things like glasses.
• Purchase your professional photos. Although you can’t take a camera with you during the climb, professional photos are taken and available for purchase. I’d recommend getting these to commemorate your experience.
• Check for updates. Before your climb, check the weather forecast and any updates from BridgeClimb. Weather conditions can impact the climb, so it’s important to stay informed.

Overall, I really can’t recommend doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb enough. It was by far the most memorable moment of my visit to Sydney.

Are you considering the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb? I hope you’ve found my guide helpful. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them.