Guide · Sydney ·
Sydney Harbour bridge climb: tickets, timing and tips
Sydney Harbour Bridge climb tickets cost between A$188 and A$298 for an adult, and the climb takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 and a half hours. BridgeClimb, at The Rocks, runs three guided climbs to the summit, 134 metres above the water. This guide shows how they differ, what each costs, who may climb and what to book.
The bridge opened on 19 March 1932. BridgeClimb opened on 1 October 1998 and gave the public access to its catwalks and ladders for the first time. Since then more than two million people have climbed it.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, About Us and Bridge Facts.
The three climbs and how long they take
All three climbs reach the same summit. They differ in route and in time.
- The Express Climb started in October 2009. It takes 2 hours 15 minutes in all, in groups of up to 12, and goes through the inner arch. From check-in it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the top.
- The Discovery Climb started in 2006. It takes 3 and a half hours, in groups of up to 14, and also uses the inner arch. You can touch the steel and rivets, and you reach the summit by a large staircase between the two arches.
- The Bridge Climb takes 3 and a half hours, in groups of up to 14, along the outer arch on catwalks and ladders. The steady slope makes it a good choice if you want to look at the view.
On the longer climbs, the first hour is a briefing and a safety demonstration. The next hour is the walk to the top. On the Express Climb you go about 1 hour 40 minutes between toilet breaks. On the other two it is about 2 hours 40 minutes, so plan ahead.
The route covers about 1.75 km. You walk on mesh catwalks, climb four flights of stairs and 465 widely spaced steps on the arches, and step over and duck under girders. There are hand rails the whole way.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, The Express Climb, The Discovery Climb, The Bridge Climb, FAQs and Fear of Heights.
What a sydney harbour bridge climb costs
Prices depend on the time of day. These adult prices apply from 1 July 2011, in Australian dollars with GST included. Child prices are lower and cover ages 10 to 15.
| Climb | Day, Mon to Fri | Day, Sat and Sun | Night | Twilight | Exclusive Dawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express and Bridge Climb | $208 | $212 | $188 | $268 | $298 |
| Discovery Climb | $198 | $212 | $188 | $268 | $298 |
Child tickets run from $128 (night) to $198 (dawn). Each three children need one adult climber. Dawn climbs run on the first Saturday of each month. Higher peak rates start on 27 December, when an adult day or night climb costs $228. BridgeClimb may change its rates at any time.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, Pricing.
Choosing a time of day
Every climb type runs at dawn, by day, at twilight and at night. Here is how BridgeClimb describes each one.
- Day: busy and bright. A clear day gives views from the Pacific Ocean to the Blue Mountains.
- Twilight: you start in daylight and come down in the dark, with night gear supplied. You can choose an early or a late twilight start.
- Night: you wear a headlamp, and the city lights glow below. It is the cheapest slot.
- Dawn: a quiet climb that reaches the top as the day begins.
If you want to be at the summit at a set time, count back from your start. It takes about two hours from check-in to reach the top on the Discovery and Bridge Climbs.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, Timing Your Climb and FAQs.
Who can climb
You must be at least 10 years old and at least 1.2 metres tall. Children aged 10 to 15 must climb with an adult. Everyone signs a declaration form on the day, and you need reasonable fitness and strength and the ability to climb without a walking aid.
You will not be allowed to climb if you have a blood alcohol reading of 0.05 per cent or more. Every climber takes a breath test, and a ticket becomes invalid if you fail it. Broken bones and surgery in the past six months are also reasons to stay on the ground, and so is a recent seizure, unless you hold a driver's licence despite it.
Pregnant climbers under 24 weeks need a doctor to sign a certificate of fitness. Over 24 weeks you cannot climb. If you have a heart, breathing, back, joint or balance condition, read BridgeClimb's health page first and ask your own doctor. Essential medicine, such as an asthma inhaler, may be taken up at BridgeClimb's discretion. This is general information, not medical advice.
Afraid of heights? BridgeClimb says its leaders are trained to help, and you stay clipped to a static line the whole time. Tell your leader at the start.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, Health and Safety, FAQs and Fear of Heights.
What to wear and what to leave behind
You wear a BridgeSuit over your own clothes. BridgeClimb supplies a radio and headset, a hair tie, a cap for sunny weather and a warm fleece and rain gear for poor weather. A latch or slider links you to the static line.
- Wear fully enclosed, rubber-soled shoes such as runners or hiking shoes. Leather and PVC soles are not suitable.
- Bring your glasses or sunglasses. Attachments let you wear them on the climb.
- Leave everything else in a locker, including your camera. Nothing loose goes on the bridge.
- Your leader takes photos, and your group gets one free group photo.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, Climb Preparation and FAQs.
Booking and weather
Book online or by phone on +61 2 8274 7777. The climb starts and finishes at Climb Base, 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Tickets are for a set date and time and cannot be refunded. You can change the date or time only up to seven days before your climb.
The climb goes ahead in most Sydney weather, including rain. It is postponed for electrical storms and very high wind. If that happens, BridgeClimb offers another date and time of your choice.
A quick plan: pick the Express Climb if time is short, the Bridge Climb for open views, or the Discovery Climb to see inside the steel.
Sources for this section: BridgeClimb Sydney, FAQs and Weather.
Sources
- BridgeClimb Sydney, About Us: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Bridge Facts: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, The Express Climb: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, The Discovery Climb: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, The Bridge Climb: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Pricing: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Timing Your Climb: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Health and Safety: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Climb Preparation: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, Weather: bridgeclimb.com
- BridgeClimb Sydney, FAQs: bridgeclimb.com