Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the best things to do in Sydney and is an experience you will treasure forever.

This article will cover the following points:

This article will also explore the option of "skywalking" at the top of Sydney Tower.

Is climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge worth $200 AUD?

Let's look at all the facts.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is done with a company called BridgeClimb. A three and a half hour climb will cost you between $160-$250 AUD (the higher prices apply on weekends and at twilight).

You will get to climb to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (134 m / 439 ft), and see 360 degree views of Sydney Harbour (including the Sydney Opera House). It is a stunning experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.

A caveat: You are not allowed to take your camera with you on BridgeClimb. Repeat: you are not allowed to take your camera on BridgeClimb. This is because any unsecured objects may fall onto the passing cars and trains below. However, the guides will take photos for you and you will have the ability to purchase these photos at the end of the climb. You will be given one group photo of your climb for free.

Let's explore some alternative options before we decide if climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb is worth it.

The $10 AUD alternative

Most visitors to Sydney don't know that there is an alternative way to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You can climb the south pylon of the bridge for less than $10 AUD. This option involves climbing 200 stairs inside the south pylon (directions below) of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You will arrive at a viewing platform 87 m (285 ft.) above the harbour.

You will get stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the bridge itself. You will get 360 degree views as you walk around to each side of the viewing platform, although you will only ever get slightly more than a 180 degree view at any one point in time. (The pylon itself blocks the view behind you).

Best of all, you will be able to use your own camera to take your own photos on top of the viewing platform.

There are also historical exhibits, displays and movies inside the pylon which show how the Sydney Harbour Bridge was constructed.

Let's move on now to the third option, Skywalk at Sydney Tower.

Skywalk at Sydney Tower

Skywalk at Sydney Tower does not involve any actual climbing of steps. Rather, you ascend the famous Sydney Tower in an elevator. After a 50 minute briefing and suiting-up period, you then step outside onto a glass platform with amazing views of Sydney city and harbour. The glass platform is 260 m (850 ft) above the city, which means you are twice as high as you would be on BridgeClimb.

You are fully harnessed at all times, and like with BridgeClimb, you are not allowed to bring cameras or other unsecured objects on the actual climb.

As Sydney Tower is a revolving tower, the glass platform will slowly rotate through 360 degrees for the 40 minutes that you are outside. Whilst this is substantially shorter than the time you are on the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, Skywalk's prices are also substantially lower. A Skywalk is $109 AUD.

Let's now discuss which of the three options is the best for your needs.

Which one is best?

If you want an unparalleled experience of Sydney and Sydney Harbour, I would recommend a dawn or sunset climb on the Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. Although this is the most expensive option, it will give you moments that will last a lifetime.

If you're looking for a cheaper entry fee and want to see more of Sydney as a whole, I would recommend Skywalk as it is cheaper and you are higher up. Finally, if you want to take your own photos or if you are on a budget, I would recommend climbing the South Pylon as it is practically free and you can take your own photos to your heart's content.

Further Details

BridgeClimb:

Bookings can be made through BridgeClimb directly.

South Pylon:

No bookings necessary. To get there, head for the Rocks district in the city centre. Find Cumberland St and then the "Bridge Stairs". Climb these stairs and walk along the pedestrian walkway until you see the Pylon Lookout.

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day).

Skywalk:

Bookings can be made through Skywalk directly.