It is debatable which of Sydney’s two icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, is the more scenic/popular/iconic. It would be hard to choose. But take into account the rich history, the incredible construction, the stunning vantage point, the starkness against the skyline, and we are edging slightly towards a winner… the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Let me start with a quick history lesson to bring you up to speed…
The Sydney Harbour Bridge officially opened on the 19th March 1932, the construction beginning sometime earlier in 1923.
It is, in fact, the world’s largest steel arch bridge, its arch spanning 503 meters, with the height at the top of the arch at 134 meters.
There are an astonishing, 6,000,000 or so, rivets used in the construction of the bridge, contributing to the arch weight of some 39,000 tonnes. 122,000 cubic meters of rock was excavated for the foundation and 272,000 litres of paint was used to give the bridge its initial three coats of paint. Wow!
BridgeClimb Sydney first opened to the public in October 1998 and since then over 3 million people have climbed the colossal 1,332 stairs, to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of this epic structure.
So there you go… impressed?
Not half as impressed as you will be once you have actually participated in a climb!
Photograph supplied by BridgeClimb Sydney
First choice is the timing, which can be quite a feat to decide; sunrise, sunset, night, twilight and everything in between – there is not a time of day where the aspect is not in some way spectacular. We opted for a night climb, which begins just after sunset. I figured that we could absorb the daytime views from Pylon Lookout the next day, so decided that the night climb would be the way to go.
I have to say, that it is a little bit daunting stepping out onto the structure in the darkening of night… while it is still light to begin with, it gets progressively darker as you make you way to the peak.
The climb itself is all part of a well-oiled machine. Safety is paramount. You get your own special outfit; complete with everything you will need, including a rain jacket, cap or beanie, gloves and head torch. You are not about to get cold, or wet, regardless or the conditions on the day… and the climb does go ahead rain, hail or shine.
Photograph supplied by BridgeClimb Sydney
Looking at the top from the bottom, you would maybe silently wish that you had done some prep work in the way of fitness, but the climb is not a difficult one, in so much a varied one. The guide leads you at a nice easy pace, stopping to deliver titbits of trivia and a bit of general chitchat to make everyone feel welcome and involved.
About the only time that you get any real sense of the height that you are at is when you suddenly find yourself standing above the traffic on the Bradfield Highway, the lights of which seemed to flash past at dizzying speeds.
It takes about 3½ hours to complete quite an incredible climb, but it didn’t at all feel like it, our guide keeping us entertained with facts and folklore about the bridge and its impressive history. Then the reward at the top – insane views across the harbour in all directions, the city below glistening spectacularly from the shrouding dark of night. Wow!
Photograph supplied by BridgeClimb Sydney
You really haven’t seen Sydney, until you’ve seen it from the bridge (their motto). There are four different climb routes to choose from that start from the early hours in the morning, right through into the dark of the night, just chose your time and then enjoy the challenge.
For more information and bookings see their website:
Big thank you to BridgeClimb Sydney for an awesome experience.
For all of your travel arrangements, visit www.liveittours.com.au
This story was written by Petra Frieser – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
