Harbour Bridge - Yes, I climbed it!

"Ascend 134 metres above sea level in 252.5 metres horizontal distance, with no barriers, no sense of time, no going back, just onward, just upward, the ferries below the size of matchboxes, the Opera House shrinking away across the harbour. 1337stairs, 1 1/2 football fields above the water, and a breath taking view of Sydney, surrounding suburbs and all the way to the mountains.

My heart pounds, my legs shake, I feel every breath.. and I climbed it ! "

Dec 28th 2007, was a very special day in my life. Coz that was the day when my dream came true. It was my dream to climb the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Yes I did it !

Year 2005, when I had been to Sydney on a trip to meet my friends, I saw this bridge and I was awestruck. That was the day when I decided, that, one day I should climb this bridge. As I hadnt done any pre planning I couldnt go for it then. Later in the year 2007 when I was sent to Sydney on an onsite assignment , I had decided that this time I shall surely climb the harbour bridge. And to my surprise a friend of mine from Melbourne was as well was interested for the bridge climb and we together planned for it for the 28th Dec2007.

The Bridge Climb is the most sought after Sydney attraction. It takes you along the upper span of the arch on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. It gives you an opportunity for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbour city surrounds. The Bridge climb has four different timings: The dawn, day time,twilight and in the night. We chose the Dawn climb, so that we could experience the night, sunrise and the day time view at one shot. As it was the Xmas and new year season, the bridge climb rates were in a peak. We paid $220 per person for the climb. Man that was so expensive :( but it was worth it.

For the dawn climb, we were asked to report the bridge climb office at 4 am :( Once we reached there, we were asked to read the instructions and fill some forms. Then we were asked to wear the bridge climb suit.We were given all safety accessories. Each climb will have a group of 14 members and a guide. Once done with all the fittings We were given a quick briefing about the climb, the weather conditions outside and ofcourse the safety tips. We had a quick round of introductions with our fellow climbers. Most of them were travellers from across the world and all were very excited about the climb of their life. One of them had come there to celebrate their wedding anniversary, one to celebrate thier daughters 16th Bday and so on .. They had chosen this climb to celebrate their happiest moments in life.

Around 5 30 in the morning, we set out climbing the bridge. Climbing the bridge isnt that difficult as expected. Coz all we have to do is climb the stairs. But the tough thing is these steps are very lean and narrow. One has to balance themselves better. But there is no need of getting scared at any point of time coz the safety equipments ensure you that you are safe all time through out the climb. As you climb the bridge, the guide talks about the history of the bridge, she also did crack few jokes and yes she did stop us at some good spots to take some beautiful pics of ours. The initial steps of the climb were thrilling and exciting.. We found it so very easy. But later as we started climbing the arch to reach the centre of the bridge, our legs started shivering. and it was too windy and we were findng it a lil difficult to climb. I ws wondering what a marvellous piece of architecture it was.which was built so many years back, and they had constructed it in such a way that people are enabled to climb the bridge with all ease. I was indeed stunned at their imagination and creativity.

As we climbed , we could see the sunrise behind the Opera and it was a magnificient view. Standing at 134m above the sea level i felt being very close to the sky . The guide did click lot of indvidual snaps, of all of us. Well I forgot to mention. Carrying cameras and other equipments during the climb is not allowed. So we were entirely dependant on the guide and her camera for our snaps. We can get our indvidual photo copies at $15 per copy :) once we are done with the climb .. Expensive I say :) We clicked lot of snaps, indvidual ones and the group ones :) Once we reached the centre we spent some time there to see the view of Sydney. At the east we could see the Opera house and the sea, At the west we could see the Darling harbour and docks, At the north and south we could view the beautiful Sydney skyline; Amazing tall buildings and beautiful roads.

We climbed the first half of the arc and we walked across it perpendicualrly and got down from there.It was an amazing experience worth trying :) It is indeed a marvellous piece of creation by man which one should visit atleast once in their lifetime.

Here are few pics of my climb:






My opinion about the climb:

+ves:

1> You get to climb the Bridge with a lot of amazing people from across the world.

2> You get a certificate and a free group photo of your climb.

3> Its once in a life time experience !

-Ves:

1> Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is easier than it appears .

2> Avoid the climb during xmas and new year ... The rates are way too expensive :)

3> You spend a lot of time in training and preparation than with the actual climb.

4> No cameras allowed. Thats really sad. As far as I remember, this was the only place in Australia which I have visited had a restriction in carrying cameras ... Anywer else, be it the opera, aquarium, zoo etc.. u can carry ur own cameras n click as many pics u want and also u do not have to pay anythin extra.

5> Its a good idea to take the climb in the twilight hour or later evening ..As the view is awesome then.



Did u know?
19 September 2003 BridgeClimb has been nominated by BBC viewers as one of the top 12 things they would like to do in their life.

Yes!!! I climbed it :)