I Booked the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb — Then Wondered What I Was Thinking
- Dr. K.
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
I booked the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb a week before our trip. I wasn’t pressured. No one made me do it. But I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking.
This isn’t the kind of thing I normally sign up for — not with a fear of heights, not while recovering from a fractured ankle, and not when the itinerary already felt full. Still, something in me said yes. Maybe curiosity got ahead of logic.
I only realized what I’d committed to when the day got closer. The BridgeClimb isn’t just a scenic walk. Even in the Australian winter, it books up quickly — with around 200 people climbing each day in July, and up to 2,000 in summer. It’s a big deal. A global bucket-list thing. And apparently, we were doing it.
Still, when the day came, I hesitated. Was I really ready for this?
Preparing for the Climb
We chose the 4 p.m. slot. It ended up being just right — mild at the start, cooler at the top, and perfectly timed for watching the sunset fade into night.
The BridgeClimb team take preparation seriously. You change into grey-blue jumpsuits designed to blend in with the bridge. You remove everything loose — no jewelry, no phones, no Apple Watches. They fit you with a harness that stays clipped in the entire time, along with a radio headset and a headlamp.
Once you start, you’re out there for nearly three hours. No real breaks. No snacks. No bathroom. Just a slow and steady journey across one of the tallest and longest steel bridges in the world.
The Physical Challenge
We picked the Summit Climb — the most popular route that takes you all the way up the outer arch. It includes more than 1,300 stairs, four vertical ladders, and a series of elevated walkways and staircases. This isn’t a 10,000-step city stroll — it’s a full-body experience at height, with wind and structure and gravity all very present.
I was still healing from my ankle injury and managing some knee pain. But I had trained lightly before the trip — daily walking, some incline work, light strength training. That helped. So did staying focused on the next step, rather than the whole distance.
At the Summit
Somewhere along the way, I stopped thinking about how much was left. I noticed the way the bridge curved, the harbor below us, the changing sky above.
At the top, the wind picked up. The temperature dropped. My jacket helped, but I still felt the cold. All around us, Sydney began to light up. The Opera House glowed white. Ferries moved slowly through the water. And from this height, I saw thousands of windows — in apartment buildings, offices, and homes — each one lit with its own story. It felt like looking down on a city alive with tiny, quiet lives.
My daughter turned to us and said,
It’s so beautiful, I feel guilty looking away...
We stood there — the three of us — taking it in. The moment felt still, even with the wind and the height and the climb behind us. It was the night before she would sing at the Sydney Opera House. That too was a big, difficult thing. One we were proud to witness. And maybe doing this together — choosing something challenging, something uncertain — was our way of stepping into that moment as a family.
If You’re Thinking About It
If you’re considering the BridgeClimb:
Book in advance, especially during school holidays or weekends
Wear comfortable, closed-toe sneakers or running shoes
Layer your clothing — I wore a thermal, a long-sleeve top, and a bubble jacket, which worked well for July (which is winter in Australia)
This is not for everyone. Avoid bringing small children or older adults with balance or mobility issues
Train lightly if you’re unsure — walking stairs, doing squats, or incline walks will help
You can’t bring your phone or camera, but the guides take photos along the way. One image is included. We paid about AUD 60 for the full set plus a short video. It’s expensive, but you don’t really have another option. And yes, you’ll also get a BridgeClimb cap — a fun souvenir, but not the reason you’ll remember it.
Why I’ll Remember It
I didn’t climb the bridge to check a box or chase a thrill. I did it because I wanted to say yes to something that made me uncomfortable — and do it while I still could. It wasn’t easy. But I showed up.
There’s a window in life when you’re still able — not just physically, but mentally willing. To try. To stretch. To do something that might challenge you. That window doesn’t stay open forever.
If you’re ever in Sydney and considering the climb — go. Don’t wait until it becomes a regret or a missed moment. Do it while you still can, even if you’re unsure. Especially if you’re unsure.
Book your BridgeClimb Sydney experience on Viator, offered by BridgeClimb.
Remember to make your way to this experience 15-30 minutes before it begins. Do not drink before the climb, they will check via an alcohol breath test. The activity is located at their climb base at 3 Cumberland Street in The Rocks. We chose to Uber there. Wear running shoes and yoga pants!
