Is BridgeClimb Sydney Worth it? Here’s My Honest Take

Is the Sydney BridgeClimb Worth It?

To climb or not to climb, that is the question. Is the BridgeClimb Sydney worth it from the perspectives of what you’ll experience and how much it costs? These are really reasonable concerns. This guide will answer your questions and help you decide if this is an adventure you want to add to your Sydney itinerary or not. I’ll also share all the deets, so you’ll know just what to expect if you do decide to climb.

We know that the Sydney Harbor Bridge, aka “The Coathanger” is a magnificent and iconic bridge over the beautiful harbor featuring the Opera House. There are many perspectives and lookouts from which to experience the bridge. Many are free, but this guide will give you all the info about the guided tours climbing the bridge.

Why is the BridgeClimb Sydney Worth It?

Let me answer this question right off the bat. I found that the BridgeClimb Sydney was completely worth it. The time, energy, and cost are nothing when compared to the full experience and lasting memories. I climbed with a very close friend, which is special in itself, and the weather was absolutely spectacular! It was “a cracka” of a July day in Sydney, filled with sun and not too much wind.

The bridge guide was really terrific and taught us so much about the bridge, its history, and other fun facts. I felt completely safe the entire time and while it wasn’t too strenuous, it felt like an accomplishment. It’s one of those iconic, “tourist adventure” things that I like to check off my bucket list. You’ll read the word “thrilling” associated with the climb, but that is not a term I would choose. I am NOT at all a thrill seeker and this climb felt much more pleasant, rather than scary or thrilling.

Some Sydney Harbor Bridge History

Here’s a brief history which explains some of why the Sydney Harbor Bridge is so iconic. You might know that from 1788 – 1868, the British government sent 162,000 “convicts” to penal colonies in Australia. Many of those people had not been involved in truly heinous crimes, but had perhaps stolen a loaf of bread or committed forgery. One of them was a famous architect, Francis Greenway, who proposed to the Australian Governor Macquarie in 1814 that the bridge be built. Many proposals and many years later, the bridge finally opened in 1932 for use by vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.

The bridge took almost 10 years to build. It was designed by British engineers, Arthur Dorman and Albert de Lande Long. It’s known as a “steel through arch bridge.” Often called “The Coathanger” because of its arch design, it’s the tenth longest arch bridge in the world. It also boasts being the tallest steel arch bridge at 440 feet (134 meters) from the summit to the water. The bridge has 52,800 tons of steel and six million rivets holding it together!

The bridge pylons are made from granite that was quarried about 180 miles south of Sydney and was transported by ships. Evidently, the base of the pylons are critical to holding the bridge span in place, but the actual pylons were just decorative! They weren’t even part of the original design, but people wanted the visual reassurance that they offered. Now, they contain a museum, lookouts, cameras, a tunnel venting system, and even places for anti aircraft guns in the event of defense.

The History of the BridgeClimb

In the 1980’s, Paul Cave fought to have his idea of the bridge becoming a tourist attraction and kept up that fight for over a decade! Finally, the transport authorities, the investors, and the design came together and BridgeClimb Sydney opened in 1998. Today the BridgeClimb is owned by Hammons Holdings Ltd and their contract pays the Transport for New South Wales (NSW) Department for the use of the bridge.

The BridgeClimb Options & Prices

BridgeClimb Sydney Base Camp Office
3 Cumberland Street in The Rocks

The first thing you should know is that there is a free option of walking the bridge that does not involve the BridgeClimb Sydney operator, or any reservations at all. You can have free access to the lower bridge pedestrian walk at any time.

I really recommend you read all the info here about the SkyBridge before you buy your ticket. For instance, the climbs are scheduled rain or shine, which they claim is not an issue. Personally, I don’t think I would have had as great an experience if it had been raining. They will cancel for extreme weather conditions such as electrical storms. If you want to reschedule due to weather, you’ll be charged a rescheduling fee. If your travel plans don’t allow for a different day and you need to cancel, there is still a cancellation fee.

Free Option to walk the Sydney Harbor Bridge:

The pedestrian walkway of the bridge (not a climb onto the arch) is open 24/7, except for major events like New Years Eve. Take the stairs or elevator near Cumberland Street up to the walkway to enjoy the 30 minute walk or bike ride on the span which is 440 feet above the water.

BridgeClimb Sydney Lookout & Museum Option:

BridgeClimb Sydney operates the Pylon Lookout and Museum. You can get tickets at the entrance or online. Add this option to your free walk across, if you like. Climb the 200 steps up to the Pylon Lookout and enjoy the historic museum and 360 overlook.

Book the Iconic BridgeClimb Sydney Today! You Won’t Be Sorry!

TheBridgeClimb Sydney climbing routes across the bridge offer different choices depending on your comfort level and pocketbook. The prices and reservation times change A LOT! So be sure to check carefully when you’re ready to purchase. (If you’re a senior in Australia or New Zealand, you may be eligible for discounted prices.)

Here’s an overview of the Sydney Harbor Bridge climbs:

Summit: This is the one we chose to do. It takes you to the top of the right side of the arch and then back down the left side.

• Fully Guided tour of 14 people.
• 360 degree views.
• Total Time: Including training and photos, the whole experience takes 3 hours.
• On the Bridge: 2 Hours on the bridge.
• Difficulty: 1332 steps each way including 4 ladders each way.
• Price: Cost changes daily and also seasonally. We went on a Saturday in July and it cost about $160 USD each. I have seen prices as high as $257 USD

Summit Insider: This climb takes you on the lower, inside arch of the bridge.

• Fully Guided tour of 14 people.
• 360 degree views.
• Time: Including training and photos, the whole experience takes 2.5 hours.
• On the Bridge: 1.5 hours on the bridge.
• Difficulty: 1002 each way. No ladders.
• Price: Cost changes daily and also seasonally.

Ultimate: This climb takes you up on the inside arch, then up to the summit and upper arch, down the other side of the upper arch, back up to the summit again, down to the lower arch, and back down to the base.

• Fully Guided tour of 14 people.
• 360 degree views.
• Time: Including training and photos, the whole experience takes 3.5 hours.
• On the Bridge: 2.5 hours on the bridge.
• Difficulty: 1621 steps each way. No ladders.
• Price: Cost changes daily and also seasonally.

Burrawa Aboriginal Climb: This is the same as the Summit climb but has a First Nations Storyteller as your guide.

• Fully Guided tour of 14 people.
• 360 degree views.
• Time: Including training and photos, the whole experience takes 3 hours.
• On the Bridge: 2 hours on the bridge.
• Difficulty: 1332 steps each way including 4 ladders each way.
• Price: Cost changes daily and also seasonally. Charitable donations are made from all ticket sales.

Which BridgeClimb Sydney is Right for You?

Who Should Choose Summit?
Perfect for people who are not afraid of heights, or maybe have mild concerns about heights.
Perfect on a sunny day (I would have been pretty unhappy and disappointed if it were raining or too windy).
Perfect if you’re in decent shape, the 4 ladders are short and not difficult, but they are steep.

Who Should Choose Summit Insider?
Apparently this is better for those who are afraid of heights but still want an above the harbor experience. You’ll have the upper arch above you and no ladders to climb.

Who Should Choose Ultimate?
Apparently this is designed for those who want a longer experience and want to be on both the upper and lower arch. I’ve read, however, that the views going and on the return are basically the same as the Summit, so maybe it’s not worth the extra steps if you’re in it for the views.

Who Should Choose Burrawa?
I imagine this climb is fabulous. Our guide on the Summit was super knowledgeable and gave tons of great info and stories, but a First Nations Guide is likely to have a wonderful perspective.

Who Should Choose the Free Walk?
Ideal if you don’t want to spend any money, aren’t craving a big adventure experience, are afraid of heights, or don’t feel particularly strong but want to check out views from the bridge and harbor.

BridgeWalk Sydney Prep & Safety

Here are some basics you should know before you head to the BridgeClimb Base Office at 3 Cumberland Street in Sydney. Get to the Climb Base check-in at least 15 mins early to register at the desk, and sign the forms if you haven’t done so online.

• Wear climbing shoes, such as good sneakers or hiking boots. The surfaces are not really uneven, but I was happy to have ankle and arch support that my hiking shoes provide.
• You’re not allowed up there if you’ve been drinking – so save that until after the climb!
• You’ll be given a breathalizer test and go through a metal detector.
• You must be at least 1.2 meters tall and kids ages 8 – 15 are required to have their parents with them.
• Your climb will take place even if it is raining. However, things like lightning and high wind can cancel tours.
• Wear lightweight clothes because you’ll be wearing the BridgeClimb jumpsuit which will keep you plenty warm and dry.
• You’ll have to put everything in a locker before the climb, ie: jewelry, phones, and watches. They are very strict about this because if something fell off the bridge and interfered with a vehicle driving… well, that would be really bad. They’ll secure your sunglasses and the cap and handkerchief they give you. They’ll even provide a hair tie if you need it. 
• Before you climb, you’ll see a brief video, meet the others in your climb group, and have time to use the bathroom and sip some water before you get into the jumpsuit.
• Your guide will give you a lot of help with the jumpsuit and putting on the harness, as well as set-up of the headpiece so you can hear the guide on the climb.
• You’ll practice with the cable pull and with climbing up and down the ladders and transferring from one ladder to the next.

By the time you walk outside and onto the bridge, you’ll feel totally prepared. 

What to Expect on The Summit Climb

As you exit the offices and venture outside, you’ll realize you are under the traffic going across the bridge! You’ll clip your harness to a metal cable that runs the length of the bridge. Sometimes your harness will jam on the cable corners, but it’s very easy to adjust and continue. The catwalk and initial part of the climb is actually flat. There are a couple of narrow passages and places to watch your head, but no big deal.

You’ll see the views immediately, the harbor, the Opera House, and the park below. Then as you pass the first pylon, you’ll climb up to the upper arch on the ladders. They’re similar to fire escape ladders. The pace is slow and very careful as the guide makes sure only one person is on the ladder at a time.

Once you’re on the upper arch, the steps and rails are wide enough that you don’t feel close to the edge at all. The steps progress at such a slight incline that it doesn’t feel like you’re climbing up a steep hill. The guide is giving all kinds of interesting facts as you go, and stops to take pics of everyone in the group.

When you reach the summit, it’s time for another photo and video shoot. You can say hi to loved ones and post to your social media later in the day. You’ll have plenty of time up there to just relax and enjoy the stunning views, ask your guide questions, or chat with fellow climbers.

You’ll cross over the top and start your descent on the other side of the upper arch, which gives you views of the other side of the harbor. I feel like the descent went pretty quickly and before I knew it we were walking through the narrow section back to Camp Base.

With help, we took off our headsets, harnesses, and jumpsuits, and picked up the link to our photos (which I had paid for in advance when I purchased the tickets.) And off we went with plenty of memories and of course, ample opportunity to purchase souvenirs if we wanted. (You do get to keep the cap!)

Where to stay in Sydney

The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
The Sheraton is a luxury hotel in a great location across from Hyde Park in the Central Business District (CBD) and is very close to all the main sites in Sydney. The breakfast buffet is amazing and the staff were awesome. I loved the spa facilities too!

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is also a luxury hotel right along the harbor, very close to The Rocks and the BridgeClimb office.

The Rydges Sydney Central This hotel has great reviews and is in a very central location.

How to get around in Sydney

Sydney has a terrific public transportation system. Check this website for more info: Sydney transportation. Ride share apps work in Sydney as well.

Trains
The Sydney Trains cover most of the city with frequent service, and has stations throughout the city.
The New South Wales TrainLink is a train system for many trips outside of the city. 

Buses
The bus system runs  24/7 all around the city center and Eastern Suburbs.

Trams or Light Rail
The cute Tram system runs on tracks in the CBD and they’re easy to find.

Inner West Line: From Central Station to Dulwich Hill.
CBD and South East Line: Connects Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford via the city center.

Ferries
The Ferries are a great way to see the harbor and get where you want to go! They depart mainly from Circular Quay, and go to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, and Parramatta.

Metro
The Metro is Sydney’s newest and driverless transportation system.

Sydney Metro Northwest: A driverless metro line from Tallawong to Chatswood and Sydenham is now open. This includes stops at Crows Nest, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal, and Waterloo.

The Opal Card
Sydney’s version of a smart card is called The Opal. It provides contactless smartcard used across trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. Daily/weekly fare caps help limit how much you spend.

Celebrities who’ve climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Besides yours truly, Carrie Green-Zinn, famous travel blogger, the bridge attracts many famous climbers! Their pics are posted in the waiting area and include some of your favorite celebs like:

Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, Hillary Duff, Gigi Hadid, Prince Harry, Nicole Kidman, Katy Perry, Ben Stiller, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey and many others!

So, Is BridgeClimb Sydney Worth It?

In a nutshell…

Absolutely—if you’re up for an unforgettable experience, then yes, BridgeClimb Sydney is worth it. The combination of incredible views, rich history, and the sheer joy of being on top of one of the world’s most iconic bridges makes it a standout activity in Sydney. Whether you choose the full summit climb, a guided Aboriginal experience, or opt for a free walk across the pedestrian path, you’ll be happy you added it to your Sydney experience. For me, it wasn’t just a bucket list item—it was a meaningful, memorable adventure I’ll never forget. If you’re wondering “Is BridgeClimb Sydney worth it?”—my answer is a resounding yes!

xx,
Carrie