The Best (and Few Only) Bridge Climbs around the World

Little have you realized that of all the amazing bridges around the world, there are only five Bridge Climbs in the world, three of them in Australia. Stay with us until the end of this article when I will spill five bridges around the world for you to do so. But for now, I would like to share with you my experience in Sydney – my best place for a Bridge Climb in the world!

Why Sydney BridgeClimb? Is it worth climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand on top of the world, with the wind in your hair and breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see? If so, a bridge climb is an experience you absolutely must add to your travel bucket list. While there are only five places in the world where you can scale such incredible feats of engineering, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands out as the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and travel enthusiasts alike.

From the moment I first saw pictures of the Sydney Harbour in a travel book as a curious 5-year-old, I knew it was special. The stunning natural harbor, lined with iconic architecture, has evolved over the years, but its allure remains just as strong. Towering skyscrapers may now frame the coastline, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge – a marvel of design – still rises majestically over it all, offering one of the most unique and thrilling experiences you can have in Australia. In fact, the BridgeClimb has been named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 “Biggest Adrenaline Rush” experiences worldwide.

Whether you’ve already booked your climb or are still on the fence, this guide will give you all the essential tips for making the most of this unforgettable adventure. Ready to conquer the summit? Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

Something about… Sydney BridgeClimb 

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, completed in 1932, stands as a proud symbol of resilience and innovation. Constructed during the depths of the Great Depression, it brought hope and optimism to the people of Sydney, and to this day, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable icons. Fast forward to 1998, when the Sydney BridgeClimb was introduced—an exhilarating adventure that lets tourists experience the breathtaking harbor views from the top of this iconic structure. It was the first activity of its kind in the world, making it a must-do for any traveler visiting Sydney.

Whenever someone tells me they’re heading to Sydney, the BridgeClimb is the first thing I recommend. It’s a unique way to experience the city’s beauty from a completely new perspective. I still remember my own climb on a perfect September day with clear skies and cool weather—it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Sydney, right up there with meeting adorable marsupials and exploring the stunning coastal landscapes!

The entire BridgeClimb experience lasts about 3 hours, which includes gearing up, a comprehensive safety briefing, and the climb itself.

For those planning a climb, I highly recommend checking the official BridgeClimb website for detailed information on what to expect and how to prepare—it’s incredibly helpful, especially for first-time climbers.

The climb begins on the side facing the Sydney Opera House and returns to the BridgeClimb Center, located near Circular Quay. While climbers don’t cross the entire bridge, they reach the summit, soaking in stunning panoramic views of the harbor before descending on the Darling Harbour side, returning to where the journey started. This well-structured route ensures climbers get the best vantage points, making every moment of the climb worthwhile!

Planning a trip to Sydney? Have you already conquered the BridgeClimb, or is it still on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have!

Types of Sydney BridgeClimb

The BridgeClimb is not exactly crossing the bridge from one side to another, actually, the climbers walk up from one side (at the Rocks) to the top of the arch, and then return to the same spot. As I mentioned, it takes about three hours for the entire climb, and there are six types of BridgeClimb, mostly distinguished by different times of the day (and prices are different):

Ultimate:

3.5 Hours.

This is a complete experience of 1,621 steps to cover the entire arch of the bridge, being able to enjoy the view of the harbor from 134 meters above it.

Summit:

3 Hours.

This is one of the most popular packages to climb to the top of the arch, and descend to Climb Base afterward. The price differences are based on whether it’s a Day Climb, a Twilight Climb, a Night Climb, or a Dawn Climb.

While the Dawn Climb is obviously the most sought-after tour, it is also the most expensive. Here’s a little tip: Select the last Day Climb, especially in Spring / Fall, which you will enjoy at a lower price, you still get to see a bit of the sunset on the Bridge. However, this is not guaranteed, and you should book as early as possible, the tours could be the full way in advance.

Summit Insider: 

2.5 Hours.

This tour costs slightly less than the summit, and it takes a shorter time to the top of the bridge, as climbers walk on the lower arch. Climbers can still go up to the summit once they reach the peak of the lower arch. It is an option for those who are pressed on time, the summit experience is full, or prefer to walk up the bridge at a lower height.

Burrawa:

3 Hours.

This is an aboriginal climb experience and newly added. While the route is the same as the summit, it focuses on Sydney’s Aboriginal history. A First Nations Storyteller will be the guide and offers commentary of both old and new.

Sydney BridgeClimb tips and afterthoughts

Planning your Sydney BridgeClimb? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What do I need to bring, what to wear for Sydney BridgeClimb? The BridgeClimb team provides all the necessary gear for a safe and comfortable climb, including handkerchiefs, sunglasses straps, caps, fleece jackets, safety belts, and even earphones. One of the few things you’ll want to bring are sunglasses, even on cloudy days, as the glare off the water can be intense.

Keep in mind, you’re not allowed to bring personal items such as phones, cameras, or water bottles. Before starting the climb, you’ll go through a security check, and the entire group will be hooked to a safety line for the duration of the experience.

Can I take photos during BridgeClimb? While it may be tempting to snap some photos yourself, the climb’s strict “no cameras” policy is in place to ensure safety and maintain a steady pace. But don’t worry—the guide will take plenty of photos for you at designated spots along the climb, and your package will likely include photos and a video of your adventure.

How much are Sydney BridgeClimb photos? Be prepared for photo prices starting at AUD 35 for the first image and AUD 10 for each additional one.

Is it safe? If you’re wondering whether the climb is safe, rest assured – it boasts a 100% safety record.

How hard is the Sydney BridgeClimb? Even if you’re a little afraid of heights, the BridgeClimb isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. The walk up the bridge’s arch feels more like climbing a gently sloping hill rather than an extreme sport, making it accessible for most people with moderate fitness levels. You’ll need to climb ladders and navigate some stairs, so it might be challenging for those with mobility issues, but there are several stops along the way where guides share fascinating stories about the bridge’s history.

Can children do the climb? Wondering if kids can join? Absolutely! Children over 8 years old can participate, as long as they are accompanied by a parent.

Which BridgeClimb is for me? If you’re debating which climb to choose, it all comes down to your schedule and budget. The twilight climb, for instance, is a popular option for those wanting to catch the sunset. I opted for the 3 pm climb in September, and by the time we descended around 6 pm, we were treated to a gorgeous sunset over Sydney Harbour – a truly magical end to an already incredible day.

Who are the celebrities who did the climb? And it’s not just for us regular travelers—Hollywood stars like Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, and Matt Damon have taken on the BridgeClimb, as well as global icons like Oprah Winfrey and even royalty such as Prince Harry. So, who knows? Maybe you’ll be climbing alongside a celebrity! Custom Coins capture your bridge climb—date, mood, and memory—turning courage and passion into lasting keepsakes.

Bridge Climbs around the world, how many do you know?

Bridge climbs are rare experiences around the world, primarily due to the extensive infrastructure and safety measures required to accommodate general visitors. After all, climbers can’t simply walk on ropes and steel beams without a secure walkway or supporting facilities. That’s where the Sydney Harbour Bridge has a clear advantage, thanks to its robust arch design, which easily supports the BridgeClimb experience.

Weather also plays a crucial role, as conditions can change rapidly at the top of a bridge—especially those spanning open waters with heavy traffic below. This is one of the reasons why attempts to offer a Golden Gate Bridge climb in San Francisco have been repeatedly dismissed due to safety concerns and unpredictable weather patterns over the bay.

But fear not, adventure-seekers! There are a few other iconic bridges around the world where you can embark on a thrilling bridge climb. Ready to explore your options? Here are the top locations where you can sign up for this unforgettable experience:

Brisbane Story Bridge

Brisbane, Australia. Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a shorter, faster, and also cheaper option developed based on Sydney’s experience. Climbers could enjoy the beautiful view of the city’s skyline on the river, the surrounding hills, and Moreton Bay.

If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane to experience the Story Bridge Climb, consider finding a wide range of rooms for rent in the Gold Coast for a potentially more affordable and diverse accommodation options just a short drive away.

Auckland Bridge

Auckland, New Zealand. Known for its various exhilarating activities (huh, bungee jumping, and sky diving, just to name a few), now that Bridge Climb is also available in the capital city, Auckland.

While it is not as epic as the entire experience in Sydney, the Auckland Bridge Climb has some good reviews and is described as a rewarding experience.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Kobe, Japan. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is in fact officially the second longest suspension bridge of any kind in the world (the longest until the year of 2022, overtaken by the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey). The bridge straddles the Akashi Strait, connecting Awaji Island and Honshu. With an impressive length of 4 kilometers. Another way to admire this architectural wonder, take a walk along the Maiko Marine Promenade and visit the Bridge Exhibition Center.

Take a bus and go across the bridge afterward. Visit the Awaji Island Anime Park, or Awaji Yumebutai, a multi-functional convention complex designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The complex features modern and concrete architecture, with a stepped garden of one hundred flower beds arranged in grids and different levels, offering a breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Check out more about my journey from Osaka, Kobe, and Akashi to Himeji: A Perfect Cherry Blossom Itinerary from Osaka to Himeji Castle

Matagarup Bridge

Perth, Australia. This is a new addition to the world! Yet, it’s another bridge in Australia that you are able to climb. The Matagarup Bridge is a pedestrian bridge across the Swan River, and it has been a landmark of Perth since it was completed in 2018. Zip+Climb took over the operation and climbers can walk upon the steep 314 steps to the top of the wave-like arch (73 meters high) that holds the bridge in place. The entire experience is faster – that takes about 90 minutes.

Check out more about a 4-day itinerary in Perth: Exploring Perth: 4-day Itinerary and City Walk

Arrabida Bridge Climb

Porto, Portugal. The Porto Bridge Climb, or Arrábida Bridge Climb, is technically the only “True” bridge climbing activity available on the continent. Porto is actually known as “the city of six bridges”, while Luis I Bridge is the most well-known among all, Arrábida Bridge is also an architectural marvel for being the world’s largest concrete arch bridge – completed in 1963. The arch offers a walkway, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, of which you can harness up and climb the 65-meter high arch to enjoy the thrill and a rewarding view on both sides of Douro: the hilly, old city of Porto and also the ocean. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset and the bridge climb tour takes off multiple times each day.

Check out more about a day in Porto: A Perfect One-day Itinerary in Porto for Art, History, and Wine

Tower Bridge

London, United Kingdom. While the London Bridge does not have exactly a “bridge climb” experience, visitors can walk up the iconic tower and experience Glass Floor: the high-level walkway 42 meters above River Thames. The Glass Floor measures 11 meters long and 1.8 meters wide and comprises panels weighing 530 kilograms each.

Check out more about a day in London: Santander Cycle Challenge Accomplished: London in a Nutshell in One Day

While we’re talking about maximizing experiences, if you’re working from home or traveling for business, why not improve your workspace too? Check out these height adjustable desks to ensure you stay productive and comfortable wherever you are!