Aussie Wildlife You Can Spot From The Bridge

Australia is rich with nature. From arresting natural landscapes to the surrounding sea, this Great Southern Land is jam-packed full of unique creatures great and small.

Even though the Bridge is situated in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the local wildlife aren’t shy about popping by to say hello to you. From spotting whales, seals and dolphins 134m below you in Sydney Harbour, to seeing native bats circle above you as the clock strikes midnight on a Night Climb, there’s plenty more than a gorgeous view to take in as you ascend to the top of an Aussie icon.

Here’s a taste:

1. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos

This relatively large white parrot is usually found in wooded habitats across the east coast of Australia. They are popular to spot in suburban areas across Sydney, as well as other capital cities such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. We figure they enjoy our harbour views!

2. Rainbow Lorikeets

Red and yellow and pink and green … well, not quite! But the Rainbow Lorikeet definitely adds a splash of colour to the world with its stunning and vibrant feathers. These birds commonly travel in pairs, so if you’re lucky you might spot a few against the steel-grey backdrop on your Climb.

3. Yellow-faced Honey Heaters

A rarer sighting on the Bridge, this bird takes its name from the yellow stripes on the sides of its head.These birds migrate north to spend early winter in southern Queensland before returning to New South Wales in July/August to breed.

4. Australian Ravens

Very similar looking to a Black Crow, these Australian natives are commonly spotted on the Bridge. They are incredibly intelligent, having one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios among birds.

They are so smart, in fact, that scientists have compared them with chimpanzees and some bird enthusiast call them “flying monkeys”.

5. Peregrine Falcons

If you’re feeling very lucky, you might be able to spot one of these guys perched along the steel during your Climb. Although not unique to Australia, it’s a treat to view one of these majestic creatures in full flight – seeing them with the famous Sydney skyline as their backdrop is an unforgettable treat!

6. Galah

The namesake of the common local phrase (“You flamin’ galah!”), these bold and loud birds are easy to spot in the Australian bush. Only recently have their sightings increased in urban areas, including on the Harbour Bridge. We consider it a very special treat when they pay us a visit.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is way more than just a spectacular view. If you’d like to find out more of what it involves, head here or to our team here.

Happy Climb planning!