10 BridgeClimb Myths ... Busted!

With over 21 years of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind us, we’ve collected a few Chinese whispers in our time.

To help you plan your next Climb adventure, we’ve compiled a list of popular BridgeClimb myths and identified them as true or false. As always, any questions – just ask!

MYTH #1: YOU HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE

False! We climb around the clock 364 days of the year. Climbs depart regularly each day – up to every 10 minutes – and we will always do our best to help you find a spot on a Climb that suits your itinerary and budget.

If you have your heart set on climbing at a particular time and particular day, we do recommend booking in advance here or with our team to avoid disappointment (especially during our peak period), but otherwise you can walk into our Climb Base and enquire about availability on the day. The choice is yours!

MYTH #2: YOU HAVE TO BE A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS OLD TO CLIMB

False! Anyone from the age of 8 years old who is at least 1.2m tall and generally fit and healthy is welcome to challenge themselves to the Climb Of Their Life! Children 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult, and parents/guardians of this age group are encouraged to read our guidelines here before undertaking the Climb.

MYTH #3: YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY FIT TO CLIMB

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a similar exertion level to playing 18 rounds of golf. The experience involves walking along catwalks, climbing ladders and stairs, and enjoying one of the world’s most breathtaking views. If you have any questions at all about your ability to climb, please chat to our team who’d love to help you.

MYTH #4: THERE’S ONLY ONE CLIMB TO THE TOP

False! We operate three daily different routes on the Bridge:
1. BridgeClimb Summit – this experience goes to the top and is 3.5 hours total. Find out more about it here.
2. BridgeClimb Summit Express – this experience goes to the top and is 2.5 hours total. Find out more about it here.
3. BridgeClimb Sampler – this experience doesn’t go to the top, it goes halfway, and is 1.5 hours total. Find out more about it here.

If you are interested in doing something a bit different, we also operate Special Climbs throughout the year that run for specific date periods and coincide with special occasions or Sydney events. The Vivid Climb, which runs during Vivid Sydney, or The Sunset Sessions, an experience especially for the Winter months, are two of our latest examples. To be in-the-know as we announce new experiences, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

MYTH #5: THE VIEW IS THE SAME AS THE PYLON LOOKOUT

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a 360 degree view in every direction. Yes, the view to the east towards the Opera House is similar to The Pylon Lookout (except you are 47 metres higher at the top of the Bridge), but during your Climb experience you also get the opportunity to absorb the visual delights through the heart of the Bridge, across to the north shore, and further across the harbour to the west as well.

MYTH #6: IF YOU BOOK, AND NOT ALL THE TICKETS ON YOUR CLIMB (TOUR) ARE SOLD, IT’LL CANCEL

False! If you book a ticket to climb the Bridge, the Climb will depart.

MYTH #7: IF YOU’RE PREGNANT, YOU CAN’T CLIMB

If you’re under 24 weeks pregnant, you can climb with a Certificate of Fitness signed by your GP. Please download a Certificate Of Fitness from our website and bring this with you on the day. If you’re over 24 weeks pregnant, you cannot climb.

MYTH #8: IF IT’S RAINING, WE DON’T CLIMB

If it’s raining, we DO climb! We are an all-weather experience and equip you in all the gear you’ll need to keep you safe and comfortable based on the day’s weather conditions.

We love to climb, but we will postpone climbs during electrical storms or during times of extremely high wind. If you have any questions please speak to our staff.

MYTH #9: IF YOU’RE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS, IT’S BEST YOU DON’T ATTEMPT TO CLIMB

False! We have helped thousands of people challenge their fear of heights by climbing to the top of the Bridge.

Acrophobia is a common fear. In fact, many of our 3.4 million Climbers came to us with nerves, not yet certain if they could muster the courage to set foot on the iconic steel arches.

We’re here to support you before, during , and after your Climb. We will answer questions, demonstrate just how safe BridgeClimb is, keep your mind engaged, and your eyes on the prize. Check out a bunch of video, tips and information on our Face Your Fear page.

If you are apprehensive, our team specialise in enabling you to overcome your fears to climb to the top of Bridge. Chat to us today.

MYTH #10: I’M TOO OLD TO CLIMB THE BRIDGE

False! You do have to be at least 8 years old to climb, but there is no age limit at the other end! As long as you are generally fit and healthy, and 1.2m in height, you are welcome to challenge yourself to the Climb. Our most frequent ascender, Lloyd Poulton, is 87 years old and has climbed 115 times.

Do you have any further queries about BridgeClimb that we haven’t cleared up? Read our Pre-Climb Checklist, our FAQs, or chat to our team here.

Happy Climb planning!