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A birds eye view of Sydney from the top of the Harbour Bridge. John Harris and wife Elizabeth with their son Patrick Harris and his girlfriend Phoebe.
John Harris and his wife Elizabeth unexpectedly had the experience of a lifetime on their trip to Sydney last school holidays.
John, a Bundaberg school teacher, travelled to Sydney to visit his son Patrick and Patrick’s partner Phoebe, and ended up joining them for the world-famous Bridge Climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The group did the twilight Summit Climb, a shortened version that takes visitors halfway across the bridge, ascending to the summit and returning the same way.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arched bridge in the world, it rises 134 metres above sea level at its peak. Reaching the summit proved unforgettable.
“It wasn’t as scary as you would think,” said John, “You’re tethered the whole way, and they even give you a practice ladder before you start.”
He described the physical challenge as ‘medium level’ explaining that anyone that walks regularly would manage comfortably. The ladders he added weren’t the intimidating kind found on rooftops or construction sites. “They’ve got small steps and there’s always someone there to help.”
At the top, twilight settled over the city, two enormous flags fluttered in the wind and seagulls circled overhead.
“The view was fantastic,” said John, “You look straight across to the Opera House.”
For him that sight was especially moving. John’s late father worked as a carpenter on the construction of the Sydney Opera House and once took John inside its roof when he was child.
“Looking at it reminded me of my father,” said John
Bridge Climb Sydney is an integral part of Sydney’s tourism industry. Since 1998 more than 4.5 million people have scaled the arches of the iconic landmark. John said that groups are capped at 14 people, a weatherproof suit is supplied, everyone undergoes a breath test and metal detector screening and climbers can’t bring anything loose including watches or phones. A rescue team always remains on standby, and water fountains are placed along the route because water bottles aren’t allowed.
Over the years, hundreds of well-known figures from Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman to Prince Harry and Usain Bolt have completed the world-famous climb. Among the Harris family’s group were visitors from Brazil, the United States and across Australia.
According to Bridge Climb Sydney, prices vary across days and times depending on demand. John and his family each paid around $280 for the experience. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deal.
Despite having travelled widely, John said Sydney’s Harbour remains unmatched.
“Hong Kong Harbour is beautiful at night, but Sydney Harbour is one of the best in the world.”
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was in every sense the experience of a lifetime for John and his family, a memory he won’t soon forget. John would recommend the experience to anyone visiting Sydney.