Taking On The Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

For those on an Australia tourist visa and vacationing in the country, the city of Sydney is one of the places that you definitely must visit. The city boasts of a wide array of attractions that will surely suit any type of tourists. And one of the popular sites that many people visit yearly is the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is an arch bridge that connects the city's central business district to the North Shore. It is actually a three-purpose bridge that carries vehicles, a railway, and pedestrians across the harbor. The bridge was completed in 1933 and is considered as the fifth longest spanning arch bridge in the world. Oddly enough, because of its arched designed, many Sydney locals have nicknamed it “The Coathanger”, due to its resemblance to the thing that you hang your clothes with.

Even from afar, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is a magnificent structure to look at. It fact, it has become so widely known, that many people easily associate it with not only Sydney, but also the whole of Australia. However you will really never get to see the real beauty of the bridge without getting close to it. And what better way to get close to the bridge than by actually climbing it?

You are probably thinking right now, “What? Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? That's crazy!” For some it definitely would seem to be a crazy idea indeed. However, as it turns out, climbing the bridge is actually very legal. In fact, it is one of the top tourist attractions being promoted to visitors by the Sydney city government.

If you are still wondering how this happens, here a little sneak peek. Basically the climb starts at the eastern end of the bridge. Here, climbers are provided with the proper clothing to use during the climb, they are also secured to a safety line and ascend to the top of the arch. Don't worry though, as there is actually a flight of stairs to make your climb much easier. At the top, you will be able to get a spectacular view of the Sydney Harbor, as well as the central business district. You then continue your walk until you descend to the western end. Oh, and by the way, the climb will take about three and a half hours to complete, so be prepared for an intensive workout.

The Bridge Climb is open all day. And if you don't want to feel the sun during your ascend, night climbs are also also available. Another alternative that the operators have offered since 2008 is for you to climb down the bridge, instead of up the arches. Here you will be able to catch a glimpse of its internal structures.

All of the tourists who have tried it have agreed that it is indeed an exhilarating experience. But don't take just any word for. You should try it yourself, and you will surely know that it is indeed a worthwhile experience. 

Sources:

Yahoo Travel

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2754902-bridgeclimb_sydney-i;_ylt=A0S0z0aT3nNL0jsBEB2bItAF

Do Something Different.com

http://www.dosomethingdifferent.com/experiences/sydney_bridge_climb

Image Source:

http://www.flightstosydney.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/hbwalk.jpg