We ate some of the leftover picnic for lunch and the skies cleared. Then we hopped on the big red double-decker bus for a tour of Sydney. We rode the bus for a while, and got a nice overview and history of Sydney. As we were riding, we saw what looked like people walking on the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Mom quick looked in her Sydney guidebook papers and saw that you could get a tour called the BridgeClimb. So on a spur of the moment decision, we hopped off the bus at the bridge area, and decided to check it out. We walked around a bit and found the bridge climb office where we got the information and decided to do the climb leaving in 30 minutes.
Here's what it said about the BridgeClimb:
The Bridge Climb is a 3 ½ hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour.
In Climb groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of BridgeClimb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognisable Bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds.
When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over!
We geared up with a special jumpsuit (we were advised to strip to underwear because it would be hot in the suit), hat, handkercheifs, headphones to hear the climb guide, a waist harness that would tether us to the bridge at all times. Everything, including sunglasses, had to be tethered to us -- and we could not carry anything onto the bridge (cameras, chapstick, etc.) All our stuff went into lockers. We even used their shoes!
We climbed to the top of the bridge, 1400 stair steps, through catwalks, ladders, over/under steel structures -- over 1.5 km total. There were great views along the way, as well as at the top. It was very cool to be up that high and see a long way in all directions. Seeing things from the top made the things we saw on the bus tour make more sense. It was quite the experience and I'm very glad we did it.
After we made our way down, we received a certificate and group picture -- proving we did the climb!
Along the tour, we met Paul, who has recently moved to Perth from the UK and was visiting friends in Sydney. He was so nice and took us to meet his friends at the Australia Hotel, where he treated us to beer and pizza -- australian style -- with alligator and kangaroo toppings! Thanks, Paul!
The skies opened and the storm began and we made a mad dash for the hotel.
It was a great day! Who knew when we started that we'd be climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge?!?!
Off to bed, we're wet and tired. Another big day tomorrow... who knows what we'll do?!?
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