Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge · Sydney, New South Wales

Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0

A 134-m climb on the 'Coathanger': the world's most spectacular city climb

Know before you go

Don't take personal belongings onto the bridge when climbing
those with a fear of heights or heart conditions should know their limits
walking the bridge's footway is free, and cyclists must use the cycleway.

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Stories & people

History

The 'Coathanger' held together by six million rivets

In 1914 John Bradfield was appointed chief engineer for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city railway. He first planned a cantilever bridge without piers; in 1916 a bill passed the lower house of the state parliament but was rejected by the upper house on the grounds that 'the money should be spent on the war', and the bridge act was only finally passed in 1922. The bridge was designed and built by Dorman Long of Middlesbrough in England, using about six million Australian-made hand-driven rivets; the last was driven into the deck on 21 January 1932, and the bridge opened the same year.

John Bradfield1867–1943

Source: Wikipedia: Sydney Harbour Bridge; Wikipedia: John Bradfield

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

The great arch bridge completed in 1932, nicknamed the 'Coathanger', is Sydneysiders' everyday crossing of the harbour. Since 1998 BridgeClimb has let visitors clip onto a safety line and climb to the 134-m summit of the arch for a 360-degree view of the Opera House, Darling Harbour and the Pacific — the New Year fireworks burst from here, and on New Year's Eve it's the focus of the world.

Local customs

You must attend a safety briefing before climbing, and phones and cameras are not allowed (provided photos only)
Australians take safety seriously, so follow instructions strictly.

Religion & beliefs

A secular engineering landmark
no religious affiliation.

Etiquette

Etiquette & taboos

Rules that apply here

Red lineSafetyAustralia

Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags

Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard

Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags

Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.

Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs

Red lineEveryday mannersAustralia

Uluru: climbing is not allowed

Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture

Climbing Uluru

The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure

Red lineEntryAustralia

Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared

Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
If in doubt, declare it

Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them

You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.

Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia

Don’t DON'T

Don't take personal belongings onto the bridge when climbing
those with a fear of heights or heart conditions should know their limits
walking the bridge's footway is free, and cyclists must use the cycleway.

Locals appreciate DO

Sydneysiders appreciate visitors who challenge themselves
climbing at dawn or dusk (Dawn/Twilight Climb) for sunrise or sunset is the locals' recommended advanced option.

Plan your visit

Practical info

Best time	Climbs run all year; best in spring and autumn

Travel tips

Climbs run all year, best in spring and autumn. BridgeClimb costs about AUD 174–394 (by time slot) — be sure to book on the official website weeks ahead
the free walk across the bridge from south to north (about 30 minutes) also has superb views
on New Year's Eve the surrounding area is restricted, so check announcements in advance.

Eat nearby

What to eat nearby

Must-try

Meat pie
Seafood platter
Fish and chips

Meat pies, seafood platters, fish and chips, coffee + desserts

Where to eat	Pubs and markets in The Rocks (The Rocks Markets at weekends), North Shore restaurants at Milsons Point
Dining etiquette	No eating, drinking or lingering on the bridge walkway (no food on BridgeClimb)
Typical price per person	AUD 25–50 ≈ CNY 118–235
Tips	Snack as you browse the weekend market in The Rocks; for a quieter main meal before or after the climb, go to the North Shore.

Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.

Photos

Sydney Harbour Bridge · photo 1
Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sydney Harbour Bridge · photo 2
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sydney Harbour Bridge · photo 3
Adam.J.W.C. · CC BY 3.0

Sources & verification notes

Compiled from BridgeClimb official price information

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