BRIDGECLIMB

Host: MIKE WHITNEY

Now you can go on an entirely different part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb on The Discovery Climb.

BridgeClimb have just opened the ‘Discovery Climb’ which takes climbers on an entirely new section of the bridge that has never before been covered by BridgeClimbers. AND the Harbour Bridge turns 75 in March.

BridgeClimb
It’s one of the most significant attractions to be introduced to Sydney over the years. Mike checked it out when it all began in 1998. In 1999, Night time climbs were introduced, and Sydney Weekender sent Monique Wright up to cover the story.

Since then BridgeClimb have introduced Twilight Climbs so that you can experience sunset over one of the world’s greatest harbours, from one of the best vantage points you’ll ever get – we sent Todd McKenney & Luke Dyer up there in 2004. 

Since it began, over 1.8 million people have taken up the challenge and experienced the thrill of a lifetime. 

BridgeClimb officially opened on 1st October 1998.  BridgeClimb was the initiative of Paul Cave. Paul, along with BridgeClimb has won numerous awards for the product.

BridgeClimb offers a very simple product, but a very unique product. Climb participants are guided in groups of 12 along the catwalks, up ladders and over the arch to the Sydney Harbour Bridge summit (134m) where they take in 360 degree views of the harbour. BridgeClimb operates virtually every day (closed 30th & 31st  December) with climbs departing every ten minutes.

BridgeClimb operates in most weather conditions except electrical storms and high winds.

And now, they’ve opened up a new section of the bridge for climbing…and called this one – The Discovery Climb.

BridgeClimb is a 3_ hour experience over a distance of approximately 1.74 kilometres on the Sydney Harbour Bridge including briefing, preparation and returning to BridgeClimb headquarters in The Rocks.

Before you climb, you go through a Climb simulator where you practice for the real thing. Once you’ve passed the simulator test, you can go on ahead. Climbers make their way over 1,500 m of steel.

About 2 hours is spent on the bridge itself. If you have a fear of heights don’t fret – BridgeClimb can help you overcome this. The team have been trained in this area and will guide you all the way and give you extra support. 

Everyone who does the climb gets a certificate and a free group photograph.  Individual Photos can be purchased at the end.

Communication Equipment
All Climbers are issued with a radio headset receiver. This state-of-the-art equipment was designed for clarity and allows you to hear the ambient sounds of Sydney while still hearing your Climb Leader's safety instructions, along with a fascinating and detailed commentary on the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city of Sydney.

BridgeSuit
The BridgeSuit you'll be wearing as you scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a result of 18 months of rigorous research. After testing 97 different sample suits, developers settled on a design that is comfortable, performs in all weather conditions and looks good - an important consideration since everyone is photographed in it!

Requirements
You have to be over 10 years old to do the climb.
You have to be 1.20m or above
You need to pass a breath test and come in less the 0.05% before climbing.
You need to wear enclosed rubber soled shoes for the climb.
You will be given a special BridgeSuit to wear over your own clothing.
You will be given a radio and earpiece to hear your Climb Leader’s instructions and commentary.

More Information
BridgeClimb
5 Cumberland St, The Rocks
Telephone: (02) 8274 7777
www.bridgeclimb.com
The Discovery Climb is $189 on weekends (adult), $125 (child 10-16).

Prices correct as at 10/02/07