Taking Kids On The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb: Tips, Discounts + Deals

Have you ever taken the kids on the world famous Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb?

Or have you been wondering about doing it, not sure what the age restriction for kids is, and – crucially- you’re not sure whether there are ways to save money through great deals and discounts?

Well, I am hoping to answer all your BridgeClimb questions here. My third son and myself have just done a really cool new climb, the Ultimate, so we can tell you about that, plus give info on the other climbs available.

Yes, children must be aged eight years or over and be 1.2 metres tall to climb.

Children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult, one adult can be in charge of up to three kids.

From 16 years, adult prices are paid.

If you are under 24 weeks pregnant you can climb if you have a Certificate of Fitness signed by your doctor. If you are over 24 weeks pregnant then you are not able to climb.

• The Summit Climb (3 hours) ascends on the upper arch of the Bridge, suiting families with kids who are confident scaling ladders to reach the top.
• The Summit Express Climb (2.5 hours) is the fastest way to the top, following the Bridge’s lower arch. This route suits families who want to feel they are in the thick of the Bridge’s body. There are fewer stops along the route and no ladders.
• The Ultimate (3.5 hours) is a new climb which takes climbers right across from the south to the north side of the Bridge, a 500m span, with two stops at the apex of the Bridge. You walk down and up the upper arch as you descend from the centre to the northern pylons. This is a challenging climb, ideal for teenagers and confident, fit younger kids too.
• The Sampler Climb (1.5 hours) is a taster of the full BridgeClimb experience that takes you to the Bridge’s quarter-point. This route suits families who have limited playtime but still want to dip their toes in a climb experience. The Sampler is cheaper but is not always available.

On the Ultimate climb, the views over North Sydney, Lavender Bay and Kirribilli are truly awe-inspiring. Until now climbers climbed the south half of the Bridge and enjoyed time at the top, being able to walk right over the whole span is novel and exciting.

You can often find great deals and discounts for the Sydney BridgeClimb. Specials and deals often run in school holidays as well as at various – usually the less busy – times of the year.

The best thing to do is to keep an eye on the Discounts and Deals webpage, click here.

I would also suggest signing up to the BridgeClimb email newsletter to keep up with all the deals and discounts.

Fabulous views over Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House from the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. I have got to say that I did find some sections both exhilerating and challenging, especially when we miles up high above the traffic below. It’s thrilling and a tiny bit nervewracking too. Walking down the upper arch towards North Sydney. Walking from the north side back up to the centre of the Bridge on the upper arch.

Myself and my husband have done Bridgeclimb with our boys as a way of celebrating significant birthdays.

Father and son climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge on our second son’s 10th birthday. Many years later, he still has this photo on his chest of drawers, it’s a gorgeous shot.

My No.1 Son and I climbed the Bridge together to celebrate his 16th birthday and it felt significant, it really did.

On that glorious warm and bright blue sky Sunday, we were a real team. We shared something special. The views, the passion for Sydney, the meeting of strangers and learning new information about the Bridge. As equals. It felt great, a true rite of passage.

1. Why the hell haven’t we done this before!!!????

That for sure was my first thought, because we really loved it.  I guess that the cost has put us off in the past and the knowledge that the Bridge is always there for we who live in Sydney.  A special event, a birthday or anniversary is definitely the way to go.

2. I didn’t realise we’d spend so long on the Bridge.

We were there for ages, had heaps of time to enjoy the views and chat to our terrific guide. No rushing at all.

3. It’s not as physically demanding as I expected.

On some of the Climbs there are long stepladder-type sections. I did find them challenging but more mentally than physically. Just keep on stepping up, one-two-three-four and you’re fine. There’s a good practice section indoors before you climb, which helps.

It wasn’t at all as exhausting as I’d thought it would be.  Nor as scary, in fact the trickiest bit is walking along the first parts where you have to squeeze around some places, no trouble at all.

4. Sundays are a good day to climb.

And I say this mainly because the parking is much easier. I do find The Rocks a challenge at busy times.  But we climbed on a Sunday morning and there were heaps of car spaces right there in Cumberland Street. We’d gone to a parking station and walked there, damn!

 5. You can’t take your camera.

Really the only thing you can take is glasses. This is all totally understandable and part of the meticulous safety precautions.

6. The climbs were all run so smoothly

Our guides are terrific, the safety talks and demonstrations and practices were great; BridgeClimb runs like a well-oiled machine, which, frankly, is just what you want.

Do check out the Sydney BridgeClimb website here.

If you’ve done Bridgeclimb with the kids, it would be great to hear from you! Just let us know how it went in the comments below.

My husband and son climbed the Bridge at their own expense and paid for their lovely photo.

My two other sons and I have been guests of Sydney BridgeClimb. Many thanks, we hugely enjoyed our climbs.

There’s no better place to see the Opera House and Sydney Harbour! The sunrise climbs are popular, they require a very early start but the views look amazing.