Sydney Harbour Bridge – "There are people up there!"

We had some free time in Sydney Australia before heading off on a cruise, so we set off to tour the downtown area on foot. Looking over at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, I thought I discerned some movement on the crest of the arch. I grabbed my camera and zoomed in on the very top of the 440 foot structure, affectionately known as “the coat hanger.” I turned to my friend and said, incredulously, “There are people up there!”

Intrigued, we decided to get some info. Turns out that since 1998, people have been suiting-up in specially designed outdoor gear, leaving their cell phones behind, and making their way up to and along the very top of the bridge, where they get an exhilarating 360° panoramic view of Sydney Harbour.

“See Sydney at its best - take the Climb of Your Life!” says the website.

Climb leaders shepherd their groups after making sure a safety belt is worn around everyone’s waist, and chains are attached to the belts and guardrails. It's not an arduous or difficult climb, but note that there are 1,332 steps to reach the apex, and it takes about four hours from start to finish. The climb takes place in almost all weather conditions—electrical storms and extremely high winds being the sensible exceptions.

Nearly four million people having done the climb to date, making The Sydney Harbour Bridge the most-climbed bridge in the world. And this activity was voted the #1 Australia Experience by TripAdvisor.

What else is the Sydney Harbour Bridge famous for? Before landing his starring role in Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan worked as a rigger on the bridge. And apparently it’s pretty romantic at the top, since over 5,000 proposals and over 30 weddings have taken place up there!

If climbing this bridge is on your bucket list, you may just find yourself on top of the world, down under!