Australia - The Last Blog - Bridge Climb

The last night that we were in Sydney, Rachel and I did the Sydney Bridge Climb. In addition to getting the opportunity to wear the snazzy jump suits (Rachel is modeling one here), we got a spectacular view of the city. Bridge Climb is a 3 hour guided tour. Groups of 10 climb the supports above the bridge, and above the car traffic. At the height of the climb, you are 134 meters above Sydney Harbor. This is about 450 feet (A LONG WAY). There are great views of the Opera House and of the city in the background. It was a wonderful way to end our stay.

The prep for the climb was quite a process. First, you sign a waiver (more lawyers in Australia than in New Zealand apparently). Then, you are given a breathalizer to insure that you are not trying to make the climb drunk. Next, you are fitted for your jump suit. You change and leave everything you own in a locker. Nothing is allowed to go on the climb, unless it can be tied off to your flight suit. They don't want anything to inadvertently or intentionally fall on traffic or pedestrians below. Glasses are allowed, but that is about it. Cameras must be left behind so they can charge exhorbitant amounts of money for pictures at the end (and of course we bought them). Asthma inhalers must be given to the guide so they can hold onto it. After changing into the jump suit, you pass through a metal detector to make sure you are not carrying anything. In the next stage, you receive your fall harness, which ties off to a line that spans the entire 3 hour walk. You are issued a raincoat, in case bad weather moves in, a head lamp for the twilight tour and eyeglass attachments if you need them. Finally, you practice hooking your zip line to the guidewire and climbing stairs with 3-point contact at all times. Then, it is off to the bridge.