One of the “Must-Do’s” in Sydney, Australia almost became a “We Couldn’t”.
A while back I was visiting my daughter in Sydney, AU and we had an opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.**
This is something I’d really wanted to experience, and was excited to finally do this. At almost 430 feet high, the “coat hangar” as it’s called, is an iconic sight dominating Sydney Harbour and climbing to the top is extremely popular.
We had a 9:00 am reservation and got there early to check in. I knew there were disclosure forms to complete and that there were some restrictions on who can climb.
For instance, everyone is breathalyzed because you can’t climb drunk. I did know that there was a certain amount of fitness required, like being able to climb ladders and steps. People should be in good health generally as the climb can take about three hours.
We were given Fitness Disclosure forms to complete. When my daughter turned in her form, she noted that she was 14 weeks pregnant. This triggered another form: the Doctor Clearance.
I had no idea that pregnancy (even an early one) would require pre-climb clearance. I had not read the fine print on the web site, where it clearly stated this was needed in order to climb.
Would we have to cancel this activity because they wouldn’t let her climb until she could get the Doctor’s Clearance? This was shaping up to be a minor disaster. While we looked at each other wondering what we should do, the staff member checking us in was very helpful and kind.
“This happens all the time,” she said.
“There’s a doctor’s office just down the street. You can go there and the doctor will evaluate you and sign the form. We’ll just move your reservation until the next available slot when you return.” We were pleasantly surprised! This was a relief-no need to look for a different day for this activity.
Doctors’ Form in Hand
we walked a few blocks down the street and found the doctor’s office. My daughter was living in AU then and had a Health Services card, so she was able to see the doctor fairly quickly. Shortly thereafter we returned to the Bridge Climb Offices with the signed form. They were able to put us on the 10:00 tour, so we didn’t have long to wait.
We got harnessed up and had the training for the climb. The guides attached us to the safety cables and started up with our group.
Look for the people up there!
Going Up
Several ladders and sets of stairs brought us through the base onto the bridge structure proper. The group progressed at a leisurely pace, with time to look around and hear about the history of the bridge.
My daughter started feeling a little queasy about 45 minutes into the climb. We were nearing the top of the bridge, but it had been hours since she’d last eaten. We mentioned this to our tour guides and they moved quickly into action, asking her if she needed to get down quickly. When she said yes they radioed for a rescue guide. We reached the top and a new guide came over to assist us. We were able to take a photo and I had a short opportunity to marvel at the vast expanse of beautiful Sydney Harbour, with America’s Cup sailboats skimming along the water far below us.
Our rescue guide detached us from our group and reattached us to the downward side. We went straight down, not stopping for photos or sightseeing. We got down in record time, and she was able to refuel with some water and a granola bar. Crisis averted and bridge was climbed!
The service provided by the Bridge Climb staff was impeccable: professional and caring. Now that I know more about the restrictions and requirements, I can make sure my clients have the necessary paperwork ready to go.
This is one of the Must-Do Experiences in Australia and you will be in good hands.
