Sydney BridgeClimb Adventure: Added Info, Tips, Secrets??

[Globaliser]

Originally Posted by boingy300

Is handing them my wallet easier to do upfront?

They'll happily take it away from you if you like.

(Actually, in all seriousness you have to leave it behind when you climb anyway, in the secure storage facilities they have.)

[annenic]

Just thought I'd mention that it is Sydney Festival time from 5 - 27 January - and it can be a very busy time of year with tourists. Most likely you'd be able to just walk in and book on the morning you decide to do the climb...but I'd advise to keep monitoring the website so you can check if the timeslot and day that you are interested in is beginning to fill up.

Its really quite an easy walk. I'm not too good with heights and was concerned that I'd be slow and hence slow down the whole group - but I was delighted to find it no trouble at all. An incedible experience.

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by annenic

Just thought I'd mention that it is Sydney Festival time from 5 - 27 January - and it can be a very busy time of year with tourists. Most likely you'd be able to just walk in and book on the morning you decide to do the climb...but I'd advise to keep monitoring the website so you can check if the timeslot and day that you are interested in is beginning to fill up. Its really quite an easy walk. I'm not too good with heights and was concerned that I'd be slow and hence slow down the whole group - but I was delighted to find it no trouble at all. An incedible experience.

Appreciate so much the details on your BridgeClimb experience going so well and being worth it. ALSO, the tip off on the Sydney Festival is helpful. Didn't know about this programing. I went to their website. Most of the 2013 acts and performances have not yet been announced, but will be coming later this month. Our Aust-NZ cruise is not until early 2014, so we've got time. BUT, it's nice know about this being an annual event.

From their website, it seems that their arts programs are more on the contemporary side. Is that correct? They note this: "program is kaleidoscopic in its diversity, from burlesque circus to New York rap to Russian theatre; from contemporary dance to family programs to traditional Indigenous arts practice. In all, the program comprises around 300 performances and around 100 events performed by over 1,000 artists in at least 20 venues each year. Inclusive programming, a broad range of free events and accessible pricing policies for the ticketed shows means that Sydney Festival is open to all, welcoming Sydneysiders and visitors from wherever they live."

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 106,666 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/s....php?t=1426474

[circuitrider]

Ok...cameras aren't allowed, sunglasses are. Now, are cameras not allowed mainly because they want you to buy their pictures, or only because of the potential danger of them falling and hitting traffic below? Because...I was just thinking...they make sunglasses with a camera built-in....

[annenic]

Originally Posted by circuitrider

Ok...cameras aren't allowed, sunglasses are. Now, are cameras not allowed mainly because they want you to buy their pictures, or only because of the potential danger of them falling and hitting traffic below? Because...I was just thinking...they make sunglasses with a camera built-in....

Hi circuitrider,

Sunglasses are (like ordinary prescription glasses) able to be attached securely, so are allowed. Cameras are not allowed because they are not attached securely and could become a missile.

My guess is that sunglasses with a built-in camera would be completely acceptable.....probably best though to email and check with Bridgeclimb Co.

[Globaliser]

Originally Posted by circuitrider

Now, are cameras not allowed mainly because they want you to buy their pictures, or only because of the potential danger of them falling and hitting traffic below?

It's the danger. The agreement with the Roads and Traffic Authority has very strict conditions about what can be taken up. For example, it's why you have to wear those suits, and why they are the colour they are. The benefit of buying their pictures is incidental to that.

However, there have been some small relaxations over the years, with experience.

A hint. If it's hot, and the guides suggest that you strip off down to your underwear before getting into those suits: do it. You will enjoy the experience much more if you're not roasting inside the suit.

[boingy300]

I'm interested in the dawn climb, but want to get good photos with our cruise ship in the background. Will it be light enough to get good shots and what time would "the next climb be" if not? Our ideal scenario would be to do this the morning of the day we board the ship, so we do the climb then check out of the hotel, and board the ship. I would prefer doing this pre cruise as I get wobbly post cruise for a few days.
Thanks, Karen

[Globaliser]

Originally Posted by boingy300

I'm interested in the dawn climb, but want to get good photos with our cruise ship in the background. Will it be light enough to get good shots and what time would "the next climb be" if not?

The best thing to do is to go to www.timeanddate.com to find out the sunrise time for the day you're planning to climb, and compare that with the time of the dawn climb that you're thinking about. Don't forget the very limited number of days that the dawn climb is offered on, as TLCOhio has discovered.

Also, don't forget that you can't take your own photos because you can't take your own camera up. You will have to negotiate with your guide to get into position to capture your ship in the background. The guides use digital cameras, so should be able to check immediately that they've succeeded in doing so.

[boingy300]

Originally Posted by Globaliser

The best thing to do is to go to www.timeanddate.com to find out the sunrise time for the day you're planning to climb, and compare that with the time of the dawn climb that you're thinking about. Don't forget the very limited number of days that the dawn climb is offered on, as TLCOhio has discovered.

Also, don't forget that you can't take your own photos because you can't take your own camera up. You will have to negotiate with your guide to get into position to capture your ship in the background. The guides use digital cameras, so should be able to check immediately that they've succeeded in doing so.

Thanks- I had every intention of asking them to get a photo with the ship in the background (we would buy the largest photo pkg. available). It has been repeatedly stated in this post- no cameras- got it. I see they have a day climb starting at 8a which will be perfect. Thanks for the warning about the dawn climb not being everyday. I missed that fact! Karen

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by boingy300

Thanks- I had every intention of asking them to get a photo with the ship in the background (we would buy the largest photo pkg. available). It has been repeatedly stated in this post- no cameras- got it. I see they have a day climb starting at 8a which will be perfect. Thanks for the warning about the dawn climb not being everyday. I missed that fact! Karen

For our Cincinnati "neighbor", yes, that dawn climb is only offered on the first Saturday of each month. Depend on when you are there, for most of the other days, the first climb is around 8-10 am, not exactly in that "dawn" category. From what I have read, there might be other photo opportunities from the main highway/walking level of the bridge (that's free), plus the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout, overlooking the Sydney Opera House.

Keep that good info and experiences flowing and being shared.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 107,090 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/s....php?t=1426474

[4774Papa]

We are doing the Soltice Top End Cruise from Perth to Sydney 15 Feb 13. This bridge climb looks like a great one, but for two that is $400 plus and I can go up in the Tower skyscraper and have dinner if I like. Still, we may decide to do it.

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by 4774Papa

We are doing the Soltice Top End Cruise from Perth to Sydney 15 Feb 13. This bridge climb looks like a great one, but for two that is $400 plus and I can go up in the Tower skyscraper and have dinner if I like. Still, we may decide to do it.

Look forward to hearing your reports on doing the "Top End" cruise of Australia, plus how the Solstice, looks, performs, etc. For me, my wife has totally no interest in doing this bridge climb. That saves money!! Tall towers with glass give you a great views, but it is not quite the same "EXPERIENCE" and thrill of being on the famed steel bridge, feeling the air and sun, being "out there" in a safe manner, etc.

Post here when you get back and tell us more!!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 107,584 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/s....php?t=1426474

[K4Windy]

We look forward to more reviews of the Bridge Climb too. Does anyone know if there are ever discounts available for these climbs?

On previous trips and even this upcoming trip to Australia/New Zealand, I have subscribed to the local Groupon and Living Social sites for additional discount opportunities. Didn't know if there were other sites I should be monitoring for disounts, especially for the climb.

Thank you,
Katherine

[buchhalm]

Originally Posted by K4Windy

We look forward to more reviews of the Bridge Climb too. Does anyone know if there are ever discounts available for these climbs?

On previous trips and even this upcoming trip to Australia/New Zealand, I have subscribed to the local Groupon and Living Social sites for additional discount opportunities. Didn't know if there were other sites I should be monitoring for disounts, especially for the climb.

Thank you,
Katherine

Bridge Climb does not discount. Not even for "industry people" such as airline staff who usually do get nice discounts for any tourist attraction. Don't let the lack of discounts deter you from taking this tour. It is seriously good and worth every cent. If you do only one "tour" in Sydney it should be the Bridge Climb. If you consider two tours, the other one is a harbour cruise. Beautiful! If you do not want to do a fully guided cruise, take one of the green-and-yellow computer ferries to Mosman Bay and straight back again. You have a very nice hour on the water and, on the way back, when you turn around the head land, the whole harbour is in front of you, inclusive the Opera House and the bridge.
What a way to get to work every day.....

[TLCOhio]

Originally Posted by buchhalm

Bridge Climb does not discount. Not even for "industry people" such as airline staff who usually do get nice discounts for any tourist attraction. Don't let the lack of discounts deter you from taking this tour. It is seriously good and worth every cent. If you do only one "tour" in Sydney it should be the Bridge Climb. If you consider two tours, the other one is a harbour cruise. Beautiful! If you do not want to do a fully guided cruise, take one of the green-and-yellow computer ferries to Mosman Bay and straight back again. You have a very nice hour on the water and, on the way back, when you turn around the head land, the whole harbour is in front of you, inclusive the Opera House and the bridge. What a way to get to work every day.....

Appreciate these added comments, ideas and suggestions for Sydney and its many wonderful options. Very helpful!! We've now got our airline bookings done that get us down from Ohio to Dallas, Hawaii, Brisbane and then Cairns. All on American Airlines Frequent Flyer miles. Good news having the flights and seats booked!! Will do JetStar or Qantas for Cairns to Adelaide/Kangaroo Island and then to Sydney to see that city and board our Solstice cruise ship on Jan. 20, 2014. So many have been very helpful in sharing the potentials for down under! Keep it coming.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 119,837 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/s....php?t=1426474

[boingy300]

I'm back from Oz. The bridge climb was much easier than I expected. There were 4 groups of steps straight up like a ladder- 10 steps each, crossing up to the next 10 etc. I flew up them. Not only did we get a great pic w/ the ship in the photo, but a couple helped us spell OHIO at the top for our son at Ohio State University. Terry I am not in great shape and afraid of heights and had a blast. I'll try to get some pics. I heard a few people complain about jetstar but not sure why. We were thriled w/ Qantas.
Karen

[donaldsc]

We did the twilight climb. It was great. You go up in daylight and watch the sun set and the lights come on in the city.

I would suspect although I do not know that given the markup that ships do that the climb is more expensive if you book it through the ship than directly with the bridge people. You can easily go on the bridge site and make your own arrangements or at least compare the cost with the ship cost.

We did it as part of an extended 2 1/2 month land tour of Australia that we set up with our travel agent. I paid for the entire trip cost so I do not know how expensive the bridge climb was but whatever it cost - it was totally worth it.

DON

[boingy300]

Yeah- we just went to the Bridge Climb's website and booked through them. We also got the 8 photo USB. It is a cute souvenir. I felt like they took pictures of everyone equally whether you bought the photo package or not. They honored our extra request to spell Ohio simply because we asked and were dorks. It was the highlight of my trip.
Karen

[boingy300]

Our pics-
http://photos.cruisecritic.com/showp...hp?photo=25270
http://photos.cruisecritic.com/showp...hp?photo=25271

[donaldsc]

Originally Posted by 4774Papa

We are doing the Soltice Top End Cruise from Perth to Sydney 15 Feb 13. This bridge climb looks like a great one, but for two that is $400 plus and I can go up in the Tower skyscraper and have dinner if I like. Still, we may decide to do it.

Going up the Tower skyscraper is just riding an elevator and looking out of windows. Doing the bridge is an experience that is absolutely unique. You can do skyscrapers and restaurants on top anywhere in the world.

IMHO, the bridge climb is worth $400 or more.

DON