BridgeClimb Express Day Climb with a Mandarin-Speaking Guide

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The Mandarin Climb: a daytime express climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with local Mandarin-speaking guides.

Days

2 hours 15 minutes, daytime

Age

8 and over, min 1.2 m tall

Group size

Up to 14 per climb leader

Start / finish

Sydney / Sydney

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

On foot — a guided climb on the Bridge

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of BridgeClimb Express Day Climb in Chinese

View map

Included experiences

Sydney Harbour Bridge — express route through the structure
Bridge summit — 134 metres above sea level
Summit — 360 degree views of Sydney
Climb leader — Mandarin commentary on Bridge and Sydney history

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BEFORE THE CLIMB: GETTING READY IN THE ROCKS

Your climb starts at the BridgeClimb base in The Rocks, where the First Fleet came ashore in 1788 and Sydney began. From check-in your Climb Leader speaks Mandarin, so the safety briefing, the practice run on the climb simulator and every story on the Bridge are in your own language. After a breath test you step into a climb suit chosen for the weather, with a harness that clips you to a steel line for the whole climb. Phones and cameras go into a locker, and a radio headset lets you hear your Climb Leader all the way up. Climbs run in the daytime, on the days set aside for Mandarin groups.

THROUGH THE HEART OF THE BRIDGE

This express route follows the lower arch, right through the middle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, among the great riveted steel beams, with cars and trains crossing just below. There are stairs rather than ladders all the way. The Bridge opened on 19 March 1932, and its two half-arches were built out from each shore until they met in the middle in August 1930. Up close you can see the rivets, about six million of them, that hold it together. Your Climb Leader tells the story of the Bridge and of Sydney as you go, and stops for photos along the way.

THE SUMMIT: 134 METRES UP

Then you step out onto the Summit, 134 metres above sea level, with all of Sydney around you. East are the white sails of the Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973, and beyond them the harbour heads and the Pacific. To the north are the towers of North Sydney, and to the west the harbour narrows into the Parramatta River. Many Chinese visitors climb at Lunar New Year, when reaching a new height is a good omen for the year ahead. Afterwards you come back down to the base, collect your printed group photo and BridgeClimb cap, and finish in The Rocks.

Map

Good to know

Minimum age: 8 years and 1.2 metres tall. One adult can accompany up to 3 children aged 8 to 15.
Fitness: You need a reasonable level of fitness and strength, full body control and coordination, and the ability to climb independently without walking aids. The climb includes high ladders and catwalks, prolonged stair climbing, uneven surfaces, narrow passageways and all weather conditions.
Please note: Everyone is breath tested and must read below 0.05 blood alcohol. Nothing can be carried on the Bridge, including phones and cameras; lockers are provided. Every climber completes a declaration form on the day. Climbers who are pregnant (under 24 weeks) or aged 75 and over need a Certificate of Fitness signed by a doctor; over 24 weeks pregnant cannot climb. Heart, breathing, joint or balance conditions, vertigo and visual impairment may affect your ability to climb safely.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Prescription glasses, if needed

What is included

Dedicated climb leader for every 14 climbers
Bridge and Sydney history commentary
Printed climb group photo
BridgeClimb cap
Climbing gear for the day's weather
Free lockers for your belongings
A $20 donation to charity partner Tribal Warrior

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.