12 EPIC URBAN ADVENTURES by Samantha S Bell 12 STORY LIBRARY
1 Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Locals call it the Coat Hanger Bridge The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks It is the tallest widest steel arched bridge in the world In 1998 it was opened for climbing Today both residents and tourists make their way up the bridge They climb ladders and stairs and cross catwalks to take in the amazing views from the top 4 There are several ways to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge The original tour takes climbers up 1,332 steps in three and a half hours Shorter faster routes are available There are daylight twilight and nighttime climbs The upper arch of the bridge is 440 feet 134 m above sea level From here climbers have a 360-degree view of Sydney including the Sydney Opera House Although
Climbing the entire bridge takes 3 hours and 30 minutes climbers are high in the air they are perfectly safe They receive all the outdoor gear needed for the weather conditions They are latched onto steel cables so they can’t fall Climbers must be at least eight years old and in good health Each climber wears a blue-and-gray climb suit The suits camouflage the climbers so the drivers below don’t get distracted The tours are directed by climb leaders Along the way they provide interesting information about the bridge They make sure the experience is safe and fun TYING THE KNOT AT THE TOP People can get married at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge A couple can bring up to 26 other people including the minister guests and photographer The ceremony is held on a platform called the Sundeck But the bride can’t wear a wedding dress All wedding climbers must wear climb suits 1932 Year the Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the largest bridges in the world The top of the climb is 440 feet 134 m above sea level Climbers wear special climb suits 5
