Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Sydney BridgeClimb RedBalloon experience ~ review


RedBalloon Review 

To celebrate 23yrs of marriage (2 weeks ago) I thought scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge - would be perfect . The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is a magnificent and truly unique way to see Sydney.

12/2/2013 ...the weather was not so perfect.


Its “Coat Hanger’s”  are omnipresent and imposing, its steel cables symbols of endurance and certainty.


I scoured Redballoon website for an exciting experience we could both enjoy. Since we have both crossed many bridges in our marriage it was fitting.

Not without trepidations, we booked it in with Redballoon for just after our wedding anniversary.




We chose the classic BridgeClimb . Bridgeclimb is very close to amassing 3 million climbers that have put their faith in this science and engineering structure and the heart racing adrenalin rush.


My photos but taken of random climbers 10/2/2010 



(I just checked back and 2 yrs ago on 10/2/2010 - I said I was adding must do The BridgeClimb to my 101 list )

The Bridgeclimb has been in operation for over 14yrs, since 1998 . It took years for the idea to come to life over Sydney sparkling harbour and expansive surrounds.

I've lived in Sydney over 40 yrs and I travelled across the bridge by car, train and walked from side to side. I've sailed under the bridge by ferry, catamaran, tall ship and on a luncheon cruise boat and I was still unprepared for stunning views. Even on a grey rainy day.

Everyone comes to admire the breathtaking 360 ° views from the top of the arch. We were only 2 Australians of 14 climbers in our group of Irish , Canadians, Americans  and a Russian lady from New Zealand  - because Bridgeclimb is one the most sought after tourist experiences in Sydney. Still 35% of climbers are Australian.





The spectacular view will be long admired -  beyond any impressive description I can give you. When I got to the pinnacle ,  the summit being 134 metres above the water,  it was exhilarating being there against the wind , barely a dot on the horizon to those below.


Our informative guide had been at Bridgeclimb for over 18 months and she answered every question ...number 1 question -  16 construction workers died ...only 10 on (or rather off) the bridge itself.

The only drawbacks - the rain and overcast weather that hampered our views.

It was so professionally run that during the 'downtime' waiting for the groups ahead to ascend or descend the 4 vertical ladders that take you to the start of the outside arch - the guides chat and time passes quickly enough asking questions.

The pace is one of constant but slow motion. The climb wasn't daunting at all and a few in our group were elderly. For safety reasons cameras of any kind are not permitted ...I took some of these photos while on a cruise thinking how amazing it would be to climb the bridge 2 yrs ago.

Visit the museum in the BridgeClimb Visitors Centre if you want to know more about the Bridge and its construction or the historical exhibits.

Thanks to RedBalloon - the BridgeClimb was a wonderful experience we will long remember. It was so easy to book a time suitable with Redballoon team.

They have the ultimate in 2500 + different experiences across Australia. The variety of experiences that cater to all ages means there is something for everyone to choose.

If you can't decide on an experience buy a gift voucher. Redballoon vouchers are perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day ...start hinting about those spa packages mums.

There is also a special deal for My Little Drummer Boy readers!
  • Offer: Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.
  • To redeem:  Visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM12 at the checkout to receive your discount.
  • Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to Red Balloon T&Cs, for full details see www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions


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Disclosure: Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the Red Balloon Experience Program. I will be sharing more awesome experiences with you over the coming months. Stay tuned!  As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.
I totally paid for my husband's BridgeClimb experience less the Redballoon discount.


 

Comments (21)

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Looks like an amazing experience xx congratulations on your anniversary and doing the bridge climb!!!!
My recent post Pepper
1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
Wow what an awesome experience, I bet the view was spectacular!
1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
It was amazing even on a cloudy day to see familiar landmarks from up high..
Looks awesome Trish - I've always wondered about it when the Husband I lived there years ago. Good on you for doing it and happy anniversary :)
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I remember doing the bridge climb many moons ago. It was fantastic!!!!!
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1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
Awesome isn't it.
I've always been too scared, although I think the view would be absolutely amazing! I've heard the ladder part is the most daunting. Sam has climbed it a couple of times with others. Maybe next year I should just take the plunge and do it!
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2 replies · active 631 weeks ago
It was mildly daunting - easy to do, I was more caring that others were waiting to go or down ....no plunging allowed.
View is definitely worth it.
Fantastic one in a million experience or your and your hubby :) Best ever!
1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
It was Alicia , not just to tick it off the list .
We were going to do this when we were in Sydney - disappointed we didn't.
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1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
It took us years to decide - so glad we did.
I don't think there is any way on earth I could get up there. As much as I'd love to see the view, I'd be too terrified to open my eyes! I'd also worry about the lack of a toilet! Ahh the things that go through our heads! Sorry the view wasn't skewed by bad weather!
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1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
Aroha , they have an express climb (2hrs) and it wasn't scary at all plus you are well attached to the rails, hand rails everywhere...they have baggy suits that would hide extra protection if you were worrried.
I'd so love to do this and am hoping it will happen soon. My hubby and second son did it and loved it. Wow!
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What a wonderful experience. I've considered the Storey Bridge climb here in Brisbane (I think they still have it?). I've been looking on Red Balloon since you started posting about it {I hope it was you}. There are a few experiences I'd love to get for Joel in particular {not that I've any objection to a massage or mani/pedi for me}. I'd love for him to do some of those driving experiences - he'd just love it.
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What an incredible experience. I keep meaning to do the bridge climb but just havent managed it yet. I was given a climb as a gift once, but then I broke my legs so I gave it to my brother and his wife instead. xx
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Wow Trish what a wonderful experience. I wonder if I can try and fit one in when I am there in a few weeks. Oh and I was checking out some of those spa treatments you mentioned omg. Mothers day sorted here!
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The bridge climb was a great experience. Very professionally run, safe and good fun

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