Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

One of the planned highlights for our own excursions in Australia was to climb of the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge. We wandered through the gift shop, watching each 15 minute increment of time slots for groups go before us. We wondered if it really would take 3 hours to complete. Then we understood. After an intense hour and a half of preparation, which amusingly included stripping down to our underwear to slip into bridge climber jumpsuits, we were ready. The safety protocols were strict; they wanted to ensure that nothing could possibly dislodge and fall onto the bustling streets below—cars, buses, trains, and pedestrians all beneath us. Our only personal items allowed were our sunglasses, which were firmly tethered to our harnesses for safety. Even the ball caps provided were secured. Finally, we made our way to a small training platform, where we practiced clipping in to the cable system. I couldn't shake my disappointment about not being able to take photos during the climb, but the guide assured us she’d capture our adventure, and soon enough, we would be scaling the heights of one of the world’s greatest landmarks. The first two pics were taken by our guide with their camera. The last is a shot that I took from the Sydney Botanical Gardens. The views were just as spectacular as advertised. And I was too busy looking around to worry about my discomfort with heights.

Sydney Sky Tower

That afternoon we had a chance to go up into the Sydney Sky Tower (SST). The view was good, but it didn't quite measure up to the thrill of standing at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From the SST, the sprawling city below was beautiful, with the harbor glistening under the sun, but it just didn’t compare to thrill of being on the bridge.

Sydney Tower is 309 meters tall, making it not only the tallest building in Sydney but the second tallest observation tower in the southern hemisphere. It once was the tallest building in Australia for over 20 years, until the Q1 in the Gold Coast, Queensland overtook it in 2005, standing at 322 meters tall. However, Sydney Tower has been built to withstand earthquakes and extreme wind conditions, making it one of the safest buildings in the world.

Sydney Harbor Bridge & Opera House Sunset

Later that afternoon, we found our way to the Sydney Botanical Gardens. I had done my homework and pinpointed the perfect spot for my evening shot, one that framed the majestic Sydney Harbor Bridge alongside the iconic Sydney Opera House. As I set up, Karen found a comfortable spot on the bank. The anticipation hung in the air as I was there very early. I knew that this would be one of those postcard-perfect moments etched in our memories, waiting for the sun to dip enough to catch the golden glow I planned to capture. The vibrant greens of the gardens contrasted beautifully with the blues of the harbor, and I felt content that my plan was coming to fruition, knowing that I was about to capture a slice of this adventure. Tours walked in and out of my shot, but not to worry as I knew I had time on my side. As the evening light dimmed I continued to compose and take shots of all settings. This is the best. Definitely a “wall hanger”.