1) Has anyone done the bridge climb in Sydney and if so, is it worth the $? (I'm not afraid of heights). Should I make a reservation prior to arriving Sydney? (Will be there in mid-December.)

2)Has anyone recently stayed at the Old Sydney Holiday Inn? (The last posting I saw on the site was from someone who stayed there this spring and said it was a mess bc of construction).

Thanks!
MM

Hi mm93,
Yes my son and I did the Bridge climb in 0ct 01 and even though it was quite expensive it was really worth doing.
We have fabulous memories of that 'climb'.
It is not really as strenuous as you think and the safety consideration is absolutely 100%.
Unfortunately my daughter was 9 mths too young so she couldn't do it and had to stay down with my wife.
We too are back in Sydney in December and we will definitely all do it then.
So I think it is expensive but something you have to do.
Its a must do for Sydney !
Have fun

Muck

Oh...forgot to mention; we booked when we got there, you can't go up within 24hrs?? of flying so get there and book for a few days later.
But I guess the closer to new year the higher the demand for places so it may be worth considering booking before you go if you are at the end of Dec.

I live in Sydney and I've done it and it's well worth doing! It's a tad expensive, but a great experience.

Just a thought - in December, aimfor an early morning or late afternoon start,or perhaps night. It'll be hot walking up those stairs and ramps, in that suit, in the middle of the day!

Our family did the climb a few weeks ago. It was truly phenomenal and a not miss. We did the twilight climb and would do it again in a heartbeat. In December, you might consider doing a sunrise climb (they start at 4 AM). You can book the climb online.

Absolutly loved the Old Sydney Holiday Inn and would highly reccomend it!! We stayed there for 5 nights in April 2003. We had a room for US$120 per night with huge breakfast included that faced the Harbor. We mentioned that it was our Anniversery--might help get a nice room because ours was exceptional! Have a wonderful trip (as we did!!)

I did the Bridge climb a couple of years ago, and I think it was well worth it. The view from the top of the bridge is spectacular, and I didn't want to come down.

I would wait and book it once you arrive in Sydney. Tickets are nonrefundable, so if you miss the climb for some reason--illness, bad weather, etc,--you don't get a refund. Assuming you have at least a few days in Sydney, booking the climb upon arrival will give you more flexibility in scheduling the climb at a time that is best for you.

Although you certainly don't have to be athletic to do the climb, if you are a TOTAL couch potato, I recommend doing some aerobic exercise for a few weeks prior to attempting it. The most difficult part of the climb are the ladders leading to the different sections, not the arch itself. They are completely vertical, and can get your heart pumping if you are not accustomed to exerting yourself. Having said that, I am middle-aged and slightly overweight, and I had no problems doing the climb.

Allow about 3 hours for the climb, including the briefing and the time it takes to change into and out of the gray jumpsuits they require you to wear. You will not be allowed to carry anything with you for fear you may drop them into the traffic below. Hats are provided, as are cords for your sunglasses. No cameras allowed.

If you haven't already done so, you might want to check out www.bridgeclimb.com for more info. Have fun!