We’re back to Sydney for a busy 1.5 days. We know…we are crazy to fly this much!

The Bridge Climb!!

Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge was one of the things Emily really wanted to do in Sydney. We wanted to go on the climb at sunset which can book up so we reserved over 2 months in advance. The only bad thing is that the climb isn’t exactly cheap – and the climb occurs rain or shine…

We really hoped the weather would be good, and it turned out to be wonderful! There were sunny blue skies and 75 degrees.

For those not familiar the climb involves hiking the outer structure of the bridge to the top to see amazing views of the city, the harbor, islands, and the ocean.

It’s actually an easy climb as long as you don’t mind heights. You have a safety tether that moves along with you as you walk up a series of ramps, ladders, and steps. Apparently the Sydney government smartly required strict controls on anything falling off the bridge so you are given all sorts of gear to fully secure all items. You’re not permitted to take anything other than your sunglasses – and they are fully strapped on. You’re given a radio headset, handkerchief, rain/fleece gear… everything you could imagine! Everyone also has to wear the same gray suit, apparently required so that climbers don’t distract drivers below since the gray suit blends in with the bridge color. You will see the suits aren’t too stylish!

You can (for a fee of course!) buy a CD with 8 shots of your climb so a few pictures are below.

Our guide was absolutely fantastic, and the views were incredible! This one can be checked off the bucket list now! 🙂

The Sydney Opera House Again – South Pacific Musical
We think we might be the first people who have speed walked from the Sydney Bridge Climb straight over to the Sydney Opera House in 15 min to catch a show!

The timing worked, and we were able to see the South Pacific Musical. The first time I saw this musical was in 1st or 2nd grade when my Dad conducted the high school pit orchestra for this show!

We were excited we had a chance to go to the Opera House twice as we actually saw it in a different part of the opera house. We’re almost regulars now!

Dining
We had two last fun dining experiences in Sydney. One was a raspberry passion fruit tart at a great cafe recommended by Kristen S that was amazing (thanks so much Kristen!) as well as a nice lunch at an area called The Rocks. The Rocks is a really neat part of Sydney as it’s the original settlement so you can see lots of historical houses and a historical church. We ate on the pier by this area and had a great view.

The only other observation we have on dining in Australia in general has been the time it takes! We generally try to keep meals moving, and we’ve had lunches last 2 hours on weekdays! We were shocked that lots of working people went out for lunch and seemed perfectly content that it took that long.

Now off to New Zealand!