Preparation
We need you at Base Headquarters at least 15 minutes before 'climb time' because we don't want you to miss out on a second of your awesome adventure! This way climb leaders can explain the route and keep you safe by running through safety procedures. We'll also need you to sign an indemnity form; this is so we know you understand all the information we've given you. You can't drink and climb... so we'll need you to take a blood-alcohol test. You won't be allowed on the climb if you blow over 0.05% blood-alcohol level - so please don't go to the pub before hand!
Whatever you need to be safety and sun smart, we can provide - including hats, handkerchiefs, sunglasses lanyards, all weather jackets, fleece jackets and sunscreen.
If you're scared of heights and feeling a bit nervous, just ask your Climb Leader for advice. You'd be surprised how many people climb the bridge and overcome their fear. Our Climb Leaders are trained to help and encourage any nervous climbers.
Once you've been briefed, you're attached to the static line, so you and the bridge are connected at all times, and off you go - into the city skyline for adventure!

Other important things to remember

  • Be sure to book you climb in advance - we don't want you to be disappointed!
  • Children under 10 are not permitted to climb and children aged 10-16 years inclusive (minimum height - 130cm) must be accompanied by an adult. One adult climber must accompany every 3 child climbers.
  • Wear suitable shoes like runners, track shoes or hiking boots so you've got plenty of grip and support.
  • You can't carry any personal items with you like cameras (except for Photographic Climbs) video cameras mobile phones and handbags. We've got secure lockers so you can store all your valuables safely.
  • The weather's great pretty-much all year here in Brisbane with a warm, mild climate. But, being in a subtropical region we can get electrical storms and high winds, especially in the summer, which can cause delay or cancellation of climbs. This is rare, but remember, your safety is paramount.
  • You can climb at any time of day whether it be dawn, daylight, twilight or night. Whether you want to see the light change at dawn or twilight, the sun glinting off the buildings in the middle of day or the city lights twinkle at night, there is a climb to suit you.
  • If you're in Brisbane, chances are no matter what the time of day, there'll be a climb to suit you. In fact, the only time we don't have climbs running is for three days in August/September for the Riverfire Festival (dates vary) and Christmas Day.

The Climb

You leave SBAC headquarters and then creep beneath the bridge and traffic on a suspended walkway to the platform called 'the halfway house'. Here you'll start to learn about the colourful history of the Story Bridge's construction and what an epic engineering feat it was. You'll also be told about the history of Brisbane and learn things many Brisbane residents don't know.
  

Then, it's time to ascend through road level, with traffic whooshing past, onto the anchor arm on the eastern side of the bridge. This is the steepest part of the climb as you rise surprisingly quickly, to have Brisbane, the river and the surrounding countryside laid out before you in all its glory! Once you reach the top (at 80 metres above sea level) you will feel as though you are part of the skyline. Skyscrapers glint all around you, traffic rushes below and the patchwork of the city stretches into the distant mountains.
From the eastern summit, the route gradually descends along the eastern cantilever arm towards the central platform
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The central platform allows you to the cross other side of the bridge over six lanes of traffic. Once on the western cantilever arm, climbers begin the gradual ascent to the western, or city side, of the viewing platform for another opportunity to take in the panorama.
It's now time to head back down to earth via the western anchor arm through the road deck to the halfway house and back to base headquarters where you can purchase photographs and Story Bridge Adventure Climb Merchandise.
Everyone gets a Personal Climb Certificate at the end for bragging rights!