Story Bridge Brisbane: Must-Do Bridge Climb
Being so far from the world's major population centers, Australia and New Zealand have had to do some original, not to say, extreme things to draw visitors. One of their recent innovations to the world's travel experience is bridge walking. I think this began in Australia; certainly that's where it's most developed. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane all give you the opportunity to view the city from the top of their iconic bridges. In the case of Brisbane, the bridge is the Story Street Bridge -- named for one of Brisbane's colorful past civic leaders.
The Story Bridge Brisbane climb is made in easy stages to allow the different levels of climber to keep up and it makes sense because on any given climb, climbers range from out-of-shape teens to their game, and grizzled, grandparents. It also means the guide can give the spiel in manageable chunks rather than one big dollop at the top. This photo shows a group of walkers that has almost arrived at the peak. It also gives a good idea of how the peak is!
At the top of the first peak (this group is just leaving the 'summit') is where the walkers stop to have their photos taken while they learn more about the city, which is a good way of keeping the minds of those of a nervous disposition on something other than the height they're at. The pathway you walk is made of perforated grating that gives a clear view of the dizzying drop below your feet. It isn't for those who suffer from vertigo. If just watching people clamber around tall buildings in movies makes you queasy, this isn't for you. For everyone else, bridge walking is a fantastic way to spend vacation time.
And, when you get down, what better way to celebrate than with a drink in the Story Bridge Hotel to restore the nerves.
The hotel also has fine examples of pioneer-days Australians' love of fancy woodwork around its eaves, porches and balconies, as you can see in this photo. For the latest prices and other useful information about climbs, visit this website:
Story Bridge Climb.
Return to Brisbane Attractions from Story Bridge Brisbane
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Bridge Walkers get some initial training, kitting up in all-encompassing suits to stop stuff falling hundreds of feet onto passers-by below, and then climb the maintenance stairs to the top of the arches. The steps have a hand rail and a rail to which the walkers clip their body harness -- losing the occasional visitor would be bad for business:)
Brisbane Pictures
