Sydney Harbour Bridge – the steel arch set over a beautiful harbour that is such a perfect setting for many a photographs and postcards. It is Sydney’s most iconic symbol and a very famous tourist attraction. The Bridge takes centre stage on many of the nation's major celebrations as it makes for a spectacular backdrop from which to launch New Year's Day and Australia Day fireworks.

It took 8 laborious years to construct the Sydney Harbour Bridge and was officially opened on 19 March 1932. Recently, Sydney celebrated the bridge’s 75th birthday in great style.

The main purpose of the bridge was as a link between North Sydney and the city. It carries 8 lanes of motorway traffic, 2 train lines, 1 cycle way and 1 walkway. It was also tediously designed for worst case scenarios – it can withstand winds of 200km per hour, the speed and type never ever recorded in Sydney.

In 1998, after much campaigning from Paul Cave, an Australian entrepreneur, the idea to open the bridge for thrill seeking climbers took root and the bridge was finally open to both locals and tourist to climb. Bridge Climb conducts tours over the arch and since opening in 1998, 1.5 million people have successfully attempted climbing this great big bridge.

At the highest point, climbers will be 134 metres above sea level. At that height, the views over the harbour and the city are awesome, but only if you are game enough to look down and around. It feels so high up it will definitely make your knees buckle.

Climbs can be undertaken day, night or at twilight, with each offering its own unique feel and a very different view. Climbs are conducted even in the rain, making for a whole new experience altogether.

The climb is quite a challenge. Not only do you have to battle your fear of heights, it also requires a moderately high level of fitness, as you will be climbing around 465 steps for a prolonged length of time. There is also a need to manoeuvre your body in between arches and over steep steel ladders. And you need enough stamina to last 3.5 hours – the length of time for the climb.

However, many climbers have said that it is really not that hard a climb as it may first seem. Bear in mind too that a 100 year old has recently taken the bridge climb challenge.

Safety is a high priority with Bridge Climb. You will first be given a breath test to ensure there is no alcohol in your blood. You will then be droned in overalls and clipped to cables and a safety line – which is really reassuring if you have a constant fear of falling over the edge. Before the real deal, you also get to go on a climb simulator to give you a feel for the conditions out on the bridge.

Physically, most people can make the climb. Mentally, it is a whole different challenge. If climbing the bridge has always been on your to do list, do not let your fear of heights stop you from going for it. Bridge climbers are specially trained to help acrophobias overcome their fear of heights, and what an accomplishment that would be!

Climbs cost anything between A$169 - $295, depending on the time of the day you choose to do the climb. It is well worth the cost, as you will leave with the ultimate Sydney experience.

A pity though cameras are not allowed on the bridge as loose personal belongings can get caught on to something. However, Bridge Climb will arrange to have your photos taken at the top as a souvenir to you. Though you cannot capture the sights on camera, you can guarantee that it will be an unforgettable experience permanently etched on your memory.