Hanging at Sydney's 'hanger'

By KEVIN JONES

Sydney, as the whole world saw during the hugely successful Olympic Games in September and October 2000, has a few things going for it.

There are the usual suspects - the harbour, which ranks among the world's finest; the Opera House, which ranks among the world's most oddly beautiful; and, of course, the Harbour Bridge, the world's biggest fireworks display staging post.

Two spectacular conflagrations within a year - the Millennium display and the awesome climax to the Sydney Games - have put the Harbour Bridge firmly in people's minds the world over.

Interest in the "Coathanger" has never been higher and now you can do something only celebs like Paul Hogan or Harbour Bridge workers - like Paul Hogan - got to do: walk the bridge and take in the million-dollar views.

Don't be surprised if this becomes Sydney's biggest tourist attraction. A Bridge climb gives unparalleled views of all the city's natural and man-made icons - the Opera House, harbour, Centre Point, Darling Harbour, Luna Park, Taronga Park Zoo, the Heads and so on.

It will take you three hours to get to the top and back, so you will need a good head for heights and a bit of fitness behind you. Be prepared for a fair bit of wind too - you will, after all, be 134 metres (almost 420ft) above sea level.

You can climb day or night and there are regular departures but you're advised to book because this is really taking off.

BridgeClimb is the name of the company that runs the climbs.

It is quick to point out to the possibly squeamish that safety is its big priority. Once checked in, climbers are thoroughly briefed by BridgeClimb staff and then are each provided with a special "Bridge Suit" worn over their clothes, a harness and, lastly, communication equipment. You are then prepared for what's to follow on a climb simulator.

Assuming you have the right stuff, you are then attached to a static line for the duration of the climb as you follow a professionally trained climb leader on your trip. He or she will be equipped with digital photographic gear to capture the moments for you.

Only a handful of bridges the world over are in the same league. San Francisco's Golden Gate, London's Tower Bridge and New York's Brooklyn Bridge spring to mind.

Did you know, for example, that the Coathanger is the world's largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge. It's over a kilometre long (including approaches) and its deck is 49 metres wide. It allows 49 metres of clearance for shipping and if you often wondered just how much steel was used in building it, how does 52,800 tonnes sound?

Check out BridgeClimb for a memorable adventure next time you're in Sydney and check out their website before you go to whet your appetite!

If you're looking for Accommodation while in Sydney then we have hundreds of options available.

Walk over the Bridge and get an unbelievable view of Sydney.