Sydney locals can save $100 on a Harbour Bridge climb – here’s how

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Home looks pretty good from up here, especially at this price.

It’s one of Sydney’s most iconic (and quintessential) experiences. Heading into The Rocks, gearing up and stepping out onto the 102-year-old steel structure that this city is so famous for. You’re treated to a historic account on the way up, followed by 360-degree panoramic views and the photo opportunity of a lifetime. Of course, we’re talking about climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

BridgeClimb Sydney
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must-have experience. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re lucky enough to have conquered the summit with BridgeClimb Sydney , you’ll know this feeling well. But for some Sydneysiders, whether it’s due to inflation, budgeting or simply a gnarly cost-of-living crisis, it’s an activity that’s only ever been witnessed on the morning commute.

But that’s all about to change thanks to an exclusive new discount deal. Starting from 1 June and running until the end of August 2025, BridgeClimb Sydney is offering residents of the NSW capital city up to $100 cashback for booking a guided climb.

That’s right – not only will you gain lifelong memories, you’ll get money straight back into your pocket for taking on the 1,332-step ascent. To put this incredible offering into perspective, that’s up to 30 per cent off the original price, depending on what day and climb you book.

BridgeClimb Sydney
Save on a special Vivid Sydney Climb this year. (Image: Destination NSW)

Looking for unforgettable experiences at Vivid this year? The special Vivid Sydney Cashback deal is also available, albeit with a slightly lesser return on investment. Book a climb between 23 May and 14 June and Sydney locals will get $50 cashback per person when doing the Vivid Climb.

Am I eligible?

Like all good things in life, there are a few T&Cs that apply. Firstly, to qualify for the Sydneysiders Cashback reward, you must live in the Greater Sydney postcode area. This covers suburbs from the Blue Mountains all the way to the Sutherland Shire, up to the Central Coast and down to Wollondilly. All eligible postcodes are listed on the BridgeClimb Sydney website.

BridgeClimb Sydney
Postcodes across Greater Sydney are eligible. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll also need to be at least 16 years old or more and book directly through BridgeClimb for a daytime experience. Only select climbs are covered, including the Summit Day Climb, Summit Insider Day Climb and the Mandarin Climb. The deal is also not valid in conjunction with any other current deals or special offers.

As part of the cashback deal, guests will need to provide proof of identification to validate their residential address. Accepted forms of ID include a NSW driver’s license (physical or digital) or a NSW photo card. This is a strictly confidential process, and personal information will not be shared.

BridgeClimb Sydney
Make sure you meet the cashback prerequisites before booking. (Image: Destination NSW)

Claims can be made up to 90 days after your scheduled climb date, but must be booked online for a maximum of two guests per booking. Once everything has been approved, you’ll receive a BridgeClimb Prepaid Digital Mastercard, valid for up to 12 months. The best part? You’re welcome to reschedule your booking as many times as necessary, up to 14 days prior to the original climb.

So, Sydneysiders – what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and experience your city like a tourist, without the hefty price tag.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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    Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

    Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

    1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

    The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

    Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
    Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    2. Underground jazz scene

    Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

     

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    3. The city as a canvas   

    The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

    Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
    Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

    There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

    5. Newcastle after dark

    The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

    A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
    Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    6. Indulge in great gastronomy

    Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month  to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

    The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
    Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

    7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

    Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

    The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
    Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

    8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

    Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

    Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
    Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

    Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.