Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower

When I was in my second year at university a couple of my mates at St John’s College climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This was long before you could pay for the privilege and when it was an illegal university tradition that had been committed by many students over the last twenty years or more.

When they were making their preparations for their assignment to get past the DO NOT CLIMB signs that threatened hefty fines and criminal records upon those who were caught they were keen to involve me in their adventure. At one point it was decided that it could easily be done by somehow stuffing me into a very large backpack so that in the dead of night I could share with them the thrill of scaling the 134 metre summit. However, I did not join them, whether I lacked the ticker or I had the feeling that it would simply be foolhardy to attempt it I am not sure, but thankfully I was simply content to share a congratulatory beer with them afterwards and listen to their tale.

However, when the same company who developed the official Bridge Climb bought the rights for a similar development at Sydney Tower and made that walk wheelchair accessible I knew that I would have to give it a crack one day.

John Little,  who with his wife Suzanne, established Employers Making a Difference (http://www.employersnetworkondisability.com.au), was consulted as to how to make it an accessible experience for those of us who use wheelchairs. So I felt confidant when I rang Skywalk in May 2007 to book a dusk walk for Michelle and I that we would get through the whole thing in one piece!

On arrival I was offered the opportunity to use one of their wheelchairs which needs to be pushed manually. However, as you could easily imagine, I much preferred to stay in my own as it is comfortable and I would be the one in charge of what direction I took.

Fortunately my wheelchair can handle tight corners and is very precise and needs only a small turning circle so our guides were content for me to go in my chair. Therefore Michelle and I buckled up in the walk safety gear with our other walking group members and listened intently to the induction course before departing for our exposure to the city skyline 268 metres in the air!!

It was a fantastic experience. The initial ramps that I had to go up were steep and tight but the guides were patient and we took our time and got into position very easily. And the views of this great city were spectacular.

We opted for the dusk experience because we thought it would provide us with the best change of scenery during the one walk and we were dead right.

It was just beautiful to watch the city skyline light up against the backdrop of nature’s own shifting colours. From a clear blue sky to one of pinks and grey, to orange and red and purple the sinking sun created a palette of colours that one rarely has the opportunity to stop and enjoy in the city. And once darkness had at last arrived the neon lights that adorn the large businesses in the city grew bold. And as the river of car lights flowed ever so slowly along the major arteries leading in and out of the city I felt very sorry for those who were caught up in it all.

Skywalk Schedule Details

Dates:
Daily, except for Night Walk (Saturdays Only)

Unavailable Dates:

• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Years Eve)

Location:
Located in the very heart of the city, Sydney Tower is easily accessible by public transport or car. Please enter from 100 Market St and take elevator to the Podium Level.

Time:
Skywalkers can choose between the following walks:

• Morning Walk from 9:00am to 12:00pm
• Afternoon Walk from 12:00am to 5:00pm
• Dusk Walk is available at one set walk time between 4:00pm and 6:00pm (from 26 March - 29 October)
• Dusk Walk is available at one set walk time between 5:00pm and 7:00pm (from 30 October - 25 March)
• Night Walk from 6:00pm and 10:00pm. Saturdays only.
• Dusk and Night Skywalk departure times will vary throughout the year depending on the season.

Additional

Inclusions:

• Elevator ride to the top of Sydney Tower
• Visit the Observation Deck at Sydney Tower
• Sydney Skywalk (95 minutes)
• All protective clothing and safety-harnesses
• Certificate of Achievement
• Informative commentary by expert Skywalk guides
• Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Additional Info:

• This product must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of travel date.
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours, subject to availability.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible. Please specify in the 'Special Requirements' box if you require further assistance.

How to Get to There:

• Walking - Located in downtown Sydney, 5 - 10 minute from city hotels
• Bus - Where Market Street crosses George Street, Castlereagh Street or Elizabeth Street
• Ferry - Ferries to and from Circular Quay, 15 minutes walk to Sydney Tower
• Monorail - City Center Station, across the road from Sydney Tower
• Train - St James Station (5 minute walk) or Town Hall Station (10 minute walk)

Is Skywalk wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Skywalk is wheelchair accessible. You must advise full details in the 'Special Requirements' box at time of booking.

Do Skywalks depart in all weather conditions?
Skywalks depart every day of the week, all year. They run in all weather conditions (except lightning), as you are supplied with an all-weather Skysuit. From your lofty viewpoint, Sydney is still beautiful even on a gray day.

How long will the Skywalk take?
Each Skywalk takes approximately 95 minutes. This includes safety briefing, suit-up and your elevator journey to the top of the Tower.

What should I wear on my Skywalk?
You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Preferably wear enclosed shoes with no open toes, that offer support and grip. You will be provided with an all-weather Skysuit to protect from the elements, as well as beanie, gloves and rain-jacket if required. The Skysuit is worn over your own clothing. No loose items will be allowed on the Skywalk. Guests with eye-glasses and sun-glasses will be provided with an attachment to secure them.

Can I take my camera on Skywalk?
No loose items can be taken on Skywalk, including cameras, cam-corders and mobile phones. Your Skywalk guide will take photos for you, and there are also fixed cameras on the viewing platforms. These photos will be available to purchase at the end of your Skywalk, from the Skyshop on Podium Level. You can purchase printed copies or a CD of images.

What will I do with my valuables?
Lockers are provided to keep your valuables secure, including handbags, cameras, mobile phones and loose coins. These are big enough to fit only a small back-pack. You are unable to safely store larger backpacks or suitcases.

Are there any health restrictions?
Skywalkers must sign a declaration form that states you do not suffer from any medical conditions that prevent you from comfortably and safely completing your Skywalk.

What about drinking alcohol prior to doing a Skywalk?
It is absolutely your responsibility to ensure you do not drink alcohol prior to your Skywalk, as all Skywalkers will be breath tested upon check-in. You will not be permitted to take part if your Blood Alcohol Concentration is 0.05% or greater, or if you are under the influence of drugs (legal or illegal). If you refuse to be breath tested then you cannot take part, and there will be no refund of your ticket price.

Pricing Policy:

• Skywalk is not suitable for children under 10 years.
• Child rates are applicable for children aged 10 - 16 years.

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