A breathtaking bridge has me dancing on air
From iconic landmarks to amazing beaches, allison randell hits the heights in Sydney, Australia’s fun capital
STANDING 440ft above the ground, tethered by an umbilical safety wire and wearing a natty blue and grey boiler suit, the view that lay before me was simply spectacular. I’d just climbed 1,332 steps to the pinnacle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (which locals affectionately call the Coat Hanger).
I’m gazing over the rooftops of skyscrapers, the sparkling harbour, the smiling, if slightly scary, giant clown face that looms over the entrance to the Luna Park amusement park, and of course the iconic Sydney Opera House.
The climb is not terribly difficult and our entertaining guide not only gave us interesting snippets about the bridge’s construction, we learned a little about the city’s history too.The bridge took seven years to build and was completed in 1930.Around
Contact us at traveldesk@reachplc.com 1,400 workers were used to construct one of the world’s most instantly recognisable structures.
Our guide took photos of us at the best vantage points – and even a short video of me doing the Charleston on the struts.
Back on terra firma, we headed back to my base, the Paramount House Hotel in Sydney’s up and coming Surry Hills area.The boutique hotel, with its copper-clad roof, is a former warehouse and is a fabulous mix of old and new styles.
There are brick walls, neon lights and a lift that feels as if you’ve stepped into a Barbie house – all pink and glitzy.The tastefullydecorated loft-style bedrooms feature wooden bathtubs, blackout blinds and super-soft linen sheets.
For down time, there’s the inhouse Golden Age cinema and bar, where