The sky’s no longer the limit for one of Australia’s most famous bridges, which has just set a global record for inclusive adventure tourism. While your mind might jump straight to our iconic Coathanger – the Sydney Harbour Bridge – this claim to fame actually goes to Brisbane’s Story Bridge. Queensland’s beloved bridge made headlines last year when it closed for a mass photoshoot featuring 5,500 naked Australians. Now, it’s in the spotlight again – but for a very different reason! In a world first, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is now fully accessible, opening up its heart-stopping heights to climbers of all abilities.
Perched over the Brisbane River, this striking cantilever bridge has been connecting Kangaroo Point with Fortitude Valley since the 1940s. Sure, you can walk or cycle over the bridge, but if you’re not afraid of a little vertigo, climbing it is arguably the best way to see the city. At its peak, you’ll be 80 metres above sea level, soaking in 360-degree views – from the glittering city skyline and The Gabba to South Bank and all the way out to Moreton Bay.
Almost 20 years since the Story Bridge first launched its Adventure Climb, it’s making history with the launch of a world-first accessible bridge climb experience. Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, people with accessibility requirements, including wheelchair users, can now scale the bridge in a motorised stair climber wheelchair.
Queensland’s 2021 Australian of the Year Dinesh Palipana OAM was one of the first to take part in the Adventure Climb and said the focus on accessible tourism reflects the spirit of a warm and inclusive Queensland.
“When I was laying in a hospital bed once, not far from the bridge, I remember looking at a window, wondering if I will be outside again. To be now seeing the world from the top of our city’s bridge is like a dream,” Dr Palipana said.
The accessible Story Bridge Adventure Climb accommodates up to nine participants, including one wheelchair user, with the full experience taking around three hours. As with all guided climbs, this new offering includes fascinating commentary on the history of the bridge, epic photo ops and bragging rights for summitting one of the few climbable bridges in the world. You can find out more here.