Tour operator
Riverlife Adventure Centre
An adventure centre at the foot of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs running river kayak tours, guided climbing and abseiling, Segway tours and bike and kayak hire.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Guided climbs to the 80-metre summit of the heritage-listed Story Bridge, running daily at dawn, by day, at twilight and at night from Howard Smith Wharves.
At a glance
- Type
- Bridge climb
- Area
- Brisbane City (Howard Smith Wharves), Brisbane, Australia
- Official site
- storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au
Good to know
- Dawn
- day
- twilight and night climbs
- Accessible climbs
- Safety equipment provided
- Group and school bookings
- Gift cards
Why we recommend it
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes groups up Brisbane's heritage-listed Story Bridge, a steel cantilever structure designed by John Bradfield and opened in 1940. Climbs have run since 2005, and the operation is now based at Howard Smith Wharves, the riverside precinct directly beneath the bridge's northern end, and is part of the same group as the precinct.
The climb leads to a summit about 80 metres above the Brisbane River. The bridge itself is a heritage-listed landmark: construction began in May 1935, the two halves met in October 1939, and it opened in July 1940, with a total length of 777 metres and a main span of 282 metres. All safety equipment is provided.
Several types of climb run each day. Dawn climbs catch the sunrise, day climbs run through the daylight hours, twilight climbs time the summit for sunset, and night climbs show the city lit up. The bridge itself is illuminated after dark and features prominently in the annual Riverfire fireworks, which adds to the appeal of an evening session. Full moon climbs are offered on selected dates, and accessible climbs are also listed, so check the options on the website when you book. Climbs run daily, rain or shine, and the company lists its hours as 8.30am to 9pm.
Children aged six and over can climb when accompanied by a parent or guardian, which makes it a realistic family activity, and the company also caters for groups, corporate events and schools. Gift cards are sold online, and the company regularly runs offers for sign-ups and families, so it is worth checking the website before booking. Booking ahead is sensible if you have a particular session in mind.
Meeting at Howard Smith Wharves makes it easy to combine the climb with a meal or a drink afterwards at one of the precinct's venues, such as Felons Brewing Co., Greca or Stanley. The wharves are entered from Boundary Street, with an on-site car park and a ferry terminal for arrivals by river. Across the water, the Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point is named after the same bridge and has stood there since 1886.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb FAQs
Where does the Story Bridge climb start?
At Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City.
How high is the climb?
The summit is about 80 metres above the Brisbane River.
What climbs are available?
Dawn, day, twilight and night climbs, plus full moon and accessible climbs.
What is the minimum age?
Children aged six and over can climb with a parent or guardian.
Do climbs run in the rain?
Yes. Climbs run daily, rain or shine.
Is safety equipment provided?
Yes, all safety equipment is provided.
How long have climbs been running?
Since 2005.
How do I contact the climb?
Call (07) 3188 9070; listed hours are 8.30am to 9pm daily.