Sydney: The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Well Sydney Harbour Bridge certainly deserves its iconic status as one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. My first glimpse of the bridge was from the ferry from Manly and it was a perfect introduction to the bridge and the opera house.

As we sailed closer I realised I could see the groups of people doing the "Bridge Climb" and my heart skipped a beat as I was booked in to do it myself later that day. The are at least 5 groups in this shot - on the left hand (South) side of the bridge.

Once I found the visitor centre I nervously climbed into my onesie (despite my protests that it did nothing for my figure) and passed my breath test (no Dutch courage allowed) it was time to start the climb. You aren't allowed to bring cameras on the bridge, but I managed to take some shots when I walked over afterwards. You are hooked onto the bridge at all times and the excellent guide talks through a radio headset, to give instructions, reassure and tell interesting facts and stories about the bridge as you climb.

 There are approximately 1,500 steps but these are the steepest and worst.

Once you climb the ladders the rest of the climb to the summit is like walking up steps.

The guide was excellent with a wicked sense of humour and I couldn't believe it was over when we climbed down after 3 hours.

I loved the bridge structure too, it was a work of art and certainly a feat of engineering.

Over 6 million rivets.

Over 52,800 tonnes of steel

It's an incredible structure and I am so glad I climbed it - the views were incredible and I forgot about being worried about heights completely (the highest point is 135m from the water below).

And here's the proof.....