Did you know? There are only 3 bridges in the world that tourists can climb: the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Story Bridge in Brisbane, and the Auckland Bridge in New Zealand. Interestingly, both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Story Bridge were designed by the same architect. What makes the Story Bridge unique is that 96% of the construction materials came from Australia itself, which was a real point of pride and achievement for Australians over half a century ago!
Today, the Story Bridge and its surroundings have become a recreational area for locals, offering a variety of bars, restaurants, fireworks, climbing activities, rock climbing, canoeing, and more. In this article, I will introduce a guide to the Story Bridge and its surrounding attractions and activities, so you can fully experience the urban life of Brisbane!
(The Story Bridge is a common sight on Brisbane postcards)
1. Story Bridge
Brisbane is a city that has developed along the river, and the Story Bridge plays a significant role in transportation. Not only is it beautiful, but it has also become an indispensable part of the locals' lives. In 1992, the Story Bridge was listed as a heritage of Queensland and has since been an important architectural asset in the area.
◎Address: Story Bridge, State Route 15, New Farm QLD
◎Transportation: Take a train to Fortitude Valley station and walk for about 10 minutes. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Admission: Free (The climbing fee is about 130-160 AUD, depending on the date and time)
◎Money-saving tips: Story Bridge Climb Discount
◎Official Website: Story Bridge
◎Nearby Accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The panoramic view of Brisbane River and Story Bridge)
(You can walk on the Story Bridge and admire the Brisbane River, cityscape, and rocky terrain along the way.)
(Being one of the few bridges in the world that tourists can climb, it naturally attracts many tourists. According to official sources, the number of climbs on the Story Bridge has exceeded 150,000. It is suitable for all ages. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours, and when you reach the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Brisbane city. There are 3 time slots: daytime, sunset, and night, each offering a different experience. I personally recommend the sunset slot. Besides the comfortable weather, you can also enjoy the night view at the end of the climb! [Photo by Visit Brisbane])
(The Story Bridge is spectacular from every angle.)
(In recent years, many bars and restaurants have sprung up under the Story Bridge. Here, you can enjoy food and wine while admiring the Story Bridge and the river view. It's a place I often visit in Brisbane. Many people also go to "Chinatown", another hotspot for nightlife.)
(Every September, there is a "Brisbane Festival", during which the Story Bridge will set off large-scale fireworks. Many people say that they are even more beautiful than the New Year's fireworks. If you visit during this time, I highly recommend checking out the Story Bridge!)
2. Riverlife Adventure Centre
In addition to restaurants and bars, the Brisbane government has also actively developed the area around the Story Bridge into an outdoor sports area. The "Riverlife Adventure Centre" is the main attraction here. Tourists can experience canoeing under the Story Bridge and on the Brisbane River, and rock climbing, abseiling, and cycling in the surrounding cliffs. It is highly recommended for tourists who enjoy these kinds of adventure activities!
◎Address: Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point QLD
◎Transportation: Take bus 227 from Brisbane city centre to Main St at Story Bridge East, stop 6, and then walk for about 2 minutes. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official Website: Riverlife
◎Nearby Accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Abseiling is my favorite activity. Besides enjoying the thrill of adventure, you can also take in the beautiful views of Brisbane city. It's truly unforgettable.)
(Typically, rock climbing, abseiling, and canoeing are arranged as a full-day tour. It's an activity that deep travelers would experience. While canoeing is also fun, it's the most tiring activity in my opinion (and the river water is a bit dirty, ha!). If you just want to relax in this area, you could climb the Story Bridge or take a stroll around the area.)
That wraps up the introduction to Brisbane's Story Bridge and its surrounding attractions. The Story Bridge is a landmark that every visitor to Brisbane is bound to see. If you have more time to travel, I would definitely recommend experiencing the various activities, food, and scenery in the area. I'm sure it will make you fall in love with Brisbane even more!