Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers world’s first accessible bridge climb

Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb is offering people with accessibility requirements including wheelchair users, the opportunity to experience the thrill of scaling Brisbane’s Story Bridge from Howard Smith Wharves

This offering from Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb, touted as being the world’s first accessible bridge climb, marks a significant milestone for accessible tourism in Australia.

The motorised stair climber wheelchair is of the highest safety standard and has been customised using advanced technology especially for the Story Bridge. The advanced wheelchair ensures individuals with accessibility requirements can expect smooth and safe movement over inclines, ergonomic design for participant comfort and integrated safety features.

The world-first has been co-designed by tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe and Mike Box, of Box Wheelchairs, along with Timothy Lachlan, a professional wheelchair moto-cross rider who has played a key role in testing the system and refining its performance on the Story Bridge.

Chief Executive of Howard Smith Wharves by Artemus Group Luke Fraser said the accessible climb would position Brisbane and the Story Bridge Adventure Climb as a world leader in accessible tourism, which a You Gov survey has shown is a key priority for Brisbane locals.

Fraser noted “this world-first accessible bridge climb marks an important step for accessibility and adventure tourism in Australia, and Brisbane is leading the way. We are proud to deliver this initiative and be a leader in delivering memorable tourism experiences for all.

“Research conducted by YouGov found 3 in 5 people want Brisbane to be known as accessible. In the lead up to 2032 we’re committed to creating experiences for all to enjoy the very best that Brisbane has to offer.”

The accessible bridge climb has been possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.

QLD Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the accessible bridge climb was a welcome addition to Brisbane’s tourism offerings.

Brisbane City Council Chair of Community and the Arts Councillor Vicki Howard said this world-leading initiative would set a new standard for tourism attractions globally.

Queensland’s 2021 Australian of the Year Dinesh Palipana OAM (pictured above) participated in the climb on Wednesday morning. He said this climb and 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.

“With about one in six people on this planet experiencing disability, the courage to do things like this reduces disability, enabling people to participate in a full life.

“The world is shaped by people who don’t see it as it is but see it as it can be. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, thanks to people who are shaping the world. We continue to show the pioneering spirit of Queenslanders, highlighting that we can, and we will.”