Wheelchair users will soon be able to enjoy climbing Brisbane’s Story Bridge from the Howard Smith Wharves.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb is bringing in a new age of tourism in Australia with the world’s first wheelchair-accessible bridge climb to open soon.
Made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, the new climb will allow users to scale Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge in a specially designed wheelchair. The motorised stair climber wheelchair is of the highest safety standard and has been customised using advanced technology especially for the Story Bridge. This advanced wheelchair ensures individuals with accessibility requirements can enjoy smooth and safe movement over inclines, ergonomic design for participant comfort, and integrated safety features.
The ambitious project was 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 played a key role in testing the system and refining its performance on the Story Bridge.
Accessible tourism at its finest
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.”
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing adventure-based tourism in Queensland,” Minister Powell said.
“We know that once visitors experience something like this, they’ll be the best ambassadors for our State.”
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin welcomed the move by the team at Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which is making tourism icon even more accessible.
“This is a great local tourism business going from strength to strength, opening up access for even more locals and visitors,” Minister Minnikin said.
The accessible bridge climb positions Brisbane as a world-class city with dynamic tourism offerings ahead of the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
© Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Building a brighter future
The accessible bridge climb will accommodate up to nine participants, including one wheelchair user, and a minimum of three supportive companions.
The experience takes between two and three hours, featuring commentary about the history of Brisbane and the Story Bridge from expert hosts, as well as a group photo to capture the special occasion from the Top Platform, and a Story Bridge Adventure Climb cap.
Queensland’s 2021 Australian of the Year, Dinesh Palipana OAM, participated in the climb earlier this year. He believes that the 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 out the window, wondering if I would 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.”
CEO of Howard Smith Wharves by Artemus Group, Luke Fraser, sees Brisbane as a world leader in accessible tourism, which a You Gov survey has shown is a key priority for Brisbane locals.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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