Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility can now experience the thrill of a bridge climb right here at home in Brisbane
Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits, April 30, 2025
Story Bridge Adventure Climb has debuted a world first: an accessible bridge climb from Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane.
Experience the thrill of scaling the Story Bridge in a purpose-built motorised stair climber wheelchair. Customised specifically for Brisbane’s landmark bridge, with advanced safety technology, the wheelchair offers a smooth ride for users and ergonomic support for comfort and safety.
The system was co-designed by tourism operator John ‘Sharpey’ Sharpe and Mike Box of Box Wheelchairs, with the assistance of professional wheelchair moto-cross rider Timothy Lachlan.
Councillor Vicki Howard (Brisbane City Council Chair of Community and the Arts) called the launch of the wheelchair accessible Story Bridge climb “a defining moment that will set the gold standard for future tourism attractions”.
“I am so proud Brisbane is leading the way with accessible tourism as we cement our reputation as an accessible and inclusive city,” she says.
Dinesh Palipana OAM was one of the first to try the new wheelchair accessible Story Bridge climb experience, and he sings its praises.
“When I was laying in a hospital bed once, not far from the Story 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,” he says.
“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.”
Keen to try it for yourself? Each wheelchair accessible Story Bridge climb can accommodate up to nine participants, including one wheelchair user and a minimum of three supportive companions. The climb takes 2.5-3 hours, and includes excellent commentary from knowledgable guides, a group photo to capture the moment at the Top Platform, and a commemorative Story Bridge Adventure Climb cap.
You can find Story Bridge Adventure Climb’s base office at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, where a ramp provides easy access from the path. Find full accessibility information, including a virtual tour, and submit an enquiry about your wheelchair accessible Story Bridge climb on the SBAC website.
The wheelchair accessible Story Bridge climb experience was made possible thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.