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Brisbane is officially home to a world-first in inclusive tourism. As of April 2025, the iconic Story Bridge Adventure Climb has become the first bridge climb experience in the world designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

This innovative climb offers an exciting new way for more people to experience one of Brisbane’s most breathtaking views — and it’s already redefining what accessible adventure can look like in Australia.

What Makes the Story Bridge Climb Accessible?

Thanks to the use of a motorised stair-climber wheelchair, participants with mobility requirements can now join the guided bridge climb from Howard Smith Wharves to the top of the Story Bridge. The chair has been developed with advanced technology and the highest safety standards, offering smooth incline transitions, ergonomic comfort, and built-in safety features.

This major milestone in inclusive travel was made possible by the collaboration between Tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe, Box Wheelchairs founder Mike Box, and Professional wheelchair moto-cross rider Timothy Lachlan, who played a hands-on role in testing and refining the equipment

Together, this team has delivered more than just a ride — they’ve created a breakthrough experience that’s inclusive, empowering, and uniquely Brisbane.

Why This Matters for Accessible Tourism in Australia

The accessible bridge climb has been made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, part of a growing investment in inclusive travel across the state.

According to a recent YouGov survey, three in five people want Brisbane to be recognised as an accessible city. The addition of this new experience contributes to that goal — setting 

A Model for the Future of Tourism

Brisbane’s accessible bridge climb is already being celebrated as a world-leading initiative, not just for its design but for what it symbolises: that adventure, exploration, and bucket-list moments should be open to everyone.

Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or an adventurer with access needs, Brisbane’s Story Bridge Climb now welcomes you to see the city from a whole new perspective.