Adelaide Oval Roof Climb

They call it “Taking on the Icon” and that is a pretty fair summary of the experience that is the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb.

Every city has an iconic building or feature, in Adelaide, South Australia, the Adelaide Oval has to be it.  Many sporting greats have created memories on the hallowed ground, the iconic turn of the century score board still stands proud amongst the now high tech stadium with a capacity to house 53,500. 

Some 18 months ago, the opportunity to “Take on the Icon” was born  - since then thousands of people have scaled the roofs and experienced angles of the stadium otherwise unseen.

The experience takes roughly two hours, the preparation itself taking some 30 minutes.  Climbers are taken into a dressing room where a custom jump suit is provided to go over clothing and harnesses strapped on and secured.  All loose items - watches, rings etc, are placed into lockers, including cameras and phones. 

Climbers are taken in groups of 10-16 with a lead guide who communicates with the group via a headset microphone - all climbers wear a receiver and ear piece.

We took a twilight tour - departing at 5pm (5:30pm by the time we were ready to go) and took in views of the sparkling city lights.  As it was during winter, we just caught the tail end of the sunset so we did not see the sun disappear, but the sky was a gorgeous orange glow until it went dark. 

A purpose built climbing track takes climbers on a journey starting at the Western stand before weaving through the front of the Southern stand to the ultimate lean out point 50 metres above the southern goal posts. A height incidentally equivalent to the spires of St Peters Cathedral which are a great spectacle to see at night from this vantage point.

Winding around the back of the Southern stand to take in the picturesque Adelaide riverbank views before descending again on the Western side, the track is some 1.5kms in distance.

Photo Courtesy Adelaide Roof Climb

When crossing from one stand to another, a connector bridge is ascended which may give those scared of heights a bit of a challenge, however the climb is not a major physical feat at any point - so can be enjoyed by most fitness levels. 

The tour guide provides a great commentary which includes the history of Adelaide, the oval and the scenery. They also carry a camera during the tour and capture photos of climbers that can be purchased at the end of the tour. There are a couple of points where climbers are encouraged to ‘do the lean’ making for some fun photos and moments along the way. 

One of the more interesting angles is given when winding under the canopy of the Western Stand.  An engineering feat, it is fascinating to hear the science behind the physicality of the stand. Albeit a little scary when you discover that essentially only two major poles are holding the structure in place! 

---

Photo Courtesy Adelaide Roof Climb

The Adelaide Oval Roof Climb operates all year round with a variety of climb options including the Twilight tour we took as well as day climbs and Game Day climbs that operate whilst sporting events are in full action and stands packed with spectators. Climbs are priced from AUD$99 which includes a climb certificate and group photograph.  Additional photos can be purchased from AUD$16.

If you are visiting Adelaide, even for a weekend, this is a great tour to add to your itinerary.  The oval is within walking distance of the CBD and accessible from city hotels. For details and to book take a look here.

Penny - Itchy Feet Family

---

Other blogs you may enjoy:

• Autumn weekend in Melbourne
• 24 hours in Sydney with kids
• Don’t mess with the trolly dolly - Yum Cha Sydney
• Cruise to Nowhere - Adelaide Comedy Cruise