About Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Birth of an Icon

In 1925, the Greater Brisbane Council formed the Cross River Commission to plan future
bridges and tunnels across the Brisbane River. Back then, only Victoria Bridge and Albert
Railway Bridge spanned navigable parts of the river. The Commission suggested eleven crossings, including a Kangaroo Point bridge, which eventually became the Story Bridge we
know today.

Early Designs and Decisions

Brisbane’s commerce thrived around Customs House and South Bank. Any new bridge had to accommodate ships with tall masts and funnels, so an initial high bridge design was scrapped due to steep gradients unsuitable for vehicles of that era. The Commission proposed a shipping channel and various bridge designs, but ultimately, the Brisbane City Council favoured building the Grey Street Bridge (now William Jolly Bridge) upstream, opened just days after the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

The Great Depression and Bridge Construction

In 1932, during the Great Depression, Queensland Premier William Forgan Smith prioritized
job-creating projects, including the Story Bridge. By December 1933, Dr. John Bradfield,
famed for his work on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was appointed to oversee the project. The
design chosen was a steel cantilever bridge, suitable for the site. Building the Story Bridge
Construction began in 1935 with Evans Deakin – Hornibrook Constructions Pty Ltd winning the bid. Work included the innovative pneumatic caisson technique for pier foundations and
meticulous assembly of steel components. The bridge was built in five stages, carefully
planned to ensure safety and precision.

A Bridge with Stories

Named after public servant John Douglas Story, the bridge saw its opening on 6 July 1940. It
played a significant role in Brisbane’s growth, with over 30 million vehicles crossing it
annually. Today, the Story Bridge is a Queensland Heritage Act-listed structure, maintained
to last indefinitely.

Join US For An Adventure

Experience the thrill of history and heights with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Whether you’re facing your fears, bonding with your team, or enjoying stunning views of Brisbane, our climb promises an unforgettable adventure. Ready to make your own history? Rain or shine, we climb!