Today, 14 February 2017, under the guidance of dating site eHarmony, four couples put on a brave face to fight first date nerves, at the same time as conquering the Sydney Harbour Bridge, climbing to its summit for Valentine's Day.

The single climbers, who were matched according to their dating site profiles, not only got to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Sydney but were also serenaded as they reached the top by stars Aladdin and Jasmine from the Disney's hit Broadway musical, played by Ainsley Melham and Hiba Elchikhe.

The singles looking for romance and adventure met their date for the first time to take part in a Bucket List activity, taking them 134 metres above the sparkling harbour to enjoy a “A Whole New World” from “way up here”.

Melinda Heffernan, 31 year old from Bondi, said: “Watching the sunrise over the Harbour from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is a first date I will never forget. The adrenaline of the climb made my first date experience so less nerve racking and based on first impressions there's definitely potential for a second date, maybe this time on the ground.”

BridgeClimb and eHarmony came together sharing a common vision, creating romantic connections and seeing Valentine's Day as an opportunity to spark long lasting love, as well as celebrate it in a romantic yet adventurous setting.

Over a third of Aussie singles (34%) admit they harbour a secret crush, yet 81 percent of singles say they are either too anxious or terrified to ask that person out. The recent research commissioned by eHarmony suggests nerves play a big part in determining if a hopeful will be brave enough to ask their secret crush out on a first date.

Jacqui Manning, eHarmony psychologist and relationships expert, said, “A thrill-seeking date like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge bonds strangers together in a way a more subdued date does not. These kinds of dates not only release adrenaline, but they also flood the brain with powerful neurotransmitters such as dopamine—the stuff that's released when you fall in love. Together with the first date nerves, you'll associate the incredible rush with each other, forging a strong connection and creating an awesome memory.”

BridgeClimb has seen more than 5,000 proposals and 28 weddings at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Climb Leader Tracy who guided the Valentines up the iconic arches, sharing historical and contemporary commentary about the city and its surrounds, said: “We definitely saw some chemistry amongst the Climbers today and who knows, maybe next Valentine's Day we'll welcome one of these couples back on the Bridge for a proposal or even a wedding on the summit.”

BridgeClimb runs Dawn Climbs on the first and third Saturday of every month, and daily during peak period.

A range of Climbs and Gift Certificates, are available, perfect for first dates, engagement proposals, special occasions and family adventures. For more information, please visit www.bridgeclimb.com or call (02) 8274 7777.

- Ends -

Notes to editor:

Talent available for interviews:

• BridgeClimb Climb Leaders are available to talk about:
o Romance on Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Jacqui Manning, eHarmony psychologist and relationships expert is available to talk about:
o How singles feel about Valentine's Day
o Overcoming fear of that first date
o What makes a great first date

• The Valentines are available to talk about:
o Meeting their match and going on a first date
o A unique Valentine's Day atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge

About the research
eHarmony commissioned PureProfile to conduct an online survey in January 2017. The survey was a nationally representative sample of 1,007 Australian adult respondents (18+).

About BridgeClimb:
BridgeClimb, the dream of Chairman & Founder Paul Cave, is considered a 'must-do' tourist attraction in Sydney, with more than 3.5 million people aged from 8 to 100, from more than 137 countries, having climbed the Bridge since it opened in 1998. Climbers can climb to the summit of this world famous icon on BridgeClimb, BridgeClimb Express and BridgeClimb Mandarin. Launched in response to the growing Chinese market in Australia, BridgeClimb Mandarin features local Mandarin speaking guides. They can now also climb half way to the top on BridgeClimb Sampler, launched to offer a taste of the BridgeClimb experience. BridgeClimb has won numerous awards including 'Major Tourist Attraction' in the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards and 'Best Guided Tour' in the 2016 Australian Traveller People's Choice Awards.

About eHarmony:
eHarmony helps people find meaningful relationships that enrich their lives. Founded in 2000, eHarmony is a pioneer in using relationship science to create highly compatible relationships based on deep personality traits that are scientifically proven to predict happy long-term relationships. eHarmony have matched over 200,000 couples successfully in Australia over the last ten years and boasts, 21,000 babies and 83,000 pets.

About Disney's Aladdin:
Disney's Aladdin is playing at Sydney's Capitol Theatre until 26th March before heading to Melbourne where it begins performances at Her Majesty's Theatre on 15th April. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (The Lion King, Mary Poppins in Australia), Aladdin features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!).
#aladdininaus |www.aladdinthemusical.com.au

Media contact
Charli Beale
Public Relations Executive, BridgeClimb Sydney
Phone: +61 (0) 2 9240 1141
Mobile: +61 (0) 438 638 969
Email: cbeale@bridgeclimb.com

Social media and websites
Website: www.bridgeclimb.com
Chinese website: www.bridgeclimb.cn
Twitter: @bridgeclimb