Wow. Put off going for years (queues, crowds) but ...

Wow. Put off going for years (queues, crowds) but finally booked the Crown tickets in advance and headed over. Going in January keeps the crowds low. The process was smooth - collect tickets, security, ferry, more security, start climbing! The outside is beyond iconic. The inside however is a work of construction/sculptural art. The climb to the pedestal is a grind but worth it. The further climb to the crown is tiring and really claustrophobic but the view is great. Seeing the (tiny) inside is like bing in a Jules Verne submarine! A cross between Victorian engineering, Art Deco sensibilities and 1950s updates. A real experience. Highly recommended. If going in the heat/humidity take the climb slowly.