SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

Welcome to Sydney Harbour Bridge

Imagine yourself at the centre of a perfect Sydney postcard…clear blue skies reflected in the waters of the expansive Harbour below, the gleaming white sail-shaped shells of the Opera House in the foreground, as you stand atop one of the most iconic features of the Sydney skyline. Welcome to the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Designed by Dr John Bradfield of the NSW Department of Public Works, The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in Australia, and it is regularly featured in movies and television programs. It also claims the title as the most climbed bridge in the world. Photogenic yet practical, it is an important piece of Australia's transport infrastructure, providing an integral link between Sydney’s CBD and the North Shore. Thousands of people cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge every day, either on foot or by car, bus or train. Come and explore this Aussie icon and discover its intriguing history which spans both time and water.

Historic Highlights

Before we explore its impressive architecture, let's dive into the history of this beloved landmark. The idea for a bridge spanning Sydney Harbour was first proposed in 1815, by convict and architect Francis Greenway. However, it wasn't until 28 July 1923 that construction officially began with the turning of the first sod. The deep waters of the natural harbour posed significant challenges during construction. The massive steel arches had to be assembled by building out from each bank. Men and materials were lifted in the cradles of ‘creeper cranes’, enabling them to erect the extensive steelwork frame. Thousands of workers laboured almost nine years to complete the project. Tragically, 16 workers lost their lives during construction – a memorial plaque can be found midway across the bridge on the eastern side. On 19 August 1930 the two arches protruding from each bank met in the middle for the first time, The bridge was finally opened to traffic on 19 March 1932, with the project completed four years ahead of schedule and under budget. This newly established connection between the CBD and northern suburbs facilitated the continued expansion of Sydney to the north, allowing far easier transit of people and goods.

New South Wales Premier Jack Lang called a public holiday to mark the official opening, and the largest crowd that had ever gathered in Sydney assembled to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Further details of the planning, construction and opening celebrations can be found by ascending the 200 stairs to three levels of exhibits at the Pylon Lookout, in the south-east side of the bridge. At 87 metres above sea level, this vantage point overlooks the expansive waters of Sydney Harbour, the lush green hues of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the peaks of the Blue Mountains in the far distance.

Arch-itecture

As you wander its length, let’s take a moment to appreciate the size and beauty of this iconic structure. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is lovingly nicknamed ‘The Coat Hanger’ by many Aussies, care of its arch-based design which resembles the curved profile of its namesake. But this is one BIG coat hanger! In fact, the Sydney Harbour Bridge comprises over 550,000 individual pieces of steel and weighs 52,000 tonnes. It stands 134 meters in height, from its top to the waters below, making it the tallest steel arch bridge on the planet! It stretches 1149 meters in length, earning its place as the seventh-longest-spanning arch bridge in the world. It was also the first large-scale bridge project in Australia and was considered an engineering feat of its time. It’s ingenious design was officially recognised when it was declared an International Historic Civil Engineers Landmark in 1988.

Since the time of its construction, the Bridge’s distinctive design and attractive steel arches have become a much-loved landmark and synonymous with the city’s sparkling skyline.

Accessibility

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is accessible to all pedestrians and cyclists. There is a dedicated pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of the bridge. Access it via the pedestrian crossing near the Australian Heritage Hotel on Cumberland Street in the historic Rocks district, and ascend the Bridge Stairs. For wheelchair users not in vehicles, or others wishing to avoid stairs, the bridge has two lifts located at each end of the bridge. Both have the capacity for two wheelchairs, two carers and 27 passengers.