Sydney Harbour Bridge
A steel arch bridge opened in 1932, nicknamed the 'Coathanger.' It holds the record as the world's widest long-span bridge. Visitors can walk across for free, climb to a pylon lookout, or attach a safety harness and climb to the 134-meter summit.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge connects the city center to the North Shore. Construction began in 1923, and it opened to traffic in 1932. Its steel arch spans 503 meters, and its summit is 134 meters above the sea. At 49 meters wide, it is the widest long-span bridge in the world. Locals call it 'The Coathanger' because of its shape, and together with the Opera House it forms Sydney's landmark. There are three main ways to experience it. First, walk across for free. Climb the stairs from Cumberland Street in The Rocks to the eastern footpath on the bridge deck. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to Milsons Point on the North Shore. Along the way, you get views of the Opera House, Circular Quay and the harbor. This is the most recommended free experience. Cyclists use the western side. Second, climb the Pylon Lookout on the southeast pylon. It costs about A$25 and involves 200 steps. It includes an exhibition on the bridge's construction and offers a higher viewpoint than the deck. Third, take the famous BridgeClimb. You wear a jumpsuit, attach a safety harness and climb along the outer curve of the steel arch to the summit. The climb takes 2 to 3.5 hours, with day, twilight, dawn and night sessions. Adults pay about A$300 to A$400. Sunset is the most expensive, so book several weeks ahead. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Cameras are not allowed, but guides take photos for you. Fireworks for New Year's Eve are launched from the bridge's center. You can watch from Blues Point or Milsons Point on the North Shore, or from Mrs Macquarie's Chair on the south side. To claim a spot, you need to arrive by the afternoon, and some paid viewing areas sell out months in advance. Nearby attractions include The Rocks (at the south end of the bridge), Luna Park (a retro amusement park from 1935, with free entry) and the pool at Milsons Point, as well as an exterior view of the Prime Minister's residence in Kirribilli. Getting there: take the train to Circular Quay or Milsons Point Station, or the ferry to Milsons Point Wharf. Notes: the bridge walkway is windy and noisy from traffic. Alcohol is banned before BridgeClimb, and you must take an alcohol test. Those who are afraid of heights should think carefully. The best spots for photographing the full bridge are Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Kirribilli and Blues Point Reserve.
Opening hours
Trail open all day; Pylon Lookout 10:00–17:00; bridge climb by timed reservation
Nearby sights
- Luna Park Sydney
- The Rocks
- Sydney Opera House
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
- Circular Quay
- Sydney Observatory
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney