Sydney Harbour Bridge

Live the adventure over the Sydney harbour bridge 

Another great Sidney attraction is the spectacular Sydney Harbor Bridge. This landmark
is noticeable around the world and many travel from far and wide to witness its
grandeur and beauty. The mega steel construction has a total length of 1149 metres
and is located in Sydney’s central business district on the North Shore. The bridge can
be crossed by train, bike or car and it can even be climbed if you’re feeling
adventurous. If you’re here for New Year's Eve prepare yourself for an epic light show
as the city council put on an elaborate pyrotechnic display that lights up the entire
bridge.

History and building

The bridge’s construction is one of the most impressive pieces of engineering in the
world. Work began in 1815 when Francis Greenway proposed to build a bridge from
the north to the south shore of the port. It wasn’t until nearly 100 years later that
Greenway’s idea was consolidated by the hand of the architect J.J.C. Bradfield.
The bridge's construction was completed in March 1932. It took 1400 men eight years
to finish the work and cost a whopping total of £4.2 million. The bridge is made up of
six million rivets and 53.000 tons of steel, and today it stands at 134 metres tall and
supports eight car lanes, two railways and one cycle lane.

The bridge’s large concrete pillars are covered in granite, and it’s the fifth largest arch
bridge on the planet. Until 2012 it had the title of the widest and largest bridge in the
world, and it was the highest structure in the city of Sidney until 1967.

Whether you’re here to climb it or just observe it from a distance, the experience is
always exhilarating, and it’s a photographers dream come true thanks to its central
location and neighbouring attraction the Sydney Opera House.

Take the adventure of a height walk

If you want to get up close to the bridge, you should enjoy the 30-minute walk across
its length or, similarly, hire a bike and ride along the western side. The most daring
amongst you can enjoy scaling the bridge on climbing tour where you’ll be rewarded
with a picturesque 360 degrees view. The sensation here is unique, the emotion is
incomparable, and the adrenaline truly kicks in at the top, it’s simply spectacular. The
climbing tour lasts around three hours including controlled stimulations and health
and safety briefs. Cameras are forbidden up here however the guides will take
pictures for you.

If you’re eager to climb the Sydney Bridge make sure you book a tour in advance to
avoid disappointment as it’s a popular activity in the city. If you don’t have three hours to

spare, there are also shorter tours, but you must have a basic level of fitness to be able
to climb the stairs to the top.

Another choice for those who have less resistance or a fear of heights is climbing over
the southeast pillar, in this tour, you will learn about the bridge’s history, and the climb
is much shorter to the Pylon viewpoint. Whichever tour you choose to take the views
will always be worth it, and it’ll be an adventure to remember on your trip to Sydney.