The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the entire world and, as such, is one of Sydney’s most well-known landmarks. Spanning Sydney Harbour, the bridge first opened in 1932 and was promptly nicknamed “The Coathanger” by locals due to its structure. The bridge is a local icon and provides paths for cycling and walking and an avenue for climbing to the top to take in breathtaking views.
The History of the Bridge
In August 1930, both steel halves of the arch were joined, but the bridge was not opened to the public until 1932. The pylons were created from granite that was quarried on the New South Wales south coast near Moruya. The chief engineer in charge was J.J.C. Bradfield, and he is widely considered the “father of the bridge.”
Interesting Bridge Statistics
There are many impressive statistics regarding the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Here are just a few:
- The top of the bridge sits 134 meters above the harbor.
- The span of the arch is 503 meters across.
- The bridge took eight years to be completed.
- Six million hand-driven rivets and 53,000 tons of steel were used in the construction of the bridge.
Fun Things to Do by the Bridge
1. BridgeClimb Sydney
BridgeClimb Sydney, accessible from Cumberland Street, will allow you to climb the bride and access gorgeous panoramic views of the city. You enter where Cumberland Street curves beneath the bridge. There will be stairs that descend to Dawes Point Park.
2. Sail or Cruise
Perhaps you would instead take in the harbor via a cruise ship? Or, would you prefer a sailing tour or ferry? Cruises include lunch, high tea, dinner, and sunset cocktails, or you can take a ferry from Circular Quay, where you will pass the bridge and the Sydney Opera House and sail to Manly Bay, Watson Bay, or the Taronga Zoo.
3. Bridgewalk or Cycleway
On the eastern side of the bridge, you will find the bridgewalk. By the Australian Heritage Hotel, on Cumberland Street, near the pedestrian crossing, you will see the flight of stairs that leads there. While walking, be sure to check out the southeastern Pylon Lookout. You will gasp at the lovely 360-degree view. On the western side of the bridge, you will see the cycleway. You can rent a bicycle if you don’t have one. You can even join a bike tour! Just get on the bridge by the famed Sydney Observatory. While there, you can also stargaze through the building’s built-in telescopes.
In conclusion, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a true symbol of Australia’s largest city. Be sure to enjoy the harbor and bridge area by experiencing all the unique ways to take it in as listed above. You surely won’t regret seeing the spectacular views and taking part in the culture of the country “down under.”
