Sydney Sights

Sydney Harbour Bridge

#2 of 956 things to do in Sydney

#8 of 9606 things to do in Pacific

6 reviews | Write a review

Good for: sightseeing, entertainment, views, Sydney, motivational

Not good for: the climb, people who don't like heights, Photography, expensive, elderly

  • Address
    • Bradfield Hwy Milsons Point
  • Transport
    • Circular Quay, Milsons Point
  • Price
    • pylon lookout: adult/under-13/under-8 A$9/A$4/free
  • Hours
    • pylon lookout: 10:00-17:00

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Lonely Planet review for Sydney Harbour Bridge

Whether they’re driving over it, climbing up it, rollerblading across it or sailing under it, Sydneysiders adore their bridge and swarm around it like ants on ice cream. Dubbed the ‘old coathanger’, it’s a spookily big object – moving around town you’ll catch sight of it in the corner of your eye and get a fright! Perhaps Sydney poet Kenneth Slessor said it best: ‘Day and night, the bridge trembles and echoes like a living thing.’

Vital statistics: 134m high, 502m long, 49m wide and 53,000 tonnes. The massive bridge links the CBD with North Sydney, crossing the harbour at one of its narrowest points. The two halves of chief engineer JJC Bradfield’s mighty arch were built outwards from each shore. In 1932, after nine years of merciless toil by 1400 workers, the two arches were only centimetres apart when 100km/h winds set them swaying. The coathanger hung tough and the arch was soon completed. In 2007 the bridge turned 75 – 250,000 people celebrated by walking across the great span.

The best way to experience the bridge is on foot – don’t expect much of a view crossing by train or car (driving south there’s a toll). Staircases access the bridge from both shores; a footpath runs along its eastern side.

 

Traveller reviews for Sydney Harbour Bridge (6)

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    unexpected but lovely walk on it

    alexiastam recommends this,

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    walked through it to North Sydney during sunset time, and walked back when the sky is dark. beautiful view up there

    Not good for: the climb

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    Great to walk across, especially at night

    sacah recommends this,

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    Climb the bridge

    dannypage recommends this,

    I recieved a gift certificate for my 21st bday to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. At the time I was slightly scared as I wasn't so sure of heights. However this certificate turned out to be the best present I have ever received. The climb was easy and the view of Sydney and the harbour was absolutely breathtaking!!! It was certainly the best way to see Sydney. Standing on top of this amazing Sydney icon was extremely liberating. I highly recommend anyone who lives or who is visiting Sydney to do this climb. The gift certificates are also great for that special person. They even have a twilight climb which would be great in Summer! Check them out at www.bridgeclimb.com.au

    Good for: entertainment, views, Sydney, motivational

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    On top of the world..........well Sydney at least

    chocol8 recommends this,

    To do the bridge climb is to experience Sydney in no other way possible. Yes, it's not cheap and yes, you do only get a few minutes at the top, enough to take a group photo and one of yourselves..........but it IS worth it. The view, if you get a great sunny day is one to remember. You can't take any photos on the way up or down so you REALLY HAVE to remember it. It's a long drawn out experience, you'll need a good 3-4 hours with a good part of that getting your overalls and learning the drill of safety during the climb.
    Of course you've probably seen great pics of Sydney from the top but it doesn't compare with being on top of that Australian icon looking over the bay and the hordes of boats. Not to mention the sensation of feeling the bridge vibrate and hum while hundreds of cars and a train or two rumble directly below you all at once, all of which you can see clearly through the lattice framework of this beast of iconic engineering that's known throughout the world.
    I did the bridge climb during the middle of the afternoon so I can't comment on how it is doing the dusk climb but if I did it again I'd choose that. What better way to see the city lit up than from up there.

    Good for: Groups, climbing, bragging

    Not good for: Photography, people who don't like heights

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    Almost impossible to miss if you are visiting Sydney

    katmar33 recommends this,

    I was born in Sydney, and like most Sydneysiders grew up nowhere near the harbour, but it is true to say that "the bridge" is etched into my internal landscape as the number one symbol for home and does make me well up with cheesy pride whenever I see it on tourism commercials.

    The bridge dominates Sydney's Harbour, so if you are travelling here it is almost impossible to avoid it. That said, it is stunning, so you don't want to avoid it!!

    Here are my suggestions for experiencing life around "the bridge"...

    1 - Walk around the Rocks side of Circular Quay and stop for a drink at the Park Hyatt hotel which sits next to the bridge. It looks expensive, but actually not too badly priced for a drink (which comes with a serve of free gourmet nuts). It is quiet and has an amazing harbour views.

    2 - Book a hotel with a view of the Bridge. If you can afford it (and there are budget options) - there is something magical about falling asleep and waking up to this view.

    (http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/australia/sydney-r1976799/)

    3 - Check out Kirribilli markets on various weekends (http://www.kirribillimarkets.com). Or if that time doesn’t suit you, pack a picnic and head to Milsons’s Point (via train or Ferry) where you can enjoy the view from the park under the bridge.

    4 - Just walk across it - for free! Sure the full ‘Bridgeclimb’ experience is great. But if you are hard up for cash, or not the thrill seeking type, you can still enjoy the view from Sydney Harbour Bridge at your own pace and for free – just walk across the pedestrian walkway and checkout the Pylon Lookout Museum while you are there. (http://www.pylonlookout.com.au/)

    Good for: Photography, sightseeing, walking

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    The climb - expensive but worth it.

    steveomac recommends this,

    Good for: sightseeing

    Not good for: expensive, elderly, small children

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