The views from the top of the Harbour Bridge's southeast pylon are well worth the 200 steps, though the entry fee seems steep. Museum exhibits and a short film of old photos explain how the bridge was built. It's on the bridge walkway, accessed from Cumberland St. No cash accepted.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Circular Quay & The Rocks attractions

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge

0.1 MILES

Sydneysiders love their giant 'coathanger', which opened in 1932. The best way to experience this majestic structure is on foot. Stairs and lifts ascend…

2. Campbell’s Storehouses

0.17 MILES

In 1839, Scottish merchant Robert Campbell started building a private wharf and this gingerbread-style row of storehouses for his stash of tea, alcohol,…

3. Ken Done Gallery

0.24 MILES

The cheerful, quasi-childlike work of Sydney artist Ken Done is exhibited inside the lavishly restored Australian Steam Navigation Building. Expect…

4. Walsh Bay

0.24 MILES

This section of Dawes Point waterfront was Sydney’s busiest before the advent of container shipping and the construction of port facilities at Botany Bay…

5. Overseas Passenger Terminal

0.25 MILES

Multi-storey luxury cruise ships anchor at this large terminal, disgorging hordes of shaky-legged tourists onto the Quay. For a killer harbour view, head…

6. Foundation Park

0.28 MILES

Thought-provoking Foundation Park is set among the preserved ruins of 1870s houses, built against the cliff face. The oversized furniture by artist Peter…

7. Rocks Discovery Museum

0.3 MILES

Divided into four displays – Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present) – this small, excellent…

8. Cadman’s Cottage

0.3 MILES

Built in 1816 for Superintendent of Government Boats John Cadman (a former convict with a commuted death sentence for horse theft), this is the inner city…