brief history ...

The construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, also known as the 'Coat hanger', started in 1926 and was inaugurated on March 19th 1932 by the Premier of NSW, Jack Lang.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was built by Dorman Long & Co of Middlesbrough, England. The general design was signed by Dr J.J.C Bradfield, who was also the Chief Engineer of the bridge. As a result, Dr. Bradfield is regarded as the 'father' of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney Harbor Bridge is made of steel and contains 6 million hand driven rivets. A few interesting details about Sydney Harbor bridge are: the painted surface is equivalent to 60 sport fields, total length (arc + approaches) 1149 meters, the arc span is 503 meters, top of the arch is 134 meters, the clearance for shipping under the bridge is 49 meters (as a 17 stories high building), the steelwork weighs 52,800 tones from which 39,000 tones are in the arch. With its 49 meters in width Sydney Harbor Bridge is listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the widest long span Bridge in the world.

Trivia: Who disrupted the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Answer: Captain Francis Edward de Groot.

tourist information ...

How to get there The closest train stations to the Sydney Harbor Bridge are Milsons Point and Circular Quay. See map. For more details please check the trip planner.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge is opened to all types of transport. Foot, bicycle, car, train or bus. As a tourist you would want to walk. The footpath is on the same side with The Opera House and Circular Quay and this gives you a different perspective on the Harbor.

Pylon Lookout

Sydney Harbour Bridge has a small museum dedicated, known as the 'Pylon Lookout', which is located in the South Eastern Pylon.

Contact details:
Phone: +61 (0)2 9240 1100
Web Site: Pylon Lookout

Hours of Operation:
Pylon Lookout is opened 7 days a week except on Christmas day. Better check the above link for up to date information.

Bridge Climb

You can climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a hefty fee (over a 150$ during the week and between 180-245$ during the weekend). If you are passionate about photography and you think about paying the money just to take some pictures, think again. There is a body search, airport style and you can not get the camera with you. Personally, I would rather go to the Pylon Lookout for a very small price.

Contact details:
5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Ticket Hotline: +61 (0)2 8274 7777
Web Site: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Hours of Operation:
Bridge Climb is opened 7 days a week except on Christmas day. Better check the above link for up to date information.