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POINT OF INTEREST

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney, New South Wales

Few sights are as instantly recognizable as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the grand centerpiece of Sydney Harbour and one of Australia's most photographed landmarks. The historic structure dates to 1932 and is among the world's largest steel arch bridges. It's also an important transport hub, linking downtown with the north shore, Manly, and Sydney's northern beaches.

Whether you walk beneath it, drive over it, or climb up it, you simply can't miss the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and most city sightseeing tours include at least a glimpse of the iconic bridge. Walking and biking tours afford impressive panoramic city views from the bridge, while Sydney Harbour cruises provide plenty of photo opportunities. Adventurous types can scale the summit on a Sydney BridgeClimb or even soar overhead on a helicopter tour.

  • Car, bike, and pedestrian lanes run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  • Walking the length of the bridge takes about 15 minutes.

  • The car lanes require paying tolls, while the walking and cycling lanes are free.

  • The bridge is not currently wheelchair accessible, with the pedestrian lanes reachable only by stairs.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, opposite the Sydney Opera House, and can be reached by foot from anywhere in downtown Sydney. Pedestrian access to the bridge starts from Circular Quay in The Rocks or Milsons Point in North Sydney.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is always open but can get busy, especially during rush hour. To beat the crowds, visit at sunrise or after dark, when the bridge becomes illuminated. For the most spectacular photo opportunities, time your visit for sunset or during Sydney's legendary New Year's Eve celebrations, when the bridge forms the focal point of an epic fireworks display.

Using 52,800 tons of steel, it took 1,400 people more than eight years to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In addition to being one of the tallest bridges of its kind, it's also the sixth-longest bridge in the world, measuring an impressive 3,770 feet (1,149 meters) long. Today, nearly 200,000 vehicles and foot passengers pass over the bridge daily.

Yes, visiting Sydney Harbour Bridge is worth it. It’s a great point to take in views of the city’s skyline, including the Sydney Opera House. For particularly fantastic views, consider signing up for the Sydney Habour BridgeClimb, which takes daring travelers to the top of the bridge.

Walking over the Sydney Harbor Bridge takes most people anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour. If you walk fast and don't make many stops, you can get across relatively quickly, but most people prefer to give themselves more time to stop and take in the views.

Yes, it is free to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, if you want to do the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, you’ll need to pay a fee. For added convenience and to avoid long waits, you can book online in advance using your credit or debit card.

Yes, you can take your phone on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, you cannot take your phone or other recording devices with you if you’re participating in the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, as loose items can fall out of your hands or pockets and hurt people below you.

Dawn is the best time of day to do the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. It’s a beautiful time to take in the views under the morning light, though climbing just before sunset offers an equally beautiful experience. However, dawn climbs mean cooler weather, ideal for avoiding the hot and powerful sun.

No, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is not difficult for most people, and guests up to 100 years old have climbed it in the past. The climb does, however, require a moderate level of physical fitness. As such, visitors 75 and up must provide a fitness certificate signed by their doctor.

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