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The Sydney Harbour Bridge, took nine years to build and was opened in 1932. It is 502 metres long and 48.8 metres wide and it weighs 52,800 tonnes. The top is 134 metres above sea level. It carries both road and rail traffic and there is a footway for pedestrians. Painting the bridge is a task never completed. When the painters have done the whole job, which occurs about every seven years, it is time to start again. Most famous of the former painters is Paul Hogan, who has now moved on to other similar comedy roles, such as portraying Crocodile Dundee.
To walk across the bridge is free. To go across on a train will also be easy, if you have bought one of the special tickets available. You can also get an excellent view of the bridge from any of the ferries operating from Circular Quay, which is almost at its foot.
However, there is more that you can do, as there is a museum in one of the pylons and a good view from the lookout in the pylon. The recommended plan of action is to take a train to Milson's Point on the far side of the harbour and then walk back, getting a view of the city and Opera House from the bridge. The museum is in the pylon nearest to the city beside the walkway. You have to climb 200 steps to the pylon top, from where you get an even better view.
One of Sydney's wonderful attractions is Bridge Climb a three-hour climb right up to the top of the bridge. From the ferry beneath you can often make out the ant like figures of the climbers approaching the summit of the mass of metal girders. The operator of these climbs spent many years convincing the authorities that it would be safe to allow him to start such tours and that they would be appealing to visitors. He was right and they are now one of the most popular of the city's attractions. The charge varies according to the time of day and day of the week. To reach Bridge Climb, or to walk across the bridge from the city side, you need to go up the Argyle Street steps to Cumberland Street. Then, if you want to go onto the bridge, you climb up a further set of steps to your left. Bridge Climb, 5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks.02 8274 7777. Take the train or bus to Circular Quay. For the northern end of the bridge, train to Milson's Point.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Climb up the 200 steps inside the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon for a view of Sydney Harbour. The Pylon Lookout has three levels of exhibits that explain th history and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge,displays of artefacts and audio-visual show. The Pylon Lookout is accessible via the Bridge Stairs off Cumberland Street. (02 9240 1100).
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