Things to do in Sydney Harbour Bridge Reviews (Sydney, Australia)

Walking the Coathanger

Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom

November 9, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in a city that has more than its fair share of instantly recognisable buildings and places. Built in 1932, it is still world's widest long-span bridge, the tallest steel arch bridge and ...Read more Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in a city that has more than its fair share of instantly recognisable buildings and places. Built in 1932, it is still world's widest long-span bridge, the tallest steel arch bridge and among the longest spanning-arch bridges. The arch has a span of 503 meters and is 134 metres from top to water level and it carries eight lanes of road traffic, two railway tracks, a bicycle path and a foot-way.

The bridge was constructed to replace a ferry that at the time of the construction was used to transport 40,000 a day between Sydney's CBD and North Sydney and its construction was first proposed in early 20th century. John Bradfield was responsible for the concept, based on the similar but smaller Hell's Gate Bridge in New York.

The pylons were added to the design for aesthetic reasons and to aid the public concerns about the structure's stability: they have no construction function but simply frame the bridge.

Nowadays it's almost impossible to imagine Sydney and its harbour without the coat-hanger of the bridge: it's as much of an Aussie icon as the Opera House (with which it forms a famous vista of the Sydney Harbour) and an absolute must-see for visitors to the city.

It's hard NOT to see the Harbour Bridge as its impressive structure is visible from many points around the CBD, Sydney Cove, Darling Harbour and further afield to Glebe and North Sydney. It's an attractive construction, as many steel bridges are, and it frames many a view of the Harbour exceptionally well.

Close up, the Bridge can be walked using a pedestrians' path, there is also a lookout point and a small museum in one of the pylons, and for those who are prepared to pay (at the time of writing in 2010) close to 200 AUD for the experience, there is also the Harbour Bridge Climb, a two-hour climb (preceded by over an hour of safety briefings and preparation) in which participants clad in grey jumpsuits and relieved of their cameras and phones are led up the actual grid on the original route of the riggers.

Unless you have more money than sense, the walkway and the pylon lookout is a better option.

The walkway is accessed from the Grosvenor Street in the Rocks and takes the visitors all the way across the bridge with more views on the glitteringly blue waters of Sydney Harbour and the city spreading gracefully around it. The walkway is fenced off by very high wire fencing topped with inwardly curved bars and barbed wire. The whole impression, especially when walking towards the stone and concrete pylons built in the style associated with monumental architecture popular in totalitarian dictatorships of the 1930's, is rather grim and depressing, especially on a less-than-perfectly-sunny day. The views are good, but then Sydney is full of very good views and the ones from the Harbour Bridge walkway are not astonishingly better than many others. What is more interesting is the bridge itself, whose arch raises above the with an industrial and geometric beauty of its own.

The fencing from the water side is, presumably, to do with suicides favouring the bridge as a spectacular place to end it all, but that doesn't explain why the same type of forbidding, barbed-wire fence has been erected on the road side of the walkway. This seems excessive and unnecessary. Still, wire and all, crossing the Harbour Bridge is a memorable experience, and a free way to literally touch history of one of the most iconic structures in the world.

The Pylon Lookout, located as the name suggests, in one of the pylons (specifically the south-eastern one, so the first one to be approached if crossing the bridge from the CBD end) provides an excellent viewpoint (and no barbed wire) at reasonable cost (around 10 AUD per person at the time of writing in 2010). IN addition to a great, elevated viewpoint, the Pylon Lookout has a concise but fascinating exhibition on the history of the bridge, with plenty of engineering and social history information, including reports of people who actually worked on the construction. Astonishingly, considering lack of safety procedures and protective clothing, only sixteen people died during the construction of the bridge (or at least these were the official numbers). There is 200 stairs to the top, but they are wide and comfortable and much easier to tackle than many an European church tower.

On the other side of the bridge stairs lead down and under the bridge to either North Sydney suburbs, ferry stop for boats that will take you back to the Circular Quay or Darling Harbour or to Sydney's other 1930's attraction, the Lunapark.

Despite the barbed wire fences, the Harbour Bridge is truly one of Sydney's greatest sights and anybody who has more than a day in the city should make a closer acquaintance with this iconic structure. Close

From journal The Heart of the Harbour: Sydney Cove & Darling Harbour

The Bridge of Dreams

by jaygami1986

London, United Kingdom

October 30, 2009

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Best of IgoUgo My next review is on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is perhaps one of the most iconic monuments in Sydney, if not the whole of Australia. The Bridge is the main thing that stands out when you first arrive in Sydney, its like their gateway into and ...Read more

From journal Things to See in Sydney

Bridge Climb

by rkaleal

Lawrence, Kansas

August 15, 2006

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You've seen the harbour bridge in pictures, you may have taken the train or driven across it, but now it is time to climb it! Bridge Climb offers tourists a chance to climb over 1400 steps to the "summit" (as they call it) of the Sydney Harbour ...Read more

From journal A Semester Down Under

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

by c_rau

Denver

August 7, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo You must be age 10 or over and you must be in good physical condition. The climb took over 3 hours; a good chunk of my day. Also wear running shoes for comfort and traction. First me and my group, around 10 to 12 people, were herded into a small ...Read more

From journal Far Side of the World, Part I

BridgeClimb Part 2

by stomps

Houston, Texas

May 4, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo This is a continuation of my BridgeClimb review.After we finally got off the fake bridge, we got our helmets and headsets, through which our tour guide would talk to us. This completed our fashionable gear and we were ready to go.The climb itself ...Read more This is a continuation of my BridgeClimb review.After we finally got off the fake bridge, we got our helmets and headsets, through which our tour guide would talk to us. This completed our fashionable gear and we were ready to go.The climb itself was interesting, but not particularly strenuous. All we really had to do was climb up and down a bunch of stairs, and be able to walk up a fair distance above the water without getting too afraid of heights. It wasn't quite as exciting as I had envisioned, although the view was indeed wonderful.The climb path went along the road until we reached the bridge, and then along the ground level of the bridge until we reached a set of ladders. These ladders took us up to the top of the arch closest to the Opera House, and from there we walked up stairs that became increasingly shallower as we got closer to the top. When we reached the highest point of the bridge, we stopped and had our pictures taken, and then crossed over to the other arch and began the climb down. Going down the ladders on that side of the bridge was especially exciting because at any point a train could fly by and scare you off them!My climb was at 4:45pm, which was one of the last climbs before the special "twilight" rates. While we didn't actually get to see any of the sunset, the city still looked amazing. Looking towards the west was a bit of a problem, however, since we just stared straight into the sun. It was nice to get the views of the Opera House, but looking back on it, I probably could have chosen a better time where I could see 360 degree views, rather than be blinded for 180 of those degrees.The tour guide was very good and had obviously been doing the climb for a very long time. He told us a lot of interesting tidbits about the bridge and its construction. Apparently the bridge is the largest and widest single-arch bridge in the world, but not the longest (losing out to America's Bayonne Bridge). The pylons at either end of the bridge actually have no value for holding up the bridge itself, and are really just there to make it more visually attractive. He also told us some pretty scary stories about how construction was carried out when the bridge was built in the 30s!This was a fun trip, but I didn't feel that it was worth the exorbitant price. The pictures were a ripoff as well at $30 for four, but you feel obligated to buy them because you've already spent so much on the climb itself, why not have some memories? Both the CentrePoint Tower and helicopter rides offer better views (because they include the Bridge as well), are cheaper, and allow you to take a camera along, so I would recommend these instead. Close

From journal Sydney: Worth All the Fuss

BridgeClimb

by stomps

Houston, Texas

May 4, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo When I arrived in Sydney, I had only one pre-booked activity the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. I was very excited about doing this, and whenever anybody before my trip asked me what I was planning on doing, this was inevitably the first thing out of ...Read more When I arrived in Sydney, I had only one pre-booked activity the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. I was very excited about doing this, and whenever anybody before my trip asked me what I was planning on doing, this was inevitably the first thing out of my mouth. It was definitely rather damaging to my pocketbook—$165 for a daylight climb on a weekday—and I went at the cheapest time possible! Rates can get up to a ridiculous $245 for a twilight climb on a weekend. At this price, I expected it to be nothing less than extraordinary.I arrived at the BridgeClimb center—located at 5 Cumberland Street in The Rocks—around 30 minutes before my scheduled climb. The absolute latest that climbers can arrive is 15 minutes before their scheduled climb time, so they can begin the pre-climb preparations. To wile away the time, I looked at the wall of photos of the many celebrities that had done the climb, from Pat Rafter to Matt Damon to the entire Australian rugby team.When they finally called our group, we went through a whirlwind of preparations. First, we had an alcohol breath test to make sure we were completely sober; any alcohol on our breath and we were gone. Then we had to fill out waivers and put on BridgeClimb gear (including the wonderful gray jumpsuit). Everything had to be attached to our body—glasses and hats both had straps that were attached to the keyring at the back of our suit. This was all to make sure that none of our gear fell onto traffic below and caused accidents, which was a reasonable concern. However, they used this as an excuse to tell us we were not allowed to take cameras at all, regardless of whether they had straps on them or not. I thought this was a little ridiculous—we're climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, of course we'd want to take pictures, and if the camera is securely attached to us, why not? Of course, the reason why not was because they took our pictures for us, and then sold them to us for up to $30 a pop at the end.Once we were all ready to go, we got to go on the "BridgeClimb simulation". This was pretty much five or six stairs, a long, narrow walkway, and then stairs back down. Our guide showed us here exactly how we were to go up and down the stairs and how we were to attach to the bridge. We did this by taking our belt and running it onto the wire running alongside the walkway. This part was pretty boring but necessary; however, we spent way too long here because we had to wait for all the previous groups to move on before we could. This wait time did help in letting us all get to know each other, since up on a fake bridge we couldn't do much else.This review is continued in BridgeClimb, pt 2. Close

From journal Sydney: Worth All the Fuss

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australias pride and joy

by actonsteve

London, United Kingdom

May 1, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo After the Opera House, this is generally the second of Sydney's icons that visitors make for.It stands at the tip of the city as it extends into the harbour. The area around it is one of the most historically important in Australia - the much ...Read more After the Opera House, this is generally the second of Sydney's icons that visitors make for.

It stands at the tip of the city as it extends into the harbour. The area around it is one of the most historically important in Australia - the much vaunted 'The Rocks'. An age old rookery of thieves and ne'er do wells. Nowadays it has been gentrified almost to the point where it looks like a theme park with its glitzy boutiques, hotels and restaurants. But its a nice place to sit in the sunshine, order a barramundi and take a sip of a good Australian shiraz.

Most people approach the bridge from the half-moon of Circular Quay. But the main thoroughfare of George Street extends all the way through "The Rocks" until it passes under the bridge. The Bridge itself is entered from the south/CBD by the Bradfield Highway, a motorway that takes you to Sydney's northern suburbs. King George V Memorial Park stands under this highway and also has the entrance to the Bridge Climb. This is expensive at $110 Australian dollars and although I didn't partake I could view them from below taking the "riggers" route and looking tiny against the bulk of the bridge. My friend says you are not allowed to take your own camera up with you in case you drop it on passing cars below. Therefore you have to pay for a "group photo" for $24.

A good place to spot them slowly inching up the arch of the bridge is at the northern point of Dawes Point Park. Its a lovely paved promenade dotted with palm trees overlooking the water. The underside of the bridge is hundreds of feet above you, and the support pylons look like castles. If you need confirmation that the bridge was a engineering marvel then this is the place to come. Incidentally, Sydney was still paying for this bridge until 1988.

As mentioned, the bridge stands at the tip of "The Rocks." They have taken a great deal of care in renovating 'The Rocks' in what was until the seventies one of Sydney's roughest districts. But in many ways they have polished away its former ambience. It had a notoriously rakish past with brawling, press-ganging and low-life taverns—and it takes some work in the minds eye to imagine. Most of its 19th-century streets are well preserved—shops have original facades, etc. Some of the past dangerous alleyways, those once home to sailor muggings and robberies, now house opal shops, designer boutiques and "Aussie Teddy Bear" emporiums.

Despite the cuddly koalas and boomerangs this is an area worth exploring. Argyle Stores is still made of its original 18th-century sandstone and Wharf House steps is suitably old and creepy. But I think to get a full taste of "the Rocks" you must take a guided tour from the Tourist Information Centre. Then the legacy of Australia's oldest district comes startlingly to life. Close

From journal The watery city of Sydney - Gleaming, Glittering and Gigantic

Sydney Bridge Climb – Standin’ On Top of the World

by Carmen

Cary, North Carolina

January 19, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo 1439. That’s the number of steps to reach the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. 1439 reasons not to go. 1439 racing heartbeats. 1439 leg cramps.Are you kidding? You’ve GOT to climb the bridge. It was one of my best Sydney experiences. The ...Read more 1439. That’s the number of steps to reach the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. 1439 reasons not to go. 1439 racing heartbeats. 1439 leg cramps.

Are you kidding? You’ve GOT to climb the bridge. It was one of my best Sydney experiences. The climb is actually not that difficult (if you’re scared of heights, it might make it worse). I did get winded a few times, but that’s what a two-week vacation from the gym will do to you.

Start by signing your life away and taking a breathalyzer test (don’t drink AT ALL that day). Then walk through the door and get assigned your highly fashionable climbing suit. You can wear one layer of clothing underneath, but bulky clothes have to be removed. If you go commando, I don’t want to know. You’re not allowed to wear watches, earrings bigger than a one-dollar coin, hairpins, etc –nothing to drop on the eight lanes of traffic below you.

Then, you meet your guide (ours was Nick, Melbourne-born and very cute, also quite a ham) you get your belt – this has the “latchy” that holds you onto the bridge. After strapping up, you go “shopping”. Choose from a wrist-bound hanky, a scrunchy and/or hat, sunglass holders, etc. – EVERYTHING clips onto your stylish ensemble.

Next is a practice climb, “the second best Sydney view” Nick jokes. He tests us out here, making us lean right, then left, then kick. How far will his group go? What will they do? (For us, it turns out to be both the YMCA on the way up and the Chicken Dance on the way down.)

Before you get to the bridge, you’re given a radio for the guide commentary, and then you’re off.

Cross over the residential area, feel the rush of Australia’s busiest roadway below. Duck and goose-step your way through the first few railings, and then it’s up, up, up you go. (Lean back as you climb the stairs, so as not to hit your knees, but HOLD ON!)

Of course there are your tourist photo stops along the way, for purchase upon return (though one is included, as is a certificate.) When you reach the top, you really feel a sense of achievement as you admire the city and the harbor beneath you.

I had a special treat. My birthday was the next week, so the group sang to me, (and then we screamed like we were falling off!) Then I got to descend the bridge and watch a wonderful sunset.

You’re a bit of a celebrity when you climb, as people below wave to you and take your photo. Real celebrities have climbed too – Will Smith, Matt Damon, Bette Midler, and now ME!

This is a must-do! It cost me $135, and I booked way in advance (they sell out quickly). Twilight climbs cost more. Hint, if you can’t get a time through your agent or hotel, go to the office and ask, they often get last-minute spots.
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From journal Sydney - Where Music and Fireworks Float

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Bridge Climb

by ramcgraw

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

April 3, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo You begin with an orientation, signing your life away, and taking a breathalyzer test. Next, you change into the climbing suits. Believe it or not, they match the color of the bridge so as not to take away from the bridge itself. I would suggest ...Read more

From journal December in Sydney

Sydney Bridge Climb

by noushi

London, United Kingdom

February 21, 2005

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Before you start, you need to know the tour takes over 3 hours, and you need to be reasonably fit; otherwise, you'll be panting and huffing every 5 minutes, wishing you stayed in the pub nearby, where you could watch your mates do it while you relax ...Read more

From journal My Year Out

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Walking the Coathanger

The Bridge of Dreams

Bridge Climb

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

BridgeClimb Part 2

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Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australias pride and joy

Sydney Bridge Climb – Standin’ On Top of the World

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Bridge Climb

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

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The Bridge of Dreams

Bridge Climb

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

BridgeClimb Part 2

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Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australias pride and joy

Sydney Bridge Climb – Standin’ On Top of the World

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Bridge Climb

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