One of the top iconic landmarks of Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or as Sydneysiders fondly call it, the ‘Coathanger’ was opened in 1932 and is the world’s largest steel arch bridge.
The Sydney Harbour bridge took eight years to build, using 53,000 tonnes of steel and six-million hand-driven rivets. During construction, the two steel halves of the towering arch met in the middle of the span on 19 August 1930 at 10pm. Other fascinating facts about the famous Australian bridge include:
- The arch spans 503 metres
- The top is 134 metres above the water
- The pylon granite was quarried near Moruya, on the NSW South Coast
- The father of the bridge is J.J.C. Bradfield, an engineer
Having a new camera, what better subject to play around with it and take a few pictures then the bridge from different locations.
Here are some of the pictures taken during a half-day around this Sydney icon.
Starting at Milsons Point train station, the closest access point to the footpath across the bridge from the north.
At the south-end of the bridge you could take the left/east exit down to the rocks, or as I did, take the exit to the west which takes you near the heritage listed Sydney Observatory. This is also the access point to cross the bridge by bicycle.
From the Observatory Hill, staying on the west side of the bridge down to Dawes Point and crossing the park under the bridge to Hickson Road.
After another detour up to Martin Place and Macquarie Street, a stroll across the Botanical Garden in late afternoon provides a beautiful view back to the bridge…...a bit further towards Lady Macquarie’s Chair for a spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
After walking back through the Botanical Garden to the Opera House, some different perspectives of the bridge. Walking back again after sunset on the footpath of the bridge to Milsons Point. Back at the north-west end of the bridge, a view from Luna Park with the Opera House and city in the background. And finally from the north-east the bridge with some lights in preparation of the Vivid light festival starting in a few days.Crossing the bridge
There are 10 public lanes across this busy harbour crossing (east to west); Pedestrian walkway/jogging, 8 lanes of road, 2 train tracks, bicycle lane. If that is not enough, there are Bridge Climbs which takes you up to the top of the arch, a lookout on the south-eastern Pylon for a stunning panorama view, or you can take a ferry and get a view from below.
…and some final pictures;
A great walk around the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.