Harbour Bridge / Anzac Bridge, Sydney

THE quintessential portrait of Sydney starts with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as photographed from MacQuarie's chair. There's no more poignant and representative image of this great city than these two world-famous images. The previous tip discussed the Opera House....

But for the more adventurous sort, we can talk about Sydney's Harbour Bridge...

From a cartological standpoint, the Sydney Harbour Bridge connects Dawes Point and the Rocks in Sydney to North Sydney, via the Bradfield Highway. The bridge was completed in 1932 and is 1,132 meters long. It accomodates pedestrian walkways, and only requires less than an hour to walk across and back. You'll be rewarded with another spectacular look at downtown Sydney, and you'll get a breath of fresh harbor air as you do so. Now, as you may know, you may CLIMB the Harbour Bridge, for an even more scintillating look at Sydney. But, if that sounds a bit athletic, you might want to stop off at the Pylon Lookout, which is on the SE pylon of the bridge. For about A$5 (adults), you can walk up about 200 steps to a point some 100 meters high, which affords a great view.

OK, the pylon will get you a "little high" at the Harbour Bridge. For info on getting "extremely high" at the Harbour Bridge, see the following tip. ; )

The main reason I wanted to visit Sydney City was to see the Harbour Bridge. Bridge construction is always my favourite subject, that's why I like seeing different bridges all over the world.

The Harbour Bridge is a steel truss structure, massive yet elegant. I felt so good when I first saw it in reality... I nearly screamed!!

Will I have the chance to design a similar bridge in one day?

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Take a ticket and climb up 200 steps to view some of the spectacular sights from the Bridge's pylon. You will also be able to see from here people climbing up the bridge which costs about 20 times more what you pay for Pylon Lookout (www.bridgeclimb.com.au)

Entry ticket : AUD $8.50

OK, I admit I did not do this while I was in Sydney but I really wish I had. Although it looks quite perilous the company organizing the walk “BridgeClimb” ensures the safety of all participants by requiring alcohol breath tests, gearing everyone up in matching BridgeSuits, and of course, most importantly, safety harnesses. While the 3.5 hour climb over the harbor bridge is definitely not for the faint of heart, or wallet, (Prices range from $160-246 Aus ($120-184 US) depending on the time of day) I’m sure that the views from the top of the bridge are simply outstanding.

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WOW ! That is how I would describe my experience even though I was afraid of heights. Worry not because given the brief training on solid ground and the secure harness which you will be attached to the bridge, hopefully nothing will go wrong.
The guide are friendly and are all there with you guiding you with stories as you hike and walk your way round the bridge, through unique headphones.
The climb is slight tiring because of the constant walking and climbing of narrow stairways but the scenery of the Sydney Skyline is definitely worthwhile.
Do pose well when having your picture taken so that you can boast to others of the great experience that you had.

I think this is probably one of the most famous bridges in the world...it is totally cool!! It is unbelieveably huge, and I would LOVE to tell you that i climbed over the top...but that would be a lie!! If you have time I reckon you should do it!

The bridge was just really pretty and I was amazed at the tremendous architecture of it!

Otherwise, whether you're on the bridge, next to the bridge or far away from it, it looks amazing!! I should know, i saw it from each angle!! You can't go to Sydney without seeing it...infact even if you tried to ignore it, you wouldn't succeed!!

This is the iconic feature that when the city of Sydney is splashed accross the world they choose to represent Sydney most. It is the eyecatching centrepiece that towers over the most magnificent looking harbours in the world.

Known to us Aussies since we tend not to make so much fuss over things and tend to colloquialise things with slang as "the Bridge", also called Anzac Bridge the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the worlds largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge.

Whether you climb it (see the web site below for bridge climbs and details about this magnificent structure), watch fireworks spirt from it on new years eve, or view it on your way to work from a distance every day as I do, it is a must see of Sydney mostly for the very reason as if you think of Sydney, what else do you think of but the iconic shot of the harbour with the bridge and the opera house???

The length spans 1149 metres, the arch is 503 metres and it all perches above that sparkling harbour by about 134 above sea level. It weighs a mere 58000 tonnes and is 49 metres wide featuring 2 train lines, eight vehicle lanes, pedestrian path and cycleway.

The bridge took eight years and 1400 men to build including the guy who yep, you guessed it, went on to become crocodile dundee himself Mr Paul Hogan. It cost about 4.2 million to build.

Sydney wouldn't be Sydney at all without this bridge. It represented years of hard work and the bridging of two sides of Sydney and the north and the south.

I love Sydney, and I love the harbour, and the bridge is one of the things that just makes Sydney what a great city to live and also look at so you have to see it. One day I hope to do that climb as well. Even if I am scared to death of heights!!!!

The only reason I would even fathom the idea of climbing a bridge was because I saw people doing it on the Travel Channel. I told myself, if I ever go to Sydney, I am going to do that. Apparently, thousands of other people must have seen the same tv special, because thousands of people do this every year. Several celebrities have done it also, so that makes me feel kinda special.
It is a unforgettable experience, and I advise you to book online well in advance. IT is a popular attraction.
The whole process takes about 3.5 hours. You check in, get dressed in these windbreaker body suits( I went during their winter season, so it might be a different getup if you go during the summertime.), gather your equipment and go through a quick training class (so you know how to work you equipment), then you head out towards the bridge with your personal guide. There are usually 10 people to a group and it is best if you are up front near the guide, versus all the way in the back of the pack where you feel somewhat forgotten.
Be prepared to climb up steep ladders and cross catwalks...then prepare for the amazing view!