From near or far, above or below, day or night, the Harbour Bridge is impressive and imposing.
The ‘Coat Hanger’, as it is often called, was opened in 1932, having taken nine years to build, and it remains one of the longest single-span bridges in the world. The deck supports eight lanes of traffic – accommodating around 150,000 vehicles a day – a railway line and a pedestrian walkway, and forms a crucial artery to the North Shore and beyond.
For over six decades the best views from the bridge were accessed by foot from its 59-m-high deck, but now the Bridge Climb experience, which ascends the 134-m-high and 502-m-long span, has become one of the city’s must-do activities. Not as thrilling, but far cheaper, are the views on offer from the top of the Southeastern Pylon Lookout, which can be accessed from the eastern walkway and Cumberland Street, the Rocks. The pylon also houses the Harbour Bridge Exhibition (9240 1100, http://www.pylonlookout.com.au, 1000-1700, $9.50, children $6.50).
From below, the best views of the bridge can be enjoyed from Hickson Road and Dawes Point (south side) and Milson’s Point (north side).
more The Harbour Bridge photos
