Last updated: August 13, 2022
The Harbor Bridge is perhaps Sydney's most iconic landmark. Connecting the CBD to Sydney's North Shore, the Harbor Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and an extremely important piece of infrastructure.
Crossing the Harbor Bridge via the pedestrian walkway is the best and easiest way to experience the beauty of this landmark and enjoy the incredible views of the city and harbor.
Read on to find out where to access the trail over the bridge and how to make the most of your day with additional trails nearby.
Quick navigation:
- How to get there
- Sydney harbor bridge - road gliding
- More tours nearby
- Over the Sydney Harbor Bridge
| Sydney harbor bridge - road gliding | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.5 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 30 minutes |
| Use: | Simple |
How to get there
There are two access points to the Sydney Harbor Bridge walkway:
- Bridge Stairs at The Rocks (see the location on the map)
- Bridge stairs at Milsons Point (see the location on the map)
The somewhat mysterious Art Deco building that houses the bridge staircase is located atCumberlandstraat, 100at The Rocks, a short walk from Circular Quay.
Just enter the building, go up the stairs and follow the signs to the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The ladder over the bridge at Milsons Point is next topedestrian tunnelat the junction of Broughton Street and Burton Street.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge Walk is a one-way walkway, so it doesn't really matter which side of the bridge you start from.
To return, you can walk back the same way, take a train between Milsons Point and Wynyard or take a ferry between Milsons Point and Circular Quay.
Sydney harbor bridge - road gliding
one of the absolutesthe best free things to do in sydneycrosses the Sydney Harbor Bridge from The Rocks to Milsons Point.
The Harbor Bridge Walk is a purpose-built path on the east side of the bridge, starting at the bridge steps at The Rocks and ending at the bridge steps at Milsons Point.
It's a very easy 1.5km walk offering panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, the Opera House and Kirribilli.
Perhaps the biggest downside to the Sydney Harbor Bridge Walk is the noise from the cars passing right by the walkway.
But this is also something you get used to quickly and may not notice after a while.
Bridge stairs on the rocks
After finding the bridge stairs at The Rocks, head upstairs to find the Sydney Harbor Bridge walkway.
You will see a cross with thecahill walk. At this junction follow the arrow towards the Sydney Harbor Bridge to reach the footpath.
Cahill Walk is another interesting walk that leads to Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. You can read more about this special walk below.
View from the bridge
Once you're on the boardwalk, the view slowly improves as you approach the center of the Harbor Bridge.
The great thing about the bridge walk is that it is on the east side of the bridge.
This means you can enjoy the best views of the city, harbour, Circular Quay, Opera House and Kirribilli from an elevated vantage point.
The bike path and railway line, on the other hand, are on the west side of the Harbor Bridge, with a less interesting view.
Pillar view
On the first pillar you will find its entrancePylon Lookout at the museum, One ofbest tourist attractions in sydney.
If you have time to spare, we highly recommend visiting the Pylon Lookout, as not only is the view from the top amazing, but the museum housed in the pylon is quite interesting.
You can read more about this attraction in ourguide to the Harbor Bridge Pylon Observatory.
Milsons punt
The Sydney Harbor Bridge Walk ends at the Bridge Stairs at Milsons Point, near the train station.
Milsons Point and neighboring Kirribilli are great suburbs for lunch, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.
It is recommended to walk a little in this area as there are many places with nice views for diving. The Milsons Point loop around Lavender Bay is perfect for this.
More tours nearby
If you want to make the most of your day exploring the Sydney Harbor Bridge, there are two great walking routes that connect to the Harbor Bridge Walk:
- Milsons Point and Lavender Bay within walking distance:
A path exploring Milsons Point north of the Harbor Bridge. - cahill walk:
An elevated walk above Circular Quay railway station.
Let's take a closer look at these two interesting tours.
1. Walk to Milsons Point and Lavender Bay
The Milsons Point and Lavender Bay scenic drive is an easy walk north of the Harbor Bridge.
To start this path from the bridge stairs, head south towards the harbor and cross overBradfield Parksnik in Sydney Harbour Bridge.
This park spans the popularBroughton St Prospect, one of Sydney's best vantage points, with stunning views of Sydney Harbor and the city skyline.
From the lookout, follow the path around the Milsons Point peninsula along the coast. The path continues under the bridgemaan parkand the North Sydney Olympic Pool on the shores of Lavender Bay.
At the northern end of the bay the path continues up the steep steps for explorationWendy's Secret Garden, a beautiful green space overlooking the bay.
From the garden, head back to Milsons Point via Lavender Street, from where you can return to the city via the Harbor Bridge, catch a train or ferry from the Milsons Point Ferry to Circular Quay.
2. Cahill Walk
Cahill Walk is accessed via the steps from the bridge at The Rocks or via Circular Quay via an access point at the Royal Botanic Garden.
This not so well known path along itCahill Highwayabove the train station offers great views of Circular Quay, especially from the specially designed observation deck.
If you have free time, start the Cahill Walk fromRoyal Botanic Gardenand follow the walkway to the junction with the Sydney Harbor Bridge Walk and from there continue across the bridge to Milsons Point.
This way you can combine the Cahill Walk and the Harbor Bridge Walk into one walk and enjoy the best views of all of Sydney's top attractions.
Over the Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge, opened in 1932, is not only the best looking, but also an incredible feat of engineering excellence.
Also known as the Coathanger for its recognizable arch-based design, the 134m long Sydney Harbor Bridge connects the business district to Sydney's North Shore.
history of the bridge
In the 19th century, long before the bridge was built, a thriving ferry service carried travelers across Sydney Harbour, from the North Shore to the city.
But with a growing population and a growing economy, the need for a bridge or tunnel is becoming more and more apparent.
After years of debate, royal commission, planning, bidding and analysis, in 1922 a bridge was legally allowed to be built across Sydney Harbour.
Work officially began in 1924, the two arches were joined in 1930, and the bridge was completed and opened in 1932.
bridge design
led byDr. John Bradfieldof the NSW Department of Public Works, the bridge was designed and built by the British companyDorman langMiddelburg.
The Harbor Bridge was ultimately designed as a two-piece, single-span steel arch bridge. This type of bridge was chosen because a steel arch could carry heavy loads and look even more imposing.
The winning bridge design had to contain both functionality and beauty. For example, the four massive pillars were not really necessary, but were added to make the bridge more sturdy and attractive.
The columns were also clad in granite to give them a more natural look, but this came at a significantly higher cost.
Now, almost 100 years later, we have Dr. John Bradfield for designing a bridge that not only had a dramatic effect on the city's infrastructure, but also became an iconic calling card for tourists.
The Sydney Harbor Bridge now has 1 8 lane freeway, 1 rail line, 1 cycle lane and 1 pedestrian crossing.
| Sydney Harbor Bridge at Cijfers | |
|---|---|
| Height: | 134 m |
| Length: | 1,149 meters |
| Width: | 49m |
| Staal: | 52,800 tons |
| Granite: | 17,000 cubic meters |
| Specific: | 95,000 cubic meters |
| Total amount: | 10 million pounds |
FAQs
Cross the Sydney Harbor Bridge | Discover Sydney? ›
The Sydney Harbour Bridge toll varies from a minimum of $2.50 to a maximum of $4. Toll rates on weekdays are $4.00 between 6:30am – 9:30am and 4:00pm – 7:00pm. It is $3.00 between 9:30am – 4:00pm and $2.50 between 7:00pm – 6:30am.
How much does it cost to cross the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The Sydney Harbour Bridge toll varies from a minimum of $2.50 to a maximum of $4. Toll rates on weekdays are $4.00 between 6:30am – 9:30am and 4:00pm – 7:00pm. It is $3.00 between 9:30am – 4:00pm and $2.50 between 7:00pm – 6:30am.
How do you cross the Sydney bridge? ›Walk across the bridge by taking the pedestrian walkway, a footpath offering spectacular views. Climb 134 meters to the summit of the bridge's upper arch on a BridgeClimb, gorgeous at twilight. Cycle the path on the western side of the bridge. Climb up one of the Pylons on the eastern side and visit the Pylon Lookout.
How long does it take to walk across Sydney Harbour bridge? ›How long is the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk? From Bridge Stairs in The Rocks (see details below), all the way across the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, it's a 20 minute walk, one way (that's assuming you're not stopping for photos!).
Why did people walk across the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›On 28 May 2000 about 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to show their support for reconciliation between Australia's Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Do you pay a toll for both ways on the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›Tolls only apply to southbound travel on the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
How long does it take to drive across the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›WHEN the traffic is flowing smoothly across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it takes little over a minute to drive across the 500-odd metre stretch of water separating the city's north and south.
Is Bridge Climb Sydney worth it? ›It will highly depend on how you appreciate activities like this and the cost. Australia is an expensive country on its own, so naturally, the bridge climb is expensive too. If you want to create a memorable experience in Sydney or are doing a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, by all means, I recommend you do it.
Do trains go on the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›Nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design, the bridge carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
How long is 7 bridges walk Sydney? ›7 Bridges Walk is an annual fundraiser where the community unites to walk 28km while raising funds to support people impacted by cancer. It's a great day for the whole family or friends to step out and enjoy the harbourside and bushland surrounding Sydney Harbour.
Is the Sydney Harbour bridge climb difficult? ›
The 3.5 hours of climbing to the summit of the bridge is certainly not easy, but however not the most difficult. Anyone who is above the age of 8, fit enough and willing to take this adventure is allowed to climb.
Can you climb the Sydney Harbour bridge by yourself? ›Yes. Anyone who can sustain moderate physical exertion up to 3.5 hours over 1.75km should find the BridgeClimb exhilarating. If you're 75 years of age, or over, you can climb with a Certificate of Fitness signed by your GP.
Can you drive across Sydney Harbour bridge? ›Navigating Sydney Harbour Bridge
Slight exaggeration but basically driving on the bridge itself is the easy part, there's like 8 lanes, a walking lane, a bike path, a train line but it's when you cross over to North Sydney area is when it gets tricky.
of the more iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge." Two years into construction of the bridge, at 11.50 am on 15 October 1970, the 112m (367.5 ft) span between piers 10 and 11 collapsed and fell 50m (164 ft) to the ground and water below.
How many steps is the Sydney Harbour bridge climb? ›We have welcomed more than four million Climbers from around the world. 2. It takes 1,332 steps to reach the top of the Summit, which is equivalent to 504 calories.
How many people cross the Sydney Harbour bridge each day? ›Current status of Sydney Harbour Bridge
Today, over 200,000 cars cross the bridge every day. The bridge is re-painted every 5 years.
For the best directions on avoiding toll roads in Sydney, use Google Maps, ensuring you select the "avoid tolls" setting in the app or website. There is only one route that you cannot avoid paying a toll on, and that is crossing the famous Sydney Harbour.
How long do you have to pay Sydney tolls? ›If you use a toll road without an electronic tag, pass or valid account, you have 3 days to pay the toll. If you do not pay within 3 days a toll notice will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. You can pay a toll noticelaunch online or by mail.
How do I pay one off toll in Sydney? ›You can buy a Sydney Pass or open an account after you've travelled, but there are time limits for doing so. For the Sydney Pass, you have 5 days after your first trip to buy a pass. For Tag and Tagless accounts, you have 10 days after your first trip* to open an account.
Do you need a car in Sydney? ›Sydney is navigable without a car
The only reason you'd want to hire a car in Sydney is to take it for day trips outside the city. The public transport system gets you pretty much anywhere, and catching a ferry across the harbor to Manly beach is one of those must-do Sydney experiences.
How far underwater is the harbour tunnel? ›
Constructed between January 1988 to August 1992 at a cost of $560 million, it has a land tunnel length of 1.3 kilometres (900 meters on North shore, 400 meters on South Shore) and a marine tunnel length of 1 kilometre. At its lowest point, the tunnel is 27 meters below mean sea level.
Is it easy to drive around Sydney? ›Getting around Sydney by car
Driving in Sydney is straightforward and safe, but you may find it's easier to use a combination of taxis, rideshares and public transport to get around town. You can also book tours to many of the stunning destinations outside of Sydney and leave the driving to someone else.
Bring As Little As Possible
Sunglasses are allowed, but climbers are given a cord to fasten them to their head plus a baseball cap that is also securely attached.
The short answer is any time. What makes the Bridge so amazing is that you are always guaranteed a magnificent view of the city, the harbour and its surroundings at all times of the day. We run climbs at dawn, during the day, at sunset and at night.
How strenuous is the Sydney Harbour bridge climb? ›MYTH #3: YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY FIT TO CLIMB
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a similar exertion level to playing 18 rounds of golf. The experience involves walking along catwalks, climbing ladders and stairs, and enjoying one of the world's most breathtaking views.
Almost 1 million (886,500) commuter trips are taken each week day across the Sydney train network. The cost of free travel on the network is around $1.5 million per day.
What is the nearest station to the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The closest railway station to the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the CBD side of the city is Circular Quay. Entrance to the Bridge is via Cumberland Street, The Rocks. You can walk across the bridge to Milsons Point. On north side of the bridge is Milsons Point railway station.
Is there a train tunnel under the Sydney Harbour? ›Our tunnel boring machines
This included a specialised TBM for the section under Sydney Harbour because of the ground and rock conditions found at the bottom of the harbour. Four mega tunnel boring machines built the twin tunnels on Metro North West Line.
To participate in Cancer Council's 7 Bridges Walk, adults can purchase a General Admission ticket online for $69.95 + Booking Fee (incl GST). Children 13 years and under can participate for free but must be registered with an adult.
What is Sydney longest walk? ›It's also called the Palm Beach to Cronulla walk and is nearly 200km of continuous coastal walking, combining all the best walks in Sydney. Stretching from Barrenjoey Lighthouse in the north, via the northern beaches to Manly on the Palm Beach to Manly walk.
How high is the Sydney bridge walk? ›
No matter which Climb experience you choose, you'll find yourself standing at 134 metres above sea level, nestled in the heart of Sydney Harbour for an uninterrupted panorama of Sydney city and its surrounds.
How deep is the water under the Sydney Harbor bridge? ›The tunnel falls about 55 metres (180 ft) from the northern entrance and about 35 metres (115 ft) from the southern entrance to its deepest point, 25 metres (82 ft) below sea level. The construction was undertaken by Thiess Contractors. The IMT structure consists of eight precast concrete units.
Do you have to pay to climb the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The Sydney Harbour Bridge is spectacular and can be thoroughly enjoyed for FREE thanks to the protected walking path that goes from one shore to the other.
How deep is the entrance to Sydney Harbour? ›It is home to amazing ocean life and a major port for entrance to the city. Sydney Harbor is between 30 and 155 feet, depending on the exact location in the harbor and the tides.
Where do I start to walk over the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The Harbour Bridge walk is a purpose-built pedestrian walkway on the eastern side of the bridge, starting at the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks and finishing at the Bridge Stairs in Milsons Point.
What is the fine for climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›Changes include increased security, raising the internal height barrier fencing, installation of greater anti-climb mesh and additional surveillance cameras. The penalty will also increase from $3300 to $22,000 in line with illegally climbing the Sydney Opera House.
How many workers died on Sydney Harbour bridge? ›In all, 16 men died in the construction of the Bridge: 14 on the Bridge and work sites and two in the quarries at Moruya. At least one survived a fall from the Bridge to the harbour below. Many more were injured. The Sydney Harbour Bridge's 75th Anniversary, 2007 DID YOU KNOW?
How long will the Sydney Harbour bridge last? ›Australian bridges are designed for a life span of 100 years. The designers of these bridges allowed for the growth of traffic and load consideration, so safety factors for material strength were built into bridges like the Story and Sydney Harbour bridges.
How long did it take to pay off the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The iconic bridge didn't come cheap
It may have been officially opened in 1932, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge wasn't paid off until 1988, a cool 56 years after construction was completed. Costing AU£6.25 million at the time, it's estimated that in today's money, construction would cost well over $1 billion.
The Vivid Sydney Climb is an unforgettable experience that offers you the chance to ascend to the Summit of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge during the world's largest festival of light, music, and ideas and immerse yourself as the city transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of colour, light, and sound.
Is Sydney Harbour man made? ›
6: The harbour is a drowned river estuary carved out of the sandstone about 29 million years ago. The sea level rose about 17,000 years ago flooding the river and creating the harbour.
Is the Sydney Harbour bridge bigger than the Golden Gate Bridge? ›The main arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is about two feet shorter than the main span of the Golden Gate. Before it opened, its entire length was packed with railway carriages, trams and buses to test its ability to support a total traffic jam.
How much money does the Sydney Harbour bridge make? ›However the minister has now conceded that the tolls would stay because they generated more than $5 million in revenue per year.
How do I pay a toll in Sydney? ›Travelling on Sydney toll roads
Before you travel, use the Sydney Motorways toll calculator to check toll fees and toll roads. You can set up an electronic tag account or purchase a casual pass to pay toll fees. Doing this can you save time and money and avoid the extra fees involved when a toll notice is issued.
You can now visit us over both the Severn Bridge and the Prince of Wales Bridge without paying a penny. This is welcome news for both residents and visitors, and ends 50 years of tolls since the first Severn Bridge opened. So, no more entrance fees for Monmouthshire and an extra £5.60 in your pocket.
Is Sydney Bridgeclimb worth it? ›It will highly depend on how you appreciate activities like this and the cost. Australia is an expensive country on its own, so naturally, the bridge climb is expensive too. If you want to create a memorable experience in Sydney or are doing a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip, by all means, I recommend you do it.
What is the cheapest way to pay tolls in Sydney? ›Tags are the easiest way to pay tolls, and are cost efficient, even if you only travel on toll roads occasionally. Tag providers generally ask you pay a security deposit and a pre-paid toll balance. You also nominate a top-up amount, which is charged when the toll balance drops below a certain amount.
What happens if you don't pay tolls Sydney? ›If the final toll notice is not paid by the due date, a penalty notice may be sent to the registered operator of the vehicle. The fine for non-payment of a toll exceeds $190. For more information about penalty notices, see Revenue NSW.
What is the best time of day to climb the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›The short answer is any time. What makes the Bridge so amazing is that you are always guaranteed a magnificent view of the city, the harbour and its surroundings at all times of the day. We run climbs at dawn, during the day, at sunset and at night.
How do I pay for Sydney Harbour bridge? ›Both the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel are electronically tolled with no cash tollbooths. Linkt accounts and passes can be used to pay for Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel tolls. To pay for your travel, open an Tag account, a Tagless account or buy a Sydney Pass.
How hard is it to climb the Sydney Harbour bridge? ›
MYTH #3: YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY FIT TO CLIMB
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a similar exertion level to playing 18 rounds of golf. The experience involves walking along catwalks, climbing ladders and stairs, and enjoying one of the world's most breathtaking views.
By road. There are three main motorway links between Wales and England. The M4 is the arterial route from London to South Wales, stretching as far as Pont Abraham in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. As you enter Wales, you'll pass over one of the two spectacular Severn Bridges.
How much is it for a car to cross the Golden Gate Bridge? ›This includes the FasTrak Account rate (from $8.05 to $8.40), the Pay-As-You-Go rate (includes License Plate Accounts and One-Time Payments, from $8.60 to $8.80), Toll Invoice rate (from $9.05 to $9.40), carpool rate (from $6.05 to $6.40), and multi-axle vehicle toll rates.
What is the toll bridge between Wales and England? ›An estimated 25 million car journeys are made across the River Severn between England and Wales every year, and for many motorists the Severn Crossing has become an unavoidable part of their regular journeys.