Sydney Harbour Bridge : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
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Wondering what all the fuss about the Sydney Harbour Bridge is about? The bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Sydney, Australia. It’s a majestic structure that spans the length of the harbour. Built in 1932, it’s the world’s largest steel arch bridge, and it’s the backdrop for some of the most beautiful shoreline in the country. It’s also a popular destination for sightseers and tourists. If you plan on visiting Sydney, the Harbour Bridge should be on your list. Read our blog to learn more about this iconic landmark, including Sydney Harbour Bridge facts, information, and travel tips.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Sydney Harbour Bridge
1. The bridge was built before the Sydney Opera House. Construction of the bridge began in 1923 and was completed in 1932. The Sydney Opera House was designed in 1957 and completed in 1973.
2. The bridge took eight years, nine months and six days to build.
3. There are over six million bolts in the bridge’s structure.
4. The bridge was built with 54,000 tonnes of steel, much more than the 30,000 tonnes of steel used to build the Eiffel Tower.
5. The bridge contains lane widths ranging from 3.5 meters to 6.4 meters and can handle up to 10,000 vehicles in the hour.
6. The bridge houses two railway lines, a pedestrian foot path, a cycle way and a toll gate on its lower deck.
7. These dimensions make it the widest long-span arch bridge in the world.
8. The total height of the bridge is 134 metres (440 feet). The tallest steel arch bridge in the world, the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, USA, is 105.6 metres (346 feet).
9. The bridge has a total span of 1149 metres (3759 feet). This makes it the sixth longest steel arch span bridge in the world.
10. Sydney Harbour bridge has become a cultural icon; it has been featured in film, television, music videos and animated movie.
History & Information About Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge located in the state of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. It is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the 5th longest spanning-arch bridge. The bridge crosses Port Jackson connecting the Sydney central business district to the North Shore. Construction began in 1924 and was finished in 1932, the bridge officially opened on 19 March 1932. The bridge was designed by a British civil engineer who held the title of Engineer for New South Wales, Dr John Bradfield. It was built by the British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough, England.
Throughout its lifetime, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been much more than merely a link between two geographical points. It has become a living symbol of Sydney, standing as proof to the world of the hard work, determination and optimism of its citizens. Throughout the years the bridge has been an integral part of the lives of Sydneysiders, from the traditional ‘bridge climb’ and the semiannual ‘Coat of Arms’ public displays, to daily traffic and tourist crossings.
Today the bridge stands as an unmissable part of the Sydney skyline. Locals proudly celebrate every new milestone surpassing 10 million annual crossings in 2014 with commuters cycling or walking across the bridge every day. The bridge is an established tourist attraction with millions more taking the opportunity to walk or drive over the impressive structure each year.
For the last 85 years the Sydney Harbour Bridge has stood sentinel over Port Jackson, proudly signalling the importance of the harbour and its city to the rest of the world.
Travel Guide For Visiting Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney harbour bridge is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and is the perfect place to explore when visiting Sydney. Here is your guide to making the most of your tour of the bridge.
1. Start off your visit by taking one of the many guided tours of the bridge. This is the perfect way to learn the history and construction of the bridge and get a great view of the harbour.
2. Take advantage of the stunning views the bridge provides. Look out for the Opera House, the Heads, the city skyline and of course, the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
3. Get up close and personal by walking or cycling over the bridge. There is a pedestrian and bike path on the eastern side of the bridge.
4. Hop on a ferry and take in the views from the water. Look out for the bridge from different angles and get a better sense of how grand and impressive it actually is.
5. Soak up the atmosphere of the area by visiting the local cafes, restaurants and pubs within easy walking distance of the bridge.
6. Explore the nearby parks and make sure to bring a camera and capture some of the amazing picturesque views.
7. Don’t forget to take the time out to take in the sunset. Many locals and visitors alike say that the views of the bridge and harbour are even more magnificent once the sun has set.
By taking the time to explore and experience Sydney Harbour Bridge you will be making memories that will last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Harbour Bridge
Q: How old is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is over 91 years old, having been completely opened in 1932.
Q: How long is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is 1149 metres long.
Q: How wide is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is 48.8 metres wide.
Q: How many traffic lanes does the Sydney Harbour Bridge have?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge has eight traffic lanes.
Q: How tall is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is 134 metres tall at its highest point.
Q: Can I walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: Yes, you can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge by taking part in the Bridge Climb experience.
Q: Are there any tours of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
A: Yes, there are a variety of tours available that offer a guided tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its history.