Sydney Harbour Bridge and Pylon Lookout

Sydney just wouldn't be Sydney without the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge needs little in the way of introduction. In conjunction with the Sydney Opera House this is most certainly one of Sydney's most iconic and readily recognized landmarks.

There are a multitude of ways to enjoy the Harbour Bridge. You can enjoy views of the bridge from various vantage points around the city, views from the bridge walkway, spectacular views from the southeast pylon lookout or the really adventurous can even go on the guided (but pricey) Sydney Bridge Climb to the 440 foot summit of the bridge arch where you will enjoy an amazing 360 ° view.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a striking focal point from many locations in Sydney and can make for some very interesting photos from a variety of angles. Some of the best views are from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House and Observatory Park. A walk across the bridge with a climb up to the southeast pylon lookout is a great way to enjoy the scenic harbour on a nice day. The walkway runs along the east flank of the bridge and is free. For a nominal admission fee the 200 steps up the southeast pylon will give you some incredible views from 285 feet above the harbour. As you climb the steps to the lookout you will pass 3 levels of exhibits with interesting displays and information about the building of the bridge including a video.

Construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge began just before the beginning of the great depression and continued for many years. Nearly 500 homes and businesses were demolished with very little compensation to make room for the approaches. The bridge was finally completed in 1932. Harbour Bridge accommodates trains, buses, cars and pedestrians. It is the tallest of all steel arch bridges in the world and it has the fifth longest span.

Cost: Free for the walkway. There is a nominal charge for the Pylon Lookout. Charges and advanced booking are required to take part in the guided Bridge Climb. See the websites below for more details.

Hours: Walkway is 24/7. The Pylon Lookout is daily from 10am to 5pm except closed on Christmas Day.

Websites: Pylon Lookout and Bridge Climb

Address: Access Stairs at Gloucester Street and Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney

Nearby attractions: The Rocks, Sydney Observatory, Garrison Church, Darling Harbour, Customs House, Justice and Police Museum, and Museum of Sydney

Getting There on Transit
Monorail / Train / Bus	Station	Walking Time
Monorail / Bus	City Centre Station	20 minutes (5 minutes with bus)
Train or Ferry	Circular Quay Station	8 minutes
By Monorail and Bus: Exit at City Centre and walk west to George Street, cross over and go left (south) to the bus stop in front of the Queen Victoria Building. Catch either the #431 or #433 bus going north on George Street and get off on Lower Fort Street near Argyle (a 12 minute bus ride / frequent service) the walk east on Argyle to Cumberland Street and go right. The stairs to the Harbour Bridge Walkway are just ahead on your right. If you prefer, you can also walk right from the Monorail station Bridge Walkway entrance by going north on George Street and then left on Argyle Street and left on Cumberland (20 minutes). By Train or Ferry: Exit at Circular Quay Station and proceed west and north through the park to Argyle Street. Go west on Argyle continuing through the pedestrian plaza then left at Cumberland Street. The stairs to the Harbour Bridge Walkway are just ahead on your right (8 minutes). View TourbyTransit.com - Sydney Attractions in a larger map

Looking north from the southeast pylon lookout cc licensed flickr photo shared by TheGirlsNY

View of Circular Quay and the CBD from the southeast pylon lookout cc licensed flickr photo shared by susanjeanrobertson