The Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge, in Sydney

The Harbour Bridge is the great steel arch bridge of Sydney, the second must-see monument of the town after the opera. The Sydney audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic bridge that crosses the bay, affectionately nicknamed the coathanger by the inhabitants.

The great steel arch bridge

Here is a very fine view over the Harbour Bridge, the second must-see monument of Sydney after the opera. It took eight years of works to build this gigantic bridge, inaugurated in the 1930s. Its colossal steel arch, one of the largest of the world, crosses the harbour of Sydney in a single span, linking the town centre to the northern district of the bay. This masterpiece of engineering, affectionately nicknamed the coathanger by the Sydneysiders due to its form, has become one of the symbols of the town, forming with the opera an iconic duo. The bridge hosts road and rail traffic, as well as ways for pedestrians and cyclists. The most adventurous can even climb the arch up to its summit, during a supervised ascent that offers a breathtaking view over the bay and the town. Each year, the bridge is also the culminating point of the spectacular New Year fireworks. An emblematic monument and a technical feat, the Harbour Bridge is a must-see stop of the discovery of Sydney.

What to see

You admire the great steel arch bridge of Sydney, the second must-see monument after the opera, built in eight years and inaugurated in the 1930s, whose colossal arch crosses the harbour in a single span, nicknamed the coathanger, forming with the opera an iconic duo, which the most adventurous can climb for a breathtaking view. The Harbour Bridge is a symbol of Sydney. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Harbour Bridge crosses the harbour of Sydney, linking the town centre to the north of the bay, reachable on foot. You admire it freely from the quays and the viewpoints; the crossing on foot is free, and the ascent of the arch is done within the framework of a supervised activity, according to its own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why is the Harbour Bridge nicknamed the coathanger in Sydney?

Due to the form of its colossal steel arch, which recalls a coathanger; built in eight years and inaugurated in the 1930s, this great bridge crosses the harbour of Sydney in a single span and forms with the opera an iconic duo; the most adventurous can climb its arch.

Where is the Harbour Bridge in Sydney?

Over the harbour of Sydney, linking the town centre to the north of the bay, in Australia.