The view from Pyrmont Bridge

The Pyrmont Bridge, in Sydney

The Pyrmont Bridge is a historic swing bridge of Darling Harbour, inaugurated in 1902, the oldest swing bridge still in activity in the world. The Sydney audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this witness of the port rise of the city and the superb viewpoint it offers over Darling Harbour, the quays and the skyline of Sydney dominated by the Sydney Tower.

The oldest swing bridge of the world

The Pyrmont Bridge was inaugurated in 1902 and replaced a former smaller bridge, become insufficient in the face of the lively growth of the industrial and port activity of the city. It is a swing bridge, and even the oldest swing bridge still in activity in the world: its central span could pivot to let the ships pass, a remarkable technical feat for the era, originally actuated by a hydraulic power station. By crossing it, you enjoy a fine glimpse of the district of Darling Harbour and the quays that surround the port, animated by boats, walkers and terraces. As you advance, the landscape behind you becomes more and more representative of the city: the skyline of Sydney unfolds, with its great skyscrapers and the famous Sydney Tower, the second highest tower of Australia, that dominates the horizon with its slender silhouette. Now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge is a privileged point of passage between the city centre and Darling Harbour, and one of the best places to photograph the bay. At nightfall, when the lights of the city are reflected in the water, the view takes on the air of a postcard. A historic bridge and a belvedere over the bay, the Pyrmont Bridge is a fine stop of the discovery of Sydney.

What to see

Here you cross the oldest swing bridge still in activity in the world, inaugurated in 1902 at Darling Harbour, whose span pivoted to let the ships pass; today pedestrian and cyclable, it offers a superb viewpoint over the port, the quays and the skyline of Sydney dominated by the Sydney Tower, the second highest tower of Australia. The Pyrmont Bridge is a belvedere of Sydney. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Pyrmont Bridge spans Darling Harbour, in the heart of Sydney, reachable on foot. It is a pedestrian and cyclable bridge freely accessible, that links the city centre to the district of Darling Harbour and offers fine views, particularly at nightfall. You cross it during a walk along the port.

What is particular about the Pyrmont Bridge of Sydney?

It is the oldest swing bridge still in activity in the world, inaugurated in 1902 at Darling Harbour: its central span pivoted to let the ships pass, in the time of the port rise of the city; today reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, it offers a superb viewpoint over the port and the skyline of Sydney.

Where is the Pyrmont Bridge in Sydney?

Over Darling Harbour, in the heart of Sydney, in Australia.