The unmissable 1930s Sydney Harbour Bridge spans the water from The Rocks to Milsons Point. Walk across in 20 minutes and climb 200 steps to the pylon lookout for views and informative exhibits. The brave tackle the challenging Bridge Climb.
Started in December 1926 and completed in 1932, Sydney Harbour Bridge is an engineering triumph, designed by J J C Bradfield, which can claim to be one of the most recognisable man-made edifices in the world. Colloquially known as the "coat-hanger", the bridge dramatically cut journey times across Sydney and is now also a stupendous stage for the city's famed and spectacular New Year fireworks display.
Manufactured nearby (where the Luna Park funfair is now situated), sections were hoisted into place. The sandstone foundations are 12 metres (39 feet) deep, while the anchoring tunnels are 36 metres (118 feet) long and dug into rock at each end. The arch was begun in November 1929, built from each end, with steel cable restraints initially supporting each side. The arch's span is 503 metres (1650 feet), supporting the weight of the bridge deck, with hinges at either end to bear the bridge's full weight and spread the load to the foundations. These hinges allow the structure to move as the steel expands and contracts in response to wind speeds and temperature changes.
The two halves of the arch eventually met in the middle in October 1930, after which the deck below was constructed from the centre outwards! The deck is 59 metres (194 feet) above the water and the top of the span is at 134 metres (440 feet). In total, 1400 workers were involved in its construction (with 16 deaths).