Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was formally opened in March 1932 and still carries road, rail, cycle and pedestrian traffic between the city and the North Shore. Its steel arch springs from four granite-faced pylons, which are decorative rather than structural, and the bridge has framed views of the harbour for more than ninety years. Locals know it affectionately as the Coathanger.

Walking across the bridge is free and one of the simplest ways to see Sydney from above the water. The pedestrian path runs along the eastern side of the deck, so the Opera House, Circular Quay and the eastern harbour are in view all the way across. Cyclists use a separate cycleway on the western side. Allow around half an hour to cross at a gentle pace with stops for photographs.

The bridge also plays a central role in the city's celebrations. On New Year's Eve, fireworks are launched from the arch and the deck, and the structure is lit up during the Vivid Sydney festival each winter. On those nights roads and walkways may close or become crowded, so check transport advice before planning a crossing.

On the south side, the walkway is reached by stairs near the corner of Gloucester and Cumberland Streets in The Rocks, or via Cahill Walk, which you can reach by stairs or lift from the eastern end of Circular Quay and from the Botanic Garden. On the north side, the stairs are on Broughton Street in Kirribilli, close to Milsons Point station. A good plan is to take the train to Milsons Point, walk back towards the city and finish in The Rocks.

The south-eastern pylon contains a small museum about the construction of the bridge, with displays, memorabilia and multimedia, and a lookout at the top. For a closer encounter with the arch itself, BridgeClimb runs guided climbs to the summit from its base in The Rocks; these must be booked in advance and are covered in a separate listing.

The bridge suits everyone from families to solo travellers, although the deck can be windy and the walk is exposed to the sun, so take water and a hat in summer. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times, with softer light for photographs. Afterwards, the pubs and laneways of The Rocks are a few minutes' walk from the southern stairs, and Luna Park and the Kirribilli waterfront sit close to the northern end.