Sydney Harbour Bridge

The basics

Whether you walk beneath it, drive over it, or climb up it on a guided tour, you simply can’t miss the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and most city sightseeing tours include at least a glimpse of the iconic bridge. Walking and biking tours afford impressive panoramic city views from the bridge, while Sydney Harbour cruises provide plenty of photo opportunities. Adventurous types can scale the summit on BridgeClimb Sydney tours or even soar overhead on a helicopter tour.

Things to know before you go

• Car, bike, and pedestrian lanes run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• Walking the length of the bridge takes about 15 minutes.

• The car lanes require paying tolls, while the walking and cycling lanes are free.

• The bridge is not currently wheelchair accessible, with the pedestrian lanes reachable only by stairs.

How to get there

Sydney Harbour Bridge is located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, opposite the Sydney Opera House, and can be reached by foot from anywhere in downtown Sydney. Pedestrian access to the bridge starts from Circular Quay in The Rocks or Milsons Point in North Sydney.

When to get there

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is always open but can get busy, especially during rush hour. To beat the crowds, visit at sunrise or after dark, when the bridge becomes illuminated. For the most spectacular photo opportunities, time your visit for sunset or during Sydney's legendary New Year's Eve celebrations, when the bridge forms the focal point of an epic fireworks display.

Sydney Harbour Bridge by the numbers

Using 52,800 tons of steel, it took 1,400 people more than eight years to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In addition to being one of the tallest bridges of its kind, it's also the sixth-longest bridge in the world, measuring an impressive 3,770 feet (1,149 meters) long. Today, nearly 200,000 vehicles and foot passengers pass over the bridge daily.

Ways to explore

Whether you walk beneath it, drive over it, or climb up it on a guided tour, you simply can’t miss the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and most city sightseeing tours include at least a glimpse of the iconic structure. Walking and biking tours afford impressive panoramic city views from the bridge, while Sydney Harbour cruises provide plenty of photo opportunities from the water. Adventurous types can scale the summit on a range of different BridgeClimb tours or even soar overhead on a helicopter adventure. Photography-minded folk can discover the best angles and lighting on a dedicated photo tour.

Accessibility

The bridge is wheelchair accessible, with lift access at both ends. If taking a tour, accessibility accommodations can vary, so be sure to confirm details before booking.

Age limits

None to cross the bridge. Children must be at least 8 years old and at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall to undertake a BridgeClimb adventure.

What to pack

If you’re visiting Sydney in summer, make like a local and always carry sunscreen and a water bottle.

What to wear

If you’re doing the BridgeClimb, wear closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes and clothing that you can move comfortably in. You’ll be wearing a suit on top, but don’t forget your underwear: on hot days, you wear the suit over undergarments only.

Not allowed

BridgeClimb requests that you don’t carry phones, cameras, GoPros, or wearables with recording devices during the climbing experience.

Amenities

The BridgeClimb home base has bathrooms and lockers.

Address

Sydney Harbour Bridge is situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour, opposite the Sydney Opera House.

Driving

There’s a toll to drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which must be paid electronically online. Cycling and walking are free.

Public transportation

The stairs to the bridge start near the Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks or the crosspoint of Burton Street and Broughton Point in Milsons Point. For the Rocks, catch a bus, train, or ferry to Circular Quay.

Best times to visit

Sydney Harbour Bridge is always open, but it can get busy, especially during rush hour. Arrive at the bridge for sunset for the most spectacular photo opportunities. Visit at sunrise or after dark to beat the crowds, when the bridge becomes illuminated.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, although note that BridgeClimb experiences can’t run during electrical storms and may be canceled during times of extreme heat.

Best months to visit

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a year-round attraction.

Special events

The Vivid Sydney Festival, generally held from May to June, sees the bridge come alive with light artworks from 6pm each night. The bridge is closed to the public during Sydney's legendary New Year's Eve celebrations, when it’s the centerpiece of an epic fireworks display.