The Sydney Harbour Bridge which is also called “the coat hangar” by Sydneysiders, is one of the most recognizable features of Sydney, Australia along with the Sydney Opera House. This bridge was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time it was constructed in 1932. The length of the bridge and its cost was simply awe-inspiring. No visit to Sydney is complete without a tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Any visitor to Sydney should visit the Pylon Lookout. The view of the Sydney skyline from the Lookout is simply amazing. Inside the Lookout is an interesting display of the building of the bridge.

To enter the Pylon, you have to take the pedestrian walkway. You arrive at the walkway via Cumberland Street by stairs, from The Rocks, and also from Milsons Point Station on the north side. The Pylon Lookout is open for visitors on all days except Christmas. The bridge plays an important role in the history and lives of the people of Sydney who call themselves Sydneysiders. On national holidays and celebrations like New Year’s Eve, the Sydneysiders gather on boats and on the beach and coves to watch the fireworks display.

A relatively less known fact is that beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge i.e. when you make your way from the main city side under the southern approach of the bridge there is an archeological dig and remains of an old fort which was broken so that the bridge got constructed. This fort was one of Sydney’s primary defenses. Several of the cannons are still there along with the information of the fort and its history.

One of the wackiest things to do while in Sydney is The Bridge Climb. You put on an all gray jump suit, rope up and climb with a group of 20 people. You will be connected to all the others in your group and latched via wire and lock to the steel structure of the bridge and will not fall off. It is exciting and you need to be athletic as you go along catwalks, climb up ladders and work your way to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is a breathtaking 1500 m climb and gives you a dazzling view of the city. However, you are not supposed to consume alcohol before the climb. You could be tested before the climb. The climb takes about 3 1/2 hour and costs round A$160 – A$200 on weekdays. For bookings visit the office at 5 Cumberland St or you could book your climb by phone.

For a great photo opportunity, you could go to the northern side of the Harbour Bridge. You could take the ferry or if you are feeling energetic, you could walk on the Harbour Bridge. It just takes fifteen minutes to cross the Harbour on foot and arrive at Milsons Point. On the way you would pass the Olympic Swimming Pool and go towards Luna Park. The view of the Harbour from this side is very impressive and more over, it’s where you could take capture both the Bridge and the Opera House in one shot.