Sydney Harbour Bridge

One thing so few tourists do, but which only takes an hour or so, is to walk right across the Harbour Bridge. The bridge, completed in 1932, is 1,1 50 meters (3,795 ft.) long and spans the 503-meter (1,600 ft.) distance from the south shore to the north. It accommodates pedestrian walkways, two railway lines, and an eight-lane road. The 30-minute stroll across offers some excellent harbor views. Once on the other side, you can take a CityRail train from Milsons Point train station back to the city (to Wynyard, Town Hall, or Central stations).

As you walk across the bridge, you should stop off at the Pylon Lookout (tel. 02/9247 3408), located at the southeastern pylon. Admission is just A$2 (U.S.$1.40). From the top of this bridge support, you are 89 meters (591 feet) above the water and get excellent views of Sydney Harbour, the ferry terminals of Circular Quay, and beyond. An interesting museum here charts the building of the bridge. Reach the pylon by walking to the far end of George Street in The Rocks toward the Harbour Bridge. Just past the Mercantile Pub on your left you'll see some stone steps that take you onto Cumberland Street. From there, it's a 2-minute walk to the steps underneath the bridge on your right. Climb four flights of stairs to reach the bridge's Western Footway, then walk along to the first pylon. Note: Climbing up inside the pylon involves 200 steps. The Pylon Lookout is open daily from 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas).

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