The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, second only to the Opera House, and is known affectionately as the Coathanger. It was one of the first things I saw on my train ride to work every day and I grew quite fond of it in the last year. There are a few ways to appreciate the bridge up close, ranging in prices for everyone from backpackers to millionaires.
The Best Ways to See the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Option 1: Walk across the Bridge
This is a popular way to see the bridge because it’s good exercise and won’t break the bank. You can take either a train or ferry to Milson’s Point ($5.30 for adult ferry, $3.20 for adult train) or walk both ways. I did this walk after taking the ferry when I first got to Sydney and thought it was a nice way to see the harbor.
Be warned, though, that it’s very windy and the six lanes of cars, buses and trains make it hard to hear yourself think. You can access the stairs from the Rocks on Cumberland Street.
Price: free, plus the option of a train or ferry
Option 2: Walk across the Bridge and up the Pylon Lookout
If you don’t have time for the whole walk but still want to see the city, the Pylon Lookout is the right choice for you. You access it the same way as walking the bridge, but on the first pylon, you walk up the stairs and pay for your ticket. The perk of the Pylon is that you get similar views to the Bridge Climb without the hefty price tag.
At the top is a museum of the history of the bridge and a glass panel that tells you the distances from parts of Sydney. The pylons aren’t necessary to holding up the bridge and are only for aesthetics, but the opposite pylon is used for bridge security and is not open to the public.
Price: $11 or free with the Bridge Climb
Option 3: Do the Bridge Climb
It’s the most famous way to see the bridge, but also the most expensive. I wanted to do it since I first arrived in Sydney, but I couldn’t warrant spending the money until right before I left to go home.
I’m afraid of heights and the only time I was nervous was climbing the initial steep ladder, not the actual bridge ascent. A lot of people asked if it was worth the money and I can honestly say that it was. It was a beautiful day and I saw just how amazing the city is.
Price: Varies depending on time and type of climb, but around $200, which includes a group photo, hat and all climb gear.
Great post Caroline!
I climed the bridge and it was an amazing experience I recommend to anyone – including people who don’t like heights! Haha.
Didn’t know you could walk across it though. Next trip to Sydney…
Thanks Nicole! Yes, definitely lots of fun.
360 degree sweeping visas are priceless. You surely made the right choice in indulging in this adventurous assent. Thanks once again for sharing the wonders of down below.
I LOVED!! the Bridge Climb and I am glad you did too:-)
When I did it back in 2008, I got a free ticket to the Pylon. Do they not include it anymore???
Yeah they do, that’s why I did it. Not sure I would have bothered otherwise.
Sounds like fun! I hope I get to go to Australia one day. I’m afraid of heights, but if you could deal and you’re also afraid of heights, I probably could too.
So glad you were able to do the climb. That was my biggest regret, not doing it my first time in Sydney. This year we’re doing it – the dawn climb – to watch the sun come up over the city. Can’t wait! :)