SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE HISTORY

As a visitor to Sydney, you can't help but see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These days you can even climb the bridge, see the sights and marvel at the feat of engineering.

Affectionately called 'The Coat Hanger', Sydney Harbour Bridge has earned an enduring place in the hearts of Australians and as an icon around the world.

The sight of the world's largest steel arched bridge, stark against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, is spectacular.

Even the Sydney Harbour Bridge Opening in 1932 was spectacular, as a horseman rode forward and slashed the ribbon before the Premier was able to officially cut it.

Although the bridge was first proposed in 1815, it was 1922 when an English company was contracted to build it, after a worldwide call for tenders.

In 1924 Sydney Harbour Bridge construction commenced, an undertaking that was to take 8 years, employ 1,400 men and consume 53,000 tonnes of steel and 272,000 litres of paint.

When the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened, cars paid sixpence and horse and rider threepence. The bridge, initially built for cars and horses, now bans horses and supports 8 traffic lanes, two railway tracks, pedestrian way and bikeway. Southbound cars pay AU$3.30, northbound is free.

To find more about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the history of Sydney Harbour browse the Government Sydney Harbour Bridge facts web site.