Bridgewalk: Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge

Days before Tutubi's "historic" trip to the "Land Down Under," he was asked by his excited officemate who's going with him what they're going to do in Sydney to which he simply replied: "Let's cross the bridge when we get there."

And on landing in Sydney Airport one chilly Sydney winter morning, hurriedly dropped their bags at the Metro Hotel on Pitt, walked towards Circular Quay and historic The Rocks district of Sydney near Sydney Opera House and crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge


The first glimpse of Sydney Harbour bridge from Circular Quay in front of Museum of Contemporary Art

Northern end of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge from Milson Point

A Sydney Harbour Bridge history marker states Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened for traffic on March 18, 1932. On May 28, 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the bridge in support of reconciliation and a million more in months that followed.

Want to know the way to Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge?

From Circular Quay, you need to walk towards Museum of Contemporary Art, continue towards Argyle St then turn left just before entering Argyle cut (looks like a tunnel) then right up a flight of stairs, cross the street where you'll see the entrance to the pedestrian walkway of the bridge that leads to the other side. Tutubi got there by finding the way as he didn't find the signs leading to the stairs but at least he found it.

If you're quite adventurous and with money to burn, you can also do the more daring BridgeClimb where you can climb the bridge for a fee of course. A lesser adventure by climbing one of the pylons where a view is offered plus a museum (entrace fee/admission price apply) about Sydney Harbour Bridge's history can be viewed. Tutubi opted for the free tour of Sydney Harbour Bridge just by walking across it.

warning: Don't believe online travel guides that crossing the bridge takes only fifteen minutes; Tutubi took about an hour just to cross to the other side-- delayed by taking too many pictures of Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the bridge itself.

Sydney harbour Bridge is listed as one of the "1000 Places Before You Die" book by Patricia Schultz. It has a pedestrian walkway on the eastern lane, a bike lane to the west, a train track and several lanes for vehicles.

This is the start of a new series on Beyond Asia detailing Tutubi's first adventure outside of Asia. Will go back to regular programming later