Australia's National Heritage

Sydney Harbour Bridge

NEW SOUTH WALES

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is considered the world’s greatest arch bridge and is one of Australia’s best known and photographed landmarks.

An engineering masterpiece, the bridge represented a pivotal step in the development of modern Sydney and an important part of the technical revolution of the 1930s. Known by locals as the ‘Coathanger’, the bridge celebrated its 75th birthday in 2007, with its official opening in March 1932. Discussions about building a bridge from the northern to the southern shore of Sydney Harbour had started as early as 1815. It took some time for this to become a reality with design submissions invited in 1900. All designs were deemed inappropriate or unsatisfactory for one reason or another and the idea eventually lost momentum. However, after World War One more serious plans were made, with a general design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge prepared SRTA by Dr JJC Bradfield. The New South Wales Government invited worldwide tenders for the construction of the The New South Wales Premier at the time, the bridge in 1922 and the contract was awarded to English Honourable John T Lang, officiated at the opening and firm Dorman Long and Co of Middlesbrough, England. officially declared the bridge open. However, before he Bradfield’s design involved more than the bridge, it could cut the ribbon to open the bridge, Captain Francis was the key element in an integrated transport system de Groot of the New Guard, disguised as a military including an extensive network of rail and roadways horseman, slashed it with his sword, believing the only leading to the bridge. These in turn were incorporated person to open the bridge should be a member of the into the broader Sydney road, rail and tram system. royal family. The incident has become a part of Australian folklore and a symbol of the perceived national character Construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction trait of rebellion against authority. started in 1924 and took 1400 men eight years to build at a cost of £4.2 million. Six million hand driven rivets and I t was part of JCC Bradfield’s vision for the bridge that it be 53 000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction. used “at times of national rejoicing”. Over the years since its opening community ceremonial and celebratory occasions The construction of the bridge represented a new era for have regularly centred on Sydney Harbour Bridge. Australians. An important part of the technical revolution of the 1930s, the bridge was seen as evidence of Australia’s The Bridge Climb started in 1998 and attracts tourists industrial maturity. and locals alike, eager to climb this magnificent monument for both the challenge and the remarkable The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a views. From the bridge visitors can also enjoy breathtaking momentous occasion, drawing an estimated one million views of the Sydney Opera House, another of Australia’s people. The ceremony was attended by almost the entire iconic landmarks. population of Sydney, as well as huge numbers from around New South Wales, and thousands from interstate. National Heritage List: 19 March 2007

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