The Sydney Harbour Bridge at a glance
The Sydney Harbour Bridge links the city side near The Rocks with Milsons Point and Kirribilli on the north shore. It opened on 19 March 1932. Three things are open to visitors: the free walkway, the BridgeMuseum in the south-east pylon and the guided Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. They are separate experiences with separate tickets.
The bridge is a short walk from the ferries at Circular Quay. For Circular Quay itself, see the Sydney Opera House guide to Circular Quay.
Walking and cycling across the bridge
No ticket is needed for either.
The walkway
The public pedestrian path runs along the eastern side and is free. On the south, you reach it from the area around Cumberland Street. On the north, access is from Milsons Point and Kirribilli. Lifts and stairs at both ends link the path to the street. How long you need depends on your pace and your photo stops.
The cycleway
The cycle path runs along the western side. A new ramp from Bradfield Park at Milsons Point opened on 6 January 2026 and links to Alfred Street South, so bikes no longer have to be carried up the 55 steps.
Which way to walk
One option is to walk from the city side to the north shore and return by ferry. Milsons Point has a ferry wharf under the bridge, and the ferry guide shows the routes.
Our pick: climb the bridge
Our take: if walking across is not enough, the lower-level climb is the gentler way up.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Bridge and harbour tours
Bridge climbs, harbour cruises and walking tours in Sydney, with live prices and availability.
BridgeMuseum in the south-east pylon
The attraction once known as the Pylon Lookout and Museum is now called the Sydney Harbour BridgeMuseum. The new version opened on 27 May 2026. The SkyHouse platform sits in the south-east pylon, about 87 m above sea level.
Day Session tickets for adults cost A$39.95 online and A$49.95 at the door (2026). Children from 3 to 15 pay A$22.95 online or A$28.95 at the door, and under-3s are free. Concession tickets cost A$35.95 online or A$44.95 at the door. SkyHouse After Hours is A$79.95 online or A$99.95 at the door. A 20 percent peak surcharge applies from 25 December to 4 January.
The museum is open daily. From February to November it opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. In December and January the closing time is 8:30 p.m. Last entry is one hour before closing, and online tickets have a 30-minute entry window. Special events can change these times, so check the current hours before you go.
You climb more than 200 stairs. There is no lift in the museum and no pram storage. This is not the same as the lifts on the public walkway. From Cumberland Street it is about 300 m to the pylon, and from Milsons Point about 800 m. Seniors Cards and student cards from Australia and New Zealand earn discounts. Not every overseas card is accepted.
Three ways to experience the bridge
2026 prices for adults.
| Option | Where you go | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkway | Across the eastern side | Your own pace | Free |
| BridgeMuseum | Inside the south-east pylon, SkyHouse | Open daily, see hours above | From A$39.95 online |
| Bridge Climb | Up the steel arch with a guide | 2 to 3.5 hours | From A$248 |
For most visitors, the free walk plus the BridgeMuseum covers the bridge well. Book a climb only if you want to stand on the arch itself, and compare the options on the Bridge Climb page.
Facts and figures
Work on the approaches began in July 1923. The foundation stone was laid on 26 March 1925, and arch construction started on 26 October 1928. The two halves of the arch met on 19 August 1930. The bridge opened on 19 March 1932. The whole project ran from 1923 to 1932.
- Arch span: 503 m
- Top of the arch: 134 m above sea level
- Total length with approaches: 1,149 m
- Deck width: 49 m
- Pylons: 89 m
More of the story is in the history guide.
Tolls for vehicles
Pedestrians and cyclists do not pay.
Southbound only
The toll applies to southbound traffic. There are no cash booths, and unpaid trips can bring extra fees.
Weekday rates
A$4.55 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A$3.41 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A$2.85 from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Weekend rates
A$3.41 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and A$2.85 at other times. The same rate applies to all vehicles.
Plan the rest of your day
Nearby guides.
Sydney Harbour Bridge: frequently asked questions
Can you walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free?
Yes. The public walkway on the eastern side is free. Access is near Cumberland Street in the south and from Milsons Point and Kirribilli in the north.
What is the Pylon Lookout called now?
It is now the Sydney Harbour BridgeMuseum. The new version opened on 27 May 2026, and the SkyHouse platform is about 87 m above sea level.
How many steps are there in the BridgeMuseum?
More than 200. There is no lift inside the museum, so you need to be able to climb stairs on your own.
Can I cycle across the bridge?
Yes, on the cycle path on the western side. A ramp at Bradfield Park, Milsons Point opened on 6 January 2026.
When did the bridge open?
On 19 March 1932. Building began with the approaches in July 1923, and the arch was joined on 19 August 1930.
Is this the official bridge website?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not the website of Transport for NSW, the BridgeMuseum or BridgeClimb Sydney.