Sydney Harbour Bridge
View from the Royal Botanic Gardens
This photograph of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was taken from the northern edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens skirting Farm Cove. One can understand why Sydneysiders — and many Aussies — call the Sydney Harbour Bridge "the Coathanger." The bridge links the Sydney city centre in the south with North Sydney across the harbour. Toll is collected from southbound vehicles; northbound vehicles cross the Coathanger free.
One of the most recognisable symbols of Australia, Sydney Harbour Bridge has connected Sydney central business district with the North Shore of the harbour since it opened in 1932.
It is the world's largest (but not longest) steel-arch bridge. It was beaten in length by a whisker, by New York's Bayonne Bridge, which is a mere 70cm longer and opened just four months earlier.
Sydney Harbour Bridge timeline:
- July 28, 1923: First sod turned
- March 26, 1925: Foundation stones of southern abutment tower laid
- October 26, 1928: Construction of the main arch begins
- November 26, 1929: Erection of a record tonnage of steel on one day – 589 tonnes
- August 19, 1930: Main arch joined
- January 15, 1932: Last stone set in Pylons
- January 21, 1932: Last rivet driven in
- March 19, 1932: Road declared open for traffic - Sydney history is made.
