The Rocks

sydney harbour bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an unmissable landmark of Sydney. It is fondly known as the "Coat Hanger" and is visible from many parts of the Rocks, and elsewhere in the City Centre. It isn't the longest bridge or hold any other records for size. However the sheer scale of the structure right in the centre of Australian's largest city is unrivalled. For example, it takes 10 years and 30,000 litres of paint to paint the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and when they finish they have to start again at the other end.

There are many ways to see or experience the bridge. If you cross from the Rocks to North Sydney have a walk around Luna Park and a go on the Ferris wheel before returning. If you are on a fitness regime, a walk over the bridge and a swim at North Sydney Olympic pool by the harbour is a perfect start to the day.

There is a harbourfront walk from Circular Quay, skirting the Rocks area and continuing on under the Harbour Bridge. The walk goes in front of the International Passenger Terminal, and will take around 45 minutes. The walk is free.

You can walk over the bridge. The views are great and admission is free. On the southern side the entrance is hard to find. The entrance on the western side is on Fort St near Observatory Hill. On the eastern side the entrance is on Cumberland St, but if coming from the city Cumberland St is closed at the Wynyard side. Walk along Harrington St and follow the small, hardly noticeable signs past Susannah Place. You can also get the lift up to the Cahill Expressway from Circular Quay, and walk around in about 10 minutes. Don't follow the road signs or any roadway on to the Bridge. You may be intercepted by police before you meet a worse fate with the traffic. The entrance at the northern side is easy to find, about 30 m south of the Milsons Point Station. There is no way to access the bridge by foot without using stairs. There are many flights at Milsons Point and Cumberland St, and two flights from the Cahill down to the bridge platform. If you aren't good with stairs, take the walk next to the harbour. If you want to drive to the walk, there is extremely limited parking in Cumberland St and around the Rocks. Limited 2 hr meter parking is also available near the northern entrance at Milsons Point. The walk is often busy, but there are no queues or crowds. You can walk one way, and take the train the other way if you wish.

You can climb up the the Bridge Pylon to the Pylon Lookout. Entrance is from the pedestrian walkway. A small "museum" of sorts is found in the pylon, describing pictorially the history of the bridge. The view here is just as good as from the Centrepoint tower. You are out in the open air and next to the harbour. The pylon is open 10AM-5PM every day except Christmas Day. Admission is $9.50 adults, $4 children under 13, and free for children under 7, ☎ +61 2 9240 1100.

You can have a picnic under it. Their are nice parks at both ends of the bridge where you can appreciate the massive scale of the pylons and the height of the bridge. They are all weather parks, sheltered high above by the bridge platform.

You can cycle over it. There is a cycle lane on the western side of the bridge, dedicated to cyclists. However, the cycle will only take you a minute or two, before returning you to the city roads. The distance is more suited to walking.

You can climb to the top of the arch of the bridge. For those who are good with heights and enjoy an spectacular view of the harbour, there are organised climbs to the top of the bridge. ☎+61 2 8274 7777, fax +61 2 9240 1122 [email protected] (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/). This climb is more demanding than climbing a set of stairs although it is not so demanding as the name implies. You will be fitted with special climbing suits and secured by safety tethers, you must be 10 years old or over to take the climb. The climb takes 3.5 hours and a group leaves every 10 minutes. You can ascend during the day, at twilight and at night. Book your climb as early as possible as the climb is very popular. Loose items including cameras are prohibited on the climb; Bridge Climb staff will take a photo of you, but you may not take photographs yourself. Standard rates are $160 adults and $100 children Monday to Thursday, day and night climbs, $185 adults and $125 children Friday to Saturday, day and night climbs, and $225 adults and $175 children all week, twilight climbs. Peak rates are in place between the 25th December and 9th January and are $195 adults and $125 children day and night climbs and $250 adults and $175 children twilight.

historical sites

Cadman's Cottage

(http://www.nationalparks....), 110 George Street North harborside, below street level, open daily Mo-Fr 9.30AM-4.30PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4.30PM, closed Christmas and Good Friday, free admission. The last relic of the small, relatively plain buildings that once ringed Sydney Cove in the early colonial period, this small sandstone cottage was built 1815-1816. The building has survived largely because of constant Government or institutional ownership, first as a barracks, then as Cadman’s residence as superintendent of Government Craft 1826-45. From 1845-64, the cottage served as the Water Police Headquarters, and, from 1865-1970, the Sydney Sailors’ Home Trust. Restoration began in 1972 and the building is now used as an information centre by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Cottage was originally built by the water side - with reclamation over the years, the shoreline of Sydney Cove is now 100 meters distant.

The Argyle Cut. Follow Argle St through this historic sandstone road cutting made between 1843 and 1867.

The Garrison Church. The Garisson Church was the colony's first military church.