Sydney Harbour Bridge Different View
Things to do in Sydney
Not many people know about this spectacular Sydney Harbour lookout.
Find the stairs that lead up to the bridge on Cumberland Street (see right). You can take the walk from Circular Quay up Argyle Street through “The Rocks“. If you are feeling thirsty stop at the Löwenbräu Keller for a litre of European beer. Go up Argyle Street then turn right up “Argyle Stairs”. You will come out next to the Glenmore Hotel.
If you are still thirsty, hungry or require Australian beer go up the stairs inside the Glenmore to the rooftop bar that has great views of Circular Quay & the Opera House. The food here is usually good. Another pub very close by is the Australian Hotel with some beers brewed onsite.
Take the “Bridge Stairs” almost opposite the Glenmore Hotel up to Sydney Harbour Bridge pedestrian crossing. Walk about five minutes North along the bridge walkway until you reach the pylon. There is a signposted access entry.
There are around 200 stairs up to the lookout with three main levels. The first level is where you pay the ($11 Adults, $6.50 Concession, $4 Children 5-12 years) entry fee with movie theatre room & information displays on the construction of the bridge. It is surprisingly big on the inside of the pylon.
Level two has a balcony on both sides, only the Western side is accessible. Also toilets & a gift shop.
On the way up to the top a couple of mannequins depicting workers are suspended from the roof top & a replica copy of the golden scissors used for the official (ribbon cutting) opening of the bridge.
Inside the lookout level has further information panels & early images of the completed project. Outside the room on the lookout balcony can be be very windy.
The balcony provides excellent views of Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge & Circular Quay. The lookout is not quiet as high as the bridge climb peak, but here you can take & use your own camera.