City Sight Seeing
City Sight Seeing
Sydney is filled with many attractions and entertainment sites; these include the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House etc. Here are some of the many attractions in Sydney:
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Sydney. Built in 1932, the construction was an engineering feat and an economic triumph. Before the 'Coat Hanger' was completed, the only route between the northern and southern areas in Sydney were the Sydney Harbour Ferry or a 20 kilometre (12.5 miles) road trip crossing five bridges.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Was completed in eight years including the railway line that connects the Milsons Point station and the Wynyard station. The bridge was made in sections on site, which is now the closed Luna Park Amusement Park.
Construction began December 1926. The foundations are set in sandstone and are 12 metres (39 feet) deep. There are tunnels built for anchoring the bridge in the side of rock at each side, they are 36 metres (118 feet) long. When it was started in November 1929, it was not made just going from one end to another, but constructions started from both sides then meeting in the middle. The full span of the arch is 503 metres (1650 feet) which supports the weight of the of the platform which has the road, railway line and walkway upon it, also with hinges each end allowing the the full weight of the arch and platform to be spread to the foundations. The hinges are the insurance for weather changes and winds as the the steel expands and contracts. The two halves met and work on the platform had commenced by October 1930. The platform was built out from the centre and is 59 metres (194 feet) above sea level.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932. Approximately 6.25 million Australian Pounds ($A13.5 million) was spent on the construction of the bridge, and was eventually paid off in 1988. The initial toll for crossing the bridge was 3 pence (2 cents) for a horse and rider, and 6 pence (5 cents) for a car; today the toll is $2.00. The toll is used for maintaining the bridge, which is approximately $5 million annually, and to pay off the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. The Harbour Bridge supports more than 150 000 vehicles a day.
1400 workers constructed the famous landmark, and 16 of them died during the construction due to accidents. Painting the bridge is an endless task around 80 000 litres (21 000 gallons) of paint are needed per coat.
THE HARBOUR BRIDGE MUSEUM: The southeastern pylon holds a museum all about the history
of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The museum beholds a very interesting display about the the
construction of the Harbour Bridge including a movie and stairs to the top where there is
a stunning lookout at a 360º view of Sydney Harbour. The entrance is from the walkway
across the bridge, and the walkway is accessible via the stairs on Cumberland St., the
northern side of Miilsons Point Railway station, or from The Rocks. The museum is open 364
days a year, Christmas day being the odd day out.
Cost - $2
Phone - (2) 9247 3408
Hours - 10am - 5pm
BRIDGECLIMB: There is also an activity not for the faint hearted, it is called
BridgeClimb; where participants can climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge. Tours last
approximately 3 hours from starting in BridgeClimb headquarters in Cumberland St., to the
summit then back. People wishing to go must pass a breath test and go through a metal
detector before departing. Climbers aren't aloud to carry anything, including cameras; but
each participant will have a happy snap taken of them at the top of Sydney. Climbers must
wear all weather suits and must remain attached to a static line at all times.
Cost - $98 (upper-arch climb)
$78 (suspend arch climb)
Phone - (2) 9252 0077
Fax - (2) 9240 1122
Address - 5 Cumberland St.
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
More Information - www.bridgeclimb.com.au
Index
Attractions
Hotels
Maps
Links
Credits
Please feel free to Email us if you have any complaints, questions or queries.
Email -
Team Email
Tq25252@Start.com.au
Sam Wiltshire
Coolcat@Start.com.au
Chris Jackson
TheDealer@Start.com.au