Such was the excitement when Sydney Harbour Bridge opened to traffic in March 1932, that soon after the celebrations ended, a new lookout opened in the bridge's south east pylon. These were the most painful years of the Great Depression. The bridge was the most ambitious piece of infrastructure ever built in Australia at the time and it became a symbol of hope and pride - as it is today. The people flocked to their new lookout to marvel at their collective creation, their harbour and their city. Almost a century later, the Pylon Lookout remains one of the most breathtaking viewpoints for admiring the beauty of Sydney.
CHECK OUT OUR INDEPENDENT VIDEO ON THE PYLON LOOKOUT AND READ OUR GUIDE BELOW -
Somehow the Pylon Lookout seems to have adopted a lower profile in recent decades. At least that’s how it’s seemed to me. It’s been overshadowed by the enormously popular BridgeClimb (around $350 -$450 per adult) - which is on the expensive side for many travellers. Don’t fret though. If BridgeClimb sounds expensive, the Pylon Lookout is an excellent and more affordable alternative (right now it's around $40 per adult).
It’s also worth keeping in mind that simply walking across the Harbour Bridge is an awesome experience - and that's free!
Photo: Max Dupain Max Dupain's shot from the Pylon Lookout in 1938 - note the Sydney skyline
Photo: Mark Bowyer Selfies from the Pylon Lookout, Sydney Harbour Bridge
Photo: Mark Bowyer Sydney Harbour as the sun goes down from the Pylon Lookout
Photo: Mark Bowyer From the bridge traffic to the historic buildings of Miller's Point, Renzo Piano's towers and Barangaroo - Pylon Lookout
BridgeClimb or Pylon Lookout?
BridgeClimb operates tours across the steel arch to the bridge’s summit. Climbers ascend a maintenance ramp. BridgeClimb's been a huge hit with international tourists since opening in the 1990s. The narrowness of the arch and the thrill of walking the ramp with little between you and the harbour (except your safety equipment) adds to the adrenaline rush. Visits from Hollywood celebs, sports stars and miscellaneous politicians and royalty have made BridgeClimb globally famous.
(Disclosure: I’ve never climbed with BridgeClimb though I've spoken to hundreds of happy climbers).
By necessity BridgeClimb entails quite a bit of palava. There’s a safety brief, a safety suit - all to ensure nothing untoward happens during the climb. The whole thing can take 3 hours.
In contrast, Pylon Lookout and Museum has no such safety issues - and fewer thrills apart from the views. Allow anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your interest and don't forget the 200 steps. The Lookout’s enjoyed none of the fame of its BridgeClimb counterpart - which is part of its appeal. I’ve only ever seen a handful of guests on the pylon during recent visits. I reckon that’s certain to change though.
Photo: Mark Bowyer The mighty steel arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Pylon Lookout
Photo: Mark Bowyer Pylon Lookout Museum
Photo: Mark Bowyer Head up to the Pylon Lookout from Dawes Point - for views of the bridge from below
Photo: Mark Bowyer BridgeClimbers approach the summit!
The views are similar on the Pylon to those experienced by BridgeClimbers - or almost. You can see climbers making their way to the summit. You’re not quite as high up and you walk up stairs and not the arch.
The Pylon experience has its own advantages. It requires less time, less messing around and you can take your own photos on your own phone or camera. (You can’t carry anything loose on BridgeClimb for obvious safety reasons). The Pylon Lookout is far easier and less expensive for families.
If you're a photography or architecture buff, you'll like the fact that on the Pylon, you have some distance from the bridge’s arches. I also like the fact that you can take your time studying the surrounds - the harbour in action, the city architecture and the city sprawl all the way to the Blue Mountains.
The Pylon Lookout offers a recently refurbished small museum that tells the story of the bridge - another bonus for families.
BridgeClimb or Pylon Lookout, you’re in for a memorable experience of one of the world’s great bridges and Sydney's incredible harbour and cityscape.
Walk or cycle the bridge instead - it's free and you can explore more
If you’re travelling on a budget, cycling or walking across the bridge provides an awesome experience too. The are still awesome and you have time to do fun things on the north side of the bridge like visit Luna Park, North Sydney’s famous and recently upgraded harbour swimming pool and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. Grab a ferry back to Circular Quay at the end of it all!
Disclosure
Rusty Compass reviews are always independent. We share stuff we think will add to your travel experience. We paid in full for our visits to Pylon Lookout.
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