While many conjure up images of kangaroos, the outback, and the iconic Sydney Opera House when they think of Australia, the country’s largest city is home to some of the most beautiful bridges in the entire world.
Not only is Sydney located on the banks of a large harbor, but there are also a few rivers that wind their way through the city.
The Parramatta River has several bridges reaching across its banks, and the harbor also has its fair share of arching connections.
Continue reading to learn more about the 10 most beautiful bridges in Sydney.
Table of Contents
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Not only is the Sydney Harbour Bridge one of the most beautiful in the city, but it’s also one of the most iconic structures in the entire world.
In addition, at 143 meters (469 feet) above the water, it holds the title for the world’s tallest steel arch bridge.
This beautiful bridge boasts eight vehicle lanes, two train lines, a pedestrian footpath, and a cycleway and connects commuters from the Central Business District to the North Shore.
This iconic structure took about eight years to construct and was first open for use in 1932. While there’s no doubting that this bridge is one of the most beautiful in Sydney, the gray color may seem like an odd choice.
At the time of construction, gray was the only option available that had enough volume to cover the entire bridge.
Over 229,000 liters is a lot of paint, after all!
2. Sea Cliff Bridge
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the views from Sydney’s Sea Cliff Bridge go unmatched.
Hugging the coastline of the Illawarra escarpment just outside of Sydney, this breathtaking bridge offers endless views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the steep jagged cliffs on the other.
Before the bridge was built in 2005, the precarious highway along this route was incredibly dangerous.
Today, the 48-kilometer (30-mile) Sea Cliff Bridge has become a huge tourist attraction, and once you see the views along this route you’ll understand why!
3. Anzac Bridge
Formerly known as the Glebe Island Bridge, the Anzac Bridge is one of the most beautiful in Sydney.
The bridge was constructed in 1995 and was renamed in commemoration of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (or ANZAC) shortly after its opening in 1998.
The 805-meter (.5 mile) cable-stayed bridge carries eight lanes of traffic between Glebe Island and Pyrmont along the fringe of Sydney’s western Central Business District.
There is also a pedestrian walkway, and locals love catching the sunrise and sunset along this beautiful Sydney bridge.
4. Gladesville Bridge
The Gladesville Bridge is an arch-shaped structure spanning over the Parramatta River linking the Sydney suburbs of Hunters Point and Drummoyne.
This lovely structure is as historic as it is beautiful, and it was once the longest concrete bridge in the entire world.
Before the bridge was built, ferries were used to carry merchants and pedestrians across the river to access their farms and markets.
The Gladesville Bridge was finally opened in 1964, and it was one of the first major bridges designed with the help of a computer.
5. Parramatta River Railway Bridge
Constructed as a railway bridge in 1886, the Parramatta River Railway Bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular route for Sydney cyclists.
The bridge goes by many names, including the Meadowbank Rail Bridge over Parramatta River, the John Whitton Bridge (erroneously), and the Meadowbank-Rhodes Railway Bridge.
The bridge made it onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999 thanks to its rare design. The double lattice girder design was once popular amongst architects but went out of style after the 19th century.
The Parramatta River Railway Bridge is one of the most well-preserved examples of this architecture, so don’t miss your chance to see it while in Sydney.
6. The Lennox Bridge
Image: Wikimedia / Craig Siczak
Another one of the most beautiful bridges in Sydney sits just outside of city limits in the western suburb of Parramatta. The lovely sandstone arch is also one of the oldest in the city and dates back to 1839.
Although restorations to the bridge were completed in 1976, the bridge has retained most of its original beauty and few modifications were made.
The Lennox Bridge crosses over the Parramatta River and measures just 37 meters (121 feet) long and 9 meters (30 feet) high.
7. Pyrmont Bridge
Situated in Darling Harbour to the west of the Central Business District, the Pyrmont Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Sydney.
Spanning across Cockle Bay, Pyrmont Bridge is one of the oldest surviving electrical swing bridges in the world.
The original swing bridge opened in 1857 and was replaced in 1902 by the current Pyrmont Bridge.
The bridge allows ships over 7 meters (23 feet) to pass by twisting around the middle segment. Since it was first opened, the bridge has been rotated over 600,000 times!
8. Tom Uglys Bridge
With a name like Tom Uglys, you may be surprised to find this structure on our list of the most beautiful bridges in Sydney. However, this lovely bridge is actually worth laying eyes on.
Whether you’re traveling by car or on foot, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Georges River below as you cross between the St. George area and the Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney.
Tom Uglys Bridge also carries a fascinating history and is an important link for commercial purposes. The bridge first opened in 1929 with a second bridge constructed in 1987.
Today, over 1,000 vehicles cross over the bridge each day.
9. Captain Cook Bridge
The Captain Cook Bridge is another main passage over the Georges River in southern Sydney.
Named after Captain James Cook, who landed in the area after navigating around the country, this lovely bridge sits between the mouth of the Georges River and Botany Bay.
The bridge was first opened in 1965 and boasts three lanes for vehicle traffic on each side. There are also walkways going in each direction for pedestrians and cyclists.
10. Fig Tree Bridge
Simplicity holds its own kind of beauty, and the Fig Tree Bridge is a prime example of minimalism at its best.
Connecting the suburbs of Linley Point and Hunters Hill across the Lane Cove River, Fig Tree Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Sydney.
The original swing bridge between these suburbs was in operation since 1885, but a new, more modern bridge replaced it in 1963.
The views from the Fig Tree Bridge are arguably the most beautiful thing about it, and you can take them in from your vehicle or along the pedestrian walkway.
