Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge for Free: Iconic Views Without the Cost
Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. While there is the option to pay for the famous bridge climb, you can also walk across the bridge for free!
This scenic stroll allows you to see the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour, and panoramic views of the city skyline, all without costing a cent.
Read on for everything you need to know with our step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
Starting the walk
You can either start north or south; this post will focus on starting the walk from the southern entrance. The easiest place to start from on the southern side of the bridge, is Circular Quay. If you are not in walking distance, there are train, light rail, bus, and ferry options to get you here. For more information about that, see our post about using public transport in Sydney.
From Circular Quay, head towards the Bridge Stairs on the map below. There are a few ways to get here; if you have the time, take in the water views and stroll through the historical Nurses Walk.
Tip: download the Sydney City Centre area in Google Maps. Then save the places you would like to go (e.g. Nurses Walk, Bridge Stairs) to avoid getting lost.
Find the stairs
The stairs are obvious when you find them, although if you walk past at first don’t worry, that’s exactly what I did! There is also the option to take a lift if you need that accessibility option (Elevator Southern Side on Maps).
Once you are up the stairs, head towards the signs pointing to Sydney Harbour Bridge, and before you know it, you’ll be walking over. Easy as that! The walkway is wide, separated from the road by a sturdy fence, and elevated, so you can enjoy panoramic views without interruption.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk
When I walked over early on a Sunday morning there were HEAPS of runners. This was okay though, they are used to tourists, just be mindful if you stop to take photos that you don’t get in their way. I also passed three security guards along the way and felt safe as a solo walker.
The walk takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes to get across to the other side, including stopping for some photos (which you undoubtedly will!).
It is very doable as a 1-hour round trip from Circular Quay. Another option if you only wanted to walk one way would be to catch the train back across from Milsons Point.
Walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free is a fantastic way to experience one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks. Whether you're on a budget, want to capture breathtaking photos, or simply looking to stretch your legs, this walk is a must on your Sydney itinerary.
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