Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Welcome to Sydney, Australia! The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a giant steel arch stretching across the harbor, so big that locals nicknamed it 'The Coathanger.'
Why is it famous?
It's one of the biggest steel arch bridges on Earth, carrying cars, trains, bikes, and walkers across Sydney Harbour every day.
Its huge curved arch looks just like a giant coathanger, which is exactly what Australians nicknamed it.
How was it built?
Workers built the two halves of the arch out from each side of the harbour, slowly meeting in the middle without ever falling apart.
It took about 1,400 workers eight years to finish, using 53,000 tonnes of steel held together by six million rivets!
Amazing facts
The very top of the bridge stands 134 meters (440 feet) above the water — brave visitors can even climb all the way up!
About 160,000 cars and 480 trains cross the bridge every single day.
Quick facts
- The very top of the bridge stands 134 meters (440 feet) above the water — brave visitors can even climb all the way up!
- About 160,000 cars and 480 trains cross the bridge every single day.
- It's the second-largest steel arch bridge in the entire world.
- The bridge opened on March 19, 1932, with a huge celebration.