Sydney Harbour Bridge for kids | National Museum of Australia

Sydney Harbour Bridge, 1930

Connecting the city

Sydney Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. As Sydney expanded in the 1800s, so did the need for a bridge to connect the city and the north shore.

Three design competitions were held from 1900 to 1903, then the project was abandoned. In 1922, the government committed to build an arch-type bridge. In 1924, United Kingdom firm Dorman Long and Co was appointed and work began with the demolition of hundreds of buildings to make way for the bridge and its approach roads.

The construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was one of Australia’s greatest engineering feats. It provided thousands of jobs during the Great Depression, but working conditions were hazardous. Click on the images below for photos, videos and more information. Suitable for years 3 to 6.

Planning and design

Black and white drawing of a harbour with two sailing ships in the distance and a group of men gathered on a headland in the foreground. - click to view larger image — Sydney Harbour

A steam baot loaded with horses, several of them with men on their backs. Another steam-powered vessel is visible in the distance. - click to view larger image — Ferry crossing

Pencil and watercolour image showing a bridge across a body of water. - click to view larger image — Early design

Proposed bridge design blueprint showing steel arches across a central rail line. - click to view larger image — Early plan

A well-dressed man and woman stand looking out from a rail. - click to view larger image — Engineer John Bradfield

An architectural plan for one the Sydney Harbour Bridges pylons. - click to view larger image — Pylon design

Did you know?

Did you know the idea for a bridge across Sydney Harbour was first raised in 1815, more than 100 years before work on the bridge began?

Construction

Hazardous working conditions

Hundreds of people worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the eight years of its construction. It created jobs and helped to boost morale during the Great Depression.

Working conditions on the bridge were difficult, with very little safety equipment. Sixteen men died during construction, including a number who fell to their death.

A group photograph of workers sitting under a large steel construction. Several smoke pipes and most wear overalls and hats. - click to view larger image — Large workforce

A man stands astride two sections of metal bridgework. He wars overalls and shoes without socks. Another man stands smiling while resting on another section of bridge at right. - click to view larger image — Working at height

Two men work to drive a metal pin into a section of bridge. - click to view larger image — Dangerous work

Workers on top of a section of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. - click to view larger image — Hazardous conditions

A photo of cranes of on each side of the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge before the sides converged in the centre. - click to view larger image — Arch

Two workers adjust the track for a ‘creeper’ crane atop a metal section of bridge. - click to view larger image — Crane tracks

Black and white photograph of the partially constructed Sydney Harbour Bridge, with part of the road deck hanging below the main arch. - click to view larger image — Road deck

A man using a hand-held rivet gun during the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. - click to view larger image — Rivets

The front and back of a medal awarded to Vince Kelly. The front has an image of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an inscription that reads: 'From L. Ennis. O.B.E. Director of Construction'. The inscription on the back reads: 'To Vincent R. Kelly. To mark his preservation from serious injury on falling into the harbour. A distance of 182 feet. 23rd. Oct. 1930.' - click to view larger image — Survival medal

Circular medal awarded to V Kelly inscribed 'Sydney Harbour Bridge, arch locked, Aug 19, 1930.' - click to view larger image — Arch medal

Black and white photograph of two men working on large granite blocks. - click to view larger image — Granite blocks

A worker uses wedges and a hammer to split a granite block. - click to view larger image — Pylon stone

Did you know?

Did you know one worker survived a fall from the bridge? Boilermaker Vincent Kelly was also an experienced diver and swam to safety after falling into the harbour.

Opening

World-class success

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932. At the time it was the largest, though not quite the longest, steel arch bridge in the world. The bridge was a source of pride for Sydneysiders and many other Australians who saw it as a symbol of Australia's ability to achieve world-class success.