Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Russell is known for our location near Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Only a short 5 minute walk away, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the defining parts of Sydney's architectural landscape. As one of the closest hotels near Harbour Bridge in Sydney, we thought you might appreciate some background on one of Australia's most well known attractions.

History

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed "The Coathanger" or "The Bridge" by locals, took over 6 years to construct. Linking the city with North Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was originally conceptualized as early as 1815. Many years later, Dr. J.J.C Bradfield (known as the "Father of the Bridge") prepared the general bridge design and construction began in 1924. At that time there were no hotels near harbour bridge in Sydney, only the homes of unfortunate locals who were then re-located without compensation.

It took 1,400 men over 8 years to build using 6 million hand-driven rivets and 53,000 tonnes of steel! The bridge opened March 19th, 1932 at a ceremony attended by over 300,000 people.

Drama ensued Captain Francis De Groot (of political group The New Guard) slashed the ribbon with his sword before Premier John "Jack" T. Lang could cut it. The ribbon was promptly re-tied and the story has since become a part of Australian folklore.

Modern Day

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world's largest steel arch bridge. The surface area that requires painting is equivalent to 60 sports fields! In total the bridge spans 1,149 metres and the arch spans an impressive 503 metres. The bridge sits 134 metres above the harbour and boasts 8 vehicle lanes, 2 train lines, footways on either side (free to walk) and a cycleway. Over 160,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Tourists can enjoy walking tours, views from the Bridge Pylons and the popular "Bridge Climb" attractions while visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For more information on the Bridge Climb, please visit: The Sydney Visitor's Bureau.

There are a number of attractions and hotels near harbour bridge Sydney, but few can offer the same close proximity and warmth of character as The Russell.