Pictures - Sydney Harbour Bridge 75th Birthday

Sydney Harbour Bridge which spans Sydney Harbour between Dawes Point on the south and Milsons Point on the north is one of Australia's best known landmarks. Preparation for its construction began in 1923 and when it opened in 1932 it linked Sydney's norther suburbs to the southern and eastern suburbs.

Last March 18th 2007 the Sydney's Harbour Bridge turns 75 years old. More than 200,000 people took part in the 75th Birthday Walk of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the biggest and longest walk since its opening in 1932. Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW cuts the official ribbon.

Here are some photos that I have captured during this milestone event.

• The two pairs of pylons at each end are made of concrete and granite.
• Abutments, which support the ends of the bridge, are contained at the base of the pylons. They prevent the bridge from stretching or compressing due to temperature variations.
• The pylons serve no structural purpose and are primarily to visually balance the bridge itself.
• They were originally not part of the design but were added later to allay concerns about structural integrity - ironically, as the pylons do not actually touch the bridge (except at road level).

Today, all four pylons have now been put to use: a museum and tourist centre with a lookout of the harbour is contained in the southeastern pylon. Inside the Lookout is a fascinating display on how this bridge was built.

• The southwestern pylon is used by the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) as a base for their cameras overlooking the bridge and the roads around that area.
• The two pylons on the north shore are now venting chimneys for fumes from the Sydney Harbour Tunnel

Sydney Harbour bridge is one of the most visited attractions in Australia, If you are visiting Sydney and wants to stay near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are lots of waterfront apartments and hotels with spectacular view, or you want to secure a room with a view for New Years Fireworks display this year, why not visit Sydney Accommodation for an exciting range of options.