Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a much loved icon of Sydney. This tour shows some of the many stages in its building and the celebrations that took place on the day it finally opened in 1932.

Created by State Library of New South Wales

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1
Laying of the foundation stone

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2
Site clearing for the bridge workshops

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3
The workshops were built at the present day site of Luna Park.

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4
Riggers enjoying a smoko break.

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5
Gantries used in building.

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6
Riveters working on the bridge.

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7
View from one of the cranes.

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8
The spans are finally joined.

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9
Decking starting to be built.

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10
Some of the locomotives used to load test the bridge.

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11
John and Maria Bradfield at the opening of the bridge.

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12
NSW Premier Jack Lang cutting the ribbon.

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13
Surf living saving club members enjoying the day out.

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14
The sea of people who took the opportunity to walk across on the day.

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15
The Boy Scouts Association was also involved in the opening celebrations.

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16
Cars lined up to take the drive across.

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17
Circus elephants waiting at the toll booths to pay their two pence toll.

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18
Elephants crossing the bridge.

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