Looking for something to do in Sydney that doesn’t cost a bomb? Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon to the lookout.

Most of us don’t know that the four pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge serve no real structural purpose for the bridge – they were added for aesthetics only and do not support the bridge at all.

For only $9.50 you can climb the 200 steps to the pylon lookout and be 87 metres above the harbour. What a bargain, panoramic view of the city of Sydney for less than a burger and chips!  If you can’t justify spending the cash on the bridge climb, this is excellent value and an amazing lookout once you get there.

On the climb you will learn about the history of the bridge, how it was constructed including one memorable story about the builder who fell off whilst working and threw his tool bag ahead of him which broke the water tension and saved his own life.

You can climb the steps every day except Christmas Day between 10am – 5pm.

The south east pylon of the bridge is the climbable one. It’s the one nearest to the city on the southern end and is accessible by foot using the pedestrian pathway which can be accessed from the bridge stairs on Cumberland Street, The Rocks.

Remember to take your camera as you’ll have some glorious views including close up views of the Sydney Opera House.

For a well deserved break, stop off for a beer on the way back at the Australian hotel. It’s at the bottom of the walkway, next to the ANA hotel. The beer is cold and the pizzas are delicious.