Latest News

Share this article

Sydney Bridgeclimb seeks untold stories ahead of 90th birthday celebrations

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised, photographed and loved landmarks, will celebrate its 90th birthday on the 19th of March 2022 - the day it opened to the first cars (and horses) back in 1932 and Bridgeclimb is asking for you to get in on the action and submit your untold stories and bridge artefacts.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most recognised, photographed and loved landmarks, will celebrate its 90th birthday on the 19th of March 2022 – the day it opened to the first cars (and horses) back in 1932 and Bridgeclimb is asking for you to get in on the action and submit your untold stories and bridge artefacts.

Ahead of the milestone birthday celebrations to come in March, BridgeClimb is asking Australians across the country to share their untold stories and artefacts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for present and future generations to enjoy.

Whether you or someone you know worked on the construction or maintenance of the Bridge, own a unique piece of Bridge memorabilia, or hold a special memory involving the Bridge, all submissions are welcome.

BridgeClimb’s CEO Deb Zimmer firmly believes that some incredible stories and artefacts will be discovered over the next few months.

“The Bridge has played a part in many people’s lives and we’re so excited to see what we uncover throughout this process,” she said.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Elephants on the Bridge in 1932. Photo Credit: Tim Hood

Did you know, that on the 3rd of April 1932, Wirth’s Circus took seven elephants and a Shetland pony across the newly opened Bridge to promote their show? Records show the toll collectors charged two pence per elephant.

A story most Australians are familiar with is Paul Hogan’s career pre-stardom. At the age of 23, Paul got a job as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge which, in the 1970s, required nerves of steel. Paul worked on the Bridge for over a decade and, during this time, was discovered and thrust into the international limelight.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Paul Hogan working as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1971.

Over the years, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been fondly described as the coat hanger, a symphony of steel, the arch that cut the sky, and even the humpback whale!

But of all the nicknames Sydney’s iconic landmark received, the iron lung is one that echoes its significance for those who built it, breathing life back into Sydney at what was a tough time for many and provided work to thousands of people across NSW.

With 90 years of history behind it, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is brimming with stories to tell.

Click here to submit yours.