Walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge (And Accidentally Breaking The Rules)
Last month, while staying overnight in our favourite hotel, the View in North Sydney, we decided to do something my boyfriend had never done before: walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
No BridgeClimb. No plans. Just good shoes, golden light, and curiosity.
What we didn’t plan on? Accidentally walking on the wrong side of the bridge. And discovering that there is, in fact, a right side and a wrong side.
Did you know this? Or is it just us?
Apparently, the left side when heading into the city is for pedestrians, and the right side is strictly for cyclists. Walk one side, ride the other. Very clear… once you know.
We didn’t. I had no idea. We were clueless.
There was no one stationed at the entrance at Milsons Point when we started, and we somehow missed the signs, and off we went — blissfully unaware — strolling along the cyclists’ side, soaking up the views like we belonged there.
At one point, a cyclist whizzed past yelling, “You’re on the wrong side!” which should have told us, but it wasn’t until we had made it about three-quarters of the way across before noticing security walking towards us from the opposite direction, declaring in fact this side was not for pedestrians. Whilst he didn’t look impressed, we were allowed to continue our walk to the end.
In fairness, the views were incredible. Walking that side gave us sweeping looks back toward Luna Park and over Lavender Bay, and for a while, with minimal cyclists that afternoon, it felt like we had the bridge almost to ourselves.
Security was polite, we were mildly embarrassed, and everyone survived. Lesson learned.
Security is typically positioned at either end of the bridge, on both sides. Just not the afternoon we decided to take our walk.
What to Know Before You Walk the Bridge
Rules aside, walking the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of those experiences that reminds you how special this city really is. Something you have to do at least once in your lifetime.
Distance: Around 1.5 km
Time: 15–30 minutes, depending on your pace, photo stops, and how often you pause just to take it all in
Cost: Completely free
Best time: Sunrise or sunset (trust me)
We walked from Milsons Point into The Rocks, crossed the bridge, stopped for a beer at The Australian Hotel, enjoyed the live music, did some people watching and then walked back again as the light shifted and the city came alive. It was such a simple evening, but one of those moments that sticks with you. Well, for us, anyway,
From the bridge, you get a front-row seat to life unfolding below — ferries coming and going at Circular Quay, people spilling through The Rocks, and the harbour changing colour by the minute at sunset.
Our Accidental Tip
Walk on the pedestrian side.
Ride on the cyclist side.
And if someone yells at you on a bike… you might be the problem 😉
That said, if you’re staying over in North Sydney, this walk is an absolute must. No tickets, no time pressure — just Sydney at its best.
Did you know about the bridge “rules” before walking it? We’d love to hear your experience; feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment below.
