Join the Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th anniversary party
The Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th anniversary is on 19 March 2022. Scroll down to find out how you can join the fun.
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Sydney will come alive with free music concerts, pop-up art galleries and a spectacular light show in celebration of the Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th anniversary on 19 March 2022.
Australia’s most famous landmark opened to the public on 19 March 1932.
The ground-breaking infrastructure was the vision of engineer John Bradfield.
He believed the Sydney Harbour Bridge should be more than a road across the harbour. Bradfield advocated for a design that would unite communities, boost the economy and future-proof the city.
On opening day, around one million people crossed the bridge on trains, trams, cars, on foot and on horses.
In the ‘30s, it earned the nickname the “Iron Lung” because it supported the city’s economy and provided work through the Depression.
Since then, it has been the centrepiece of Sydney’s New Year's Eve celebrations, the backdrop for the walk for reconciliation and a much-loved symbol of Australia.
March 19 2022 is NSW’s chance to celebrate this vital and beautiful bridge from all angles.
What’s happening?
The fun begins on Thursday 17 March when nearly 50,000 brilliant LED pixels light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8pm.
The spectacular light show runs for 4 nights and starts with a tribute to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people.
It will highlight Bradfield’s vision, the Bridge’s construction, and memorable moments in the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s history.
From Friday 18 March Sydneysiders can walk through a free pop-up art gallery with installations dotted between Town Hall and Campbells Cove.
The curated images in eye-catching cubes bring back moments in Sydney’s history and take inspiration from their location.
On Saturday 19 March Sydney’s streets will buzz with energy. Aria-Award winning artists such as Tex Perkins and James Morrison will hit the stage along with Bananas in Pyjamas at Campbells Cove.
While street performers, caricature artists and musicians will entertain the crowds outside train stations, in marketplaces and on street corners.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the star of the show, with vintage trains, buses and bicycles crossing the bridge in a birthday salute.
Plan your day
The best way to get into the city for the Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th anniversary is on public transport. Once there, experience it all on foot or on a vintage bus or ferry. Grab your free map, newspaper, and gift from one of the 1930s paper kids at Wynyard and Town Hall Stations on the day.
Due to the age and construction of the heritage trains, buses and ferries accessibility may be limited. If you require the use of a wheelchair please contact us to register your needs.
To plan your day head to Home | transportnsw.info
Get the full details and times of each event below or download your free Sydney Harbour Bridge event map and program guide (PDF, 655.47 KB).
Sydney Harbour Bridge light spectacular
When: Thursday 17 March to Sunday 20 March 8pm to 11pm
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge - best viewed from the eastern side
Nearly 50,000 brilliant LED pixels will illuminate the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The eastern pylons will dazzle the crowds with a moving tribute to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people, John Bradfield, and the Sydney Harbour bridge’s history.
The light show runs for about 15 minutes and will repeat through the night.
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Pop-up art gallery
Where: Between Town Hall and Campbells Cove
When: Friday 18 March to Sunday 20 March
Explore Sydney’s fascinating history as you walk through the pop-up art gallery. The curated images in vivid cubes take inspiration from their location and moments in Sydney’s history.
The best way to explore the gallery is on foot. Grab your free map from one of the 1930s paper kids.
Campbells Cove Sydney Harbour Bridge party
Where: Campbells Cove
When: Saturday 19 March 10am to late
Whether your aged 9 or 90, Campbells Cove is the place to party. The event kicks off with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Allen Madden at 10am before the much-loved Bananas in Pyjamas take to the stage live.
From 10.50 families can try their luck at 1930s street games such as Capture the Flag, checkers, and hopscotch.
Apple the Magician will dazzle the crowd with spellbinding 1930s magic tricks and families can wander through a vintage car and bicycle display.
In the afternoon, Aria-Award winners James Morrison, Tex Perkins and Christina Anu will join ABC host Dan Bourchier on a musical adventure through the decades.
Don’t miss Jem Cassar-Daley's special tribute to the Bridge and Sydney’s Harbour at 7.30pm.
Download the full Campbells Cove Sydney Harbour Bridge event program (PDF, 117.26 KB).
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Town Hall Station 90th birthday celebration
Where: QVB entrance opposite Town Hall corner of George and Druitt Street
When: From 10am Saturday 19 March
The Sydney Harbour Bridge anniversary party starts as soon as you jump off the train or bus.
Find the on-street 1930s paper kids to grab your free copy of the Daily Telegraph, a map of the events and a 90th anniversary limited edition Reg Mombassa puzzle.
Catch the Eaton Gorge Theatre performers at the QVB entrance from 10am to 4pm. At 1pm the Cat and Fiddle Band will rock the crowd with an acoustic set.
Wynyard Station 90th birthday celebration
Where: Wynyard Station George Street Sydney
When: From 10am Saturday 19 March
Look for the 1930s paper kids to grab your free copy of the Daily Telegraph, a map of the events and a free jigsaw puzzle. Watch the Eaton Gorge Theatre performance on George Street from 10am to 4pm.
At 2.30pm the Cat and Fiddle band will get toes tapping with their acoustic set.
Sydney Harbour Bridge vintage transport salute
When: Saturday 19 March 2022 from 8.30am
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Head to the city early to watch dozens of vintage bicycles and cars cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge shortly after 8.30am. Soon after, a red F1 Vintage Electric Train Set will meet a NSW Waratah Train in the middle of the Bridge.
One of the carriages on this train, C-3426 was the leading car on the first electric train to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. This will be a spectacular 'old versus new' moment not to be missed.
Recent extreme weather triggered track impacts that prevent Locomotive 3801 Steam Train safely travelling to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Track works are underway but could not be completed in time.
As a result of the cancellation, the Sydney Harbour Bridge viewing platform will no longer go ahead.
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Vintage Electric Train Set F1
When: Saturday 19 March from 10am
Where: Waverton and Milsons Point Stations
One of the oldest working trains in the world, the F1 was a prominent feature of Sydney’s railways up until the 1980s. Tickets to ride the much-loved Vintage Electric Train Set F1 have now sold out.
However, you can view this incredible train from Waverton and Milsons Point Stations - no tickets required.
90th Anniversary NSW Waratah train ride
When: Saturday 19 March 9am – 9.20am
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge. Board the train at: Strathfield 8:49am, Burwood 8:52am, Redfern 9:02am, Central 9:05am (Platform 16), Town Hall 9:09am, Wynyard 9:12am
Tap and go to board this special Waratah train from Strathfield to North Sydney via Central you will be in for a treat. The 900-seat commuter train will arrive at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 9.14am.
It will then journey across the bridge to meet the vintage F1 Electric Train Set in the middle.
Passengers can hop off at Milsons Point to explore the bus and tram museum and catch the free ferry over to Campbells Cove or continue to North Sydney.
Vintage bus tour
When: Saturday 19 March 10am to 4pm
Where: Wynyard, North Sydney and Milsons Point
- Wynyard Station York Street bus stop stand J
- North Sydney Blue Street bus stop stand E and D
- Milsons Point Wharf bus stop Olympic Drive
- Milsons Point Museum bus stop Alfred Street South
Hop on board a vintage double-decker bus for a ride back in time. As the bus makes its way across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a 1930s tour conductor will reveal how the bus and the Sydney Harbour Bridge changed Sydney’s transport network.
Passengers can also take a smaller bus loop from North Sydney station to Milsons Point Station and Milsons Point wharf.
The vintage buses will run every five minutes. Passengers can pay a gold coin donation to ride.
Due to the age and construction of the heritage buses, accessibility may be limited. Should you require the use of a wheelchair please contact us ahead of the day to register your needs.
Heritage ferry harbour cruise
When: Saturday 19 March 10am – 4pm
Where: Campbells Cove Wharf 2 Pontoon, The Rocks and Milsons Point Wharf, Olympic Drive
Jump on board a 1972 vintage ferry between Milsons Point and Campbells Cove for a stunning view of the Bridge. The free ferries leave every 30 minutes.
Pop-up tram and bus museum
When: Saturday 19 March from 10am
Where: Burton Street Milsons Point
If you love vintage transport, make sure you visit the one-day-only tram and bus museum at Milsons Point. The NSW Railway Brass Band will perform at the museum from 11am and from 2pm you can join in the fun with a 1930s swing dance display.
More things to do
BridgeClimb
When: Saturday 19 March
Where: 3 Cumberland Street Sydney (The Rocks)
Why not climb the "Coathanger" on its special day? BridgeClimbs will depart from dawn to dusk on Saturday 19 March and include a limited-edition commemorative certificate, a group summit photo and a few special surprises.
To book this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, simply select any day climb on Saturday March 19, 2022.
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Pylon Lookout and Museum
When: Saturday 19 March
Where: South-East Pylon entrance Sydney Harbour Bridge
Step back in time and discover the history of the Bridge at the BridgeClimb Pylon Lookout and Museum. At 87 metres above sea level, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout is one of the best places to catch the action.
The three-level museum contains fascinating artefacts detailing the lives of the brave workers who built the bridge in the 1920s and early 30s. Tickets to enter the Pylon Lookout and Museum on Saturday March 19 are limited and must be booked in advance.
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Luna Park
When: Saturday 19 March
Where: 1 Olympic Drive Milsons Point
Get your special Sydney Harbour Bridge 90th anniversary ticket to join the fun at Luna Park.
The $30 ticket includes entry to Coney Island, where you can ride the giant slides and get lost in the maze of mirrors.
The tickets also includes a ride on the Ferris Wheel, themed showtime performances and a free scoop of icecream from the Gelato Bar. Try red velvet, a modern birthday treat or the comforting, traditional bread and butter pudding flavour.
Sydney Tall Ships
When: Saturday 19 March
Where: Campbells Cove Wharf 2 Pontoon, The Rocks
For a gold coin donation, you can board a Tall Ship and sail the harbour like they did in the 1930s. Sydney Tall Ships will have two cruises departing at 10.30 and 12pm on Saturday 19 March. Places are limited. Call 02 8015 5571 to book.
The Rocks Walking Tour
When: 10am, 2pm and 4pm Saturday 19 March
Where: Corner of Argyle Street and Harrington Street, Shop 5 Clocktower Square The Rocks
Come and discover the rich history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Rocks on a free walking tour. On the day you’ll hear stories of how the Bridge changed the lives of dock workers living in the area in the 1930s.
Limited to 2 spots per person. To reserve your place call 02 9247 6678
The Rocks Markets
When: Saturday 19 March
Where: 49 George Street The Rocks
Walk through the Rocks Markets to discover a world of 1930s colour and excitement. Eaton Gorge Theatre performers will entertain the crowds from 10am to 4pm.
At 1pm you can see what you would look like as a 1930s Bridge worker with free caricature drawings. Don’t miss the Cope Street Parade acoustic performance at 1.30pm.
ADA Art Gallery
When: Saturday 19 March 10.30am - 11am
Where: Sydney Gallery B3, 52 Nurses Walk, The Rocks
Award-winning artist Shazia Imran will give a one hour talk about her strong connection to the nostalgic architecture and landscapes of Sydney.
Many of Shazia’s artworks depict familiar Sydney scenes including the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The best places to eat
Squires Landing
Where: Northern end of Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Squires Landing has an unrivalled view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a micro-brewery, and dozens of delicious beers on tap. Sit down to a great lunch or dinner while taking in the music and atmosphere of the Campbells Cove birthday party.
Pancakes on the Rocks
Where: 22 Playfair Street, The Rocks Centre, The Rocks
Who wants birthday pancakes? Pancakes on the Rocks has a special one-day-only Sydney Harbour Bridge Pancake on Saturday 19 March.
Visit any time. Pancakes Oon Tthe Rocks are open 24 hours 7 days a week.
Campbells Stores
Where: Campbells Stores 7-27 Circular Quay W The Rocks
The elegant restaurants at Campbells Stores have front row seats to the action on Sydney Harbour. Book a table for lunch in between activities at Campbells Cove or dinner for a sensational view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge light show.
City Extra
Where: E4 East Podium, Circular Quay (between Wharf 3 & 4)
Celebrate an Australian icon’s birthday with a half price pavlova. City Extra is open for breakfast lunch and dinner 7am to 12pm.