Crossing from the Australian Capital Territory into New South Wales, at Queanbeyan, July 2023. Image © Paul Rands.

General Information:

Bridge building in New South Wales began with the first European settlers and has kept evolving since. In the early days, there wasn't much expertise or materials to work with, but over time, new techniques and better materials made it possible to build longer, stronger bridges. This opened up parts of the colony that were once too hard to reach, helping it grow and expand.

Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney, NSW):

Linking the Sydney CBD with Milsons Point and North Sydney, construction began in 1924 on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The crossing was officially opened on 19 March 1932 by the then state premier Jack Lang. The opening day had attracted people from all across Sydney, the state and beyond to witness the ceremony. Special trains had been advertised from Melbourne and Adelaide bringing people to Sydney for the event. More details about the bridge are available by clicking or tapping here.

NEW Sydney Harbour Bridge:

Looking southeast from Lavender Bay over Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney CBD, June 2023.

Image © Paul Rands

NEW Sydney Harbour Bridge:

Looking southeast from Lavender Bay over Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney CBD, June 2023.

Image © Paul Rands

Timber Bridge over Nelanglo Creek (Gundaroo, NSW):

In the 19th century and early 20th century the state government set about expanding access across NSW, which necessitated the need for reliably trafficable roads, particularly in newly settled rural areas. This allowed people to travel to nearby towns for shopping, worship and social obligations. These roads also facilitated easier movement of freight and crops from farms to market. Many of the bridges constructed in these areas prior to the 1960s were made primarily from local timber, which at the time was inexpensive and plentiful. This particular bridge was bypassed sometime during the later part of the 20th century to the northeast and is easily visible from the current alignment of Gundaroo Road.

NEW Nelanglo Creek:

Looking southeast over the timber bridge spanning Nelanglo Creek at Gundaroo, from the current alignment of Gundaroo Road, June 2023.

Image © Paul Rands