The truth behind today’s post is simply that I was waiting for an excuse to post this photo! Taken on our visit in 2009, it obviously shows one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. Probably not the most iconic, because I believe that this honour surely belongs to the sweeping sail design of the Sydney Opera House.

So why have I chosen today to include this photo? Simple. The coat hanger (as it is affectionately known), celebrates its 80th birthday this week (March 19th to be precise). The 1,149m bridge, which took almost 10 years to build, was officially opened in 1932, and is listed in the Guiness book of records as the world’s widest long-span bridge. The bridge cost £6.25m to build and 16 men reportedly lost their lives during the construction process. In its early days about 11,000 vehicles crossed the bridge on a daily basis, although today’s figure is nearer to 160,000 vehicles.

Celebrations included a special performance by musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from the top of the 134m-high arch, as well as a 1930s-themed picnic party, but it is perhaps best known for being the fireworks launchpad during Sydney’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The truth behind today’s post is simply that I was waiting for an excuse to post this photo! Taken on our visit in 2009, it obviously shows one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. Probably not the most iconic, because I believe that this honour surely belongs to the sweeping sail design of the Sydney Opera House.

So why have I chosen today to include this photo? Simple. The coat hanger (as it is affectionately known), celebrates its 80th birthday this week (March 19th to be precise). The 1,149m bridge, which took almost 10 years to build, was officially opened in 1932, and is listed in the Guiness book of records as the world’s widest long-span bridge. The bridge cost £6.25m to build and 16 men reportedly lost their lives during the construction process. In its early days about 11,000 vehicles crossed the bridge on a daily basis, although today’s figure is nearer to 160,000 vehicles.

Celebrations included a special performance by musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from the top of the 134m-high arch, as well as a 1930s-themed picnic party, but it is perhaps best known for being the fireworks launchpad during Sydney’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations.