Pylon Lookout

The basics

Opened in 1934, Pylon Lookout quickly became a mainstay on tourist itineraries for its sweeping views of the Harbour City. In 1998, the bridge started offering a new, more adventurous way for visitors to experience these aerial views—summiting its 440-foot steel arches on the BridgeClimb. Pylon Lookout awards glimpses of these daring sightseers, in addition to three floors of exhibitions showcasing artifacts and footage from the building of the bridge.

You can tour Sydney highlights with a private guide, or see a different side of the city—from suburbs Woolloomooloo to Barangaroo—before stopping off at the soaring observation deck. If you want to customize your schedule, opt for the 2- to 4-day private guided tour; in addition to Pylon Lookout, itineraries typically include the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, and a kangaroo and koala experience. Included admission to the lookout depends on the tour.

Things to know before you go

• From the entrance, there are 200 steps up to the lookout, so be prepared for the climb.

• The observation decks can get windy or hot at midday. Bring sunscreen, a hat, or a windbreaker, depending on the weather.

• Admission is debit/credit card only. Cash is not accepted.

• After experiencing Pylon Lookout, consider a visit to the historic and arty Rocks neighborhood, or a 15-to-20-minute walk across the bridge to green Milsons Point.

How to get there

The lookout is located in the southeast pylon of Sydney Harbour Bridge. From the city side of the bridge, take the Cumberland Street bridge stairs to the pedestrian walkway; from the north side of the bridge, use the steps near Milsons Point railway station to access the walkway.

When to get there

The observation decks are open around standard working hours every day of the year, except Christmas Day, meaning there’s plenty of time to take in the views. The shoulder seasons of September–November and March–May are ideal, when temperatures are moderate and crowds are fewer, so you won’t have to battle other travelers for the perfect photo.

BridgeClimb or Pylon Lookout?

In Sydney, sky-high views are never far from reach, and choosing which view to spring for is part of the fun. The BridgeClimb is for adrenaline junkies looking for some of the highest views of the harbor, but tickets are pricier and you need to carve 3-4 hours out of your schedule. Pylon Lookout is a budget-friendly and quicker alternative for 360-degree views; plus, three floors of exhibits provide a history lesson, and you can take photos from the observation deck—unlike the BridgeClimb, where cameras and phones are not allowed. Good news if you’ve decided on the BridgeClimb: Each ticket comes with admission to the lookout, so you won’t miss out on this top-notch view.