Itineraries · Sydney

The bridge, the Luna Park face and the rebuilt pool

Walk · Sydney. ~3 km on foot, about 3 h, 4 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
The bridge, the Luna Park face and the rebuilt pool
Duration
~3 km on foot, about 3 h (≈ 2 h 28 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
Observatory Hill
Finish
North Sydney Olympic Pool
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
toward sunset, while the arch still has light on it
Budget per adult
the walkway is free, the pool is from A$11Prices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026

Getting there

Train or ferry to Circular Quay, then walk up to Observatory Hill. The bridge and the pool are on the same walk. Pay with a bank card.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Observatory Hill~20 min at the stop

    The first shot of the bridge, from the lawn by the 1850s observatory. The hill is calmer than Circular Quay, and you see the whole arch from the west side, with the Walsh Bay wharves and Barangaroo below.

    Worth knowing: The observatory was built in 1857–1859 on the site of an old fort and windmills. Visitors still look through its 1874 refractor, the oldest telescope in regular use in Australia.

    Tip: The lawn is free. Drop to the bridge stairs on Cumberland Street. The eastern path faces the Opera House.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 15 min · 1 km

  2. 2. Harbour Bridge footpath~25 min at the stop

    The eastern path across the bridge. There is a lift on Cumberland Street and another on Broughton Street. This is not the climb up the arch.

    Tip: Stay on the footpath. BridgeClimb sells the arch tour, and the price is on their site for the day you pick.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 12 min · 0.8 km

  3. 3. Luna Park face~20 min at the stop

    The 1935 face at the northern end of the bridge. Photograph it from the street. Walking into the park is free. The rides are separate.

    Tip: If the park is not open yet, the face is still there. The pool is two minutes away, under the arch.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 6 min · 0.3 km

  4. 4. North Sydney Olympic Pool~50 min at the stop

    The 1936 pool under the northern end of the bridge reopened on 7 August 2026 after a five-year rebuild. Outside is the 50 m pool right under the arch; inside are indoor pools, a kids' pool with splash pad, plus spa and sauna for guests 16+.

    Tip: Adult A$11, child 3–15 A$8.80, concession A$8.25. The pools close 30 minutes before the centre. Check current hours on the North Sydney Council website.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.