Sydney Harbour Bridge imagery slideshow
WARNING: Visitors should be aware that this website includes images and names of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge became a symbol of Australia's modernity when it opened in 1932. It quickly became a symbol to promote tourism and immigration to Australia.
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Boomerang, 1934
A souvenir boomerang made by Aboriginal artist A Perrett in 1934, showing the Sydney Harbour Bridge shortly after it opened. Aboriginal people from the La Perouse area of Sydney have created boomerangs and other Indigenous artefacts and artworks for sale from the mid to late-1880s. Traditionally engraved and painted with depictions of Australian flora and fauna, iconic images such as the Harbour Bridge began appearing on boomerangs in the 1930s. National Museum of Australia. Photo: Lannon Harley.
Australia's 150th Anniversary Sydney poster, 1938
Designed by Smith and Julius Studios for the Australian National Travel Association, this 'Pageantry and Carnival' poster features the Sydney Harbour Bridge, fireworks and a re-enactment of the arrival of the First Fleet. Courtesy: National Library of Australia, nla.pic-an7649558.
150 Years of Progress poster, 1938
Another poster designed to mark 150 years of European settlement in Australia, this design by Charles Meere shows the Sydney Harbour Bridge rising above a sailing ship and the city skyline. Gum trees and Aboriginal people can be seen in the foreground. Courtesy of Margaret Stephenson-Meere. National Library of Australia, nla.pic-an7944958.
Sydney postage stamp mural, 1980s
This three-panel mural, produced by Alban Watkins to commemorate Australia's bicentenary in 1988, shows the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney skyline. Made of postage stamps, this mural is one of a series of three. Courtesy: The family of the late Alban Watkins. National Museum of Australia. Photo: George Serras.
Zoom in on the Sydney postage stamp mural
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Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Walk for Reconciliation photograph, 2000
Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Walk for Reconciliation, Corroboree 2000, with the Aboriginal flag flying beside the Australian flag. Photo: Loui Seselja. Courtesy: National Library of Australia, nla.pic-an24526893.
Climbing the coathanger photograph
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened to climbers in 1998, providing public access to the catwalks which extend over the arch. Photo: Andrew Barron.