The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most recognizable structures in Australia. Affectionately known as “The Coathanger,” this steel arch bridge has a rich engineering and social history.
This quiz looks at the construction details, physical dimensions, and key historic events surrounding the span. You will see questions about the rivets, the engineering team, and its 1932 opening.
Once you finish, explore our trivia on bridges and engineering, learn about other famous landmarks, or browse our architecture section.
What is the affectionate nickname of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
The Steel Hanger
The Steel Hanger
The Coathanger
The Coathanger
The Coat Rack
The Coat Rack
The Iron Arch
The Iron Arch
What is the primary material used in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s arch?
Steel
Steel
Stone
Stone
Concrete
Concrete
Timber
Timber
In which decade was the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge completed?
1940s
1940s
1950s
1950s
1920s
1920s
1930s
1930s
In what year did the Sydney Harbour Bridge officially open to the public?
1932
1932
1928
1928
1930
1930
1934
1934
The Sydney Harbour Bridge connects the central business district to which northern suburb?
Newtown
Newtown
Balmain
Balmain
Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst
Milsons Point
Milsons Point
What is the name of the commercial tourism venture that allows people to walk to the top of the bridge?
Skywalk Sydney
Skywalk Sydney
BridgeClimb
BridgeClimb
Arch Ascent
Arch Ascent
Summit Tour
Summit Tour
Which historic area of Sydney is located immediately adjacent to the southern end of the bridge?
The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House
The Rocks
The Rocks
Luna Park
Luna Park
The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden
Who was the chief engineer responsible for the design and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Jørn Utzon
Jørn Utzon
John Bradfield
John Bradfield
Walter Burley Griffin
Walter Burley Griffin
Francis Greenway
Francis Greenway
What unusual event occurred moments before the formal opening of the bridge in 1932?
A royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II
A royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II
A ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Premier
A ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Premier
A massive fireworks display
A massive fireworks display
A protest by Captain Francis de Groot
A protest by Captain Francis de Groot
What is the height of the top of the bridge’s arch above sea level?
134 meters
134 meters
114 meters
114 meters
124 meters
124 meters
144 meters
144 meters
Approximately how much structural steel was used in the total construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
42,800 tonnes
42,800 tonnes
57,800 tonnes
57,800 tonnes
52,800 tonnes
52,800 tonnes
47,800 tonnes
47,800 tonnes
What type of structural design is the main span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Suspension bridge
Suspension bridge
Cable-stayed bridge
Cable-stayed bridge
Two-hinged arch
Two-hinged arch
Cantilever bridge
Cantilever bridge
How is the Sydney Harbour Bridge maintained to prevent rust from the marine environment?
It is repainted in its entirety annually
It is repainted in its entirety annually
It is maintained continuously by a permanent team of painters
It is maintained continuously by a permanent team of painters
It has never been repainted since its opening in 1932
It has never been repainted since its opening in 1932
It is repainted in its entirety every five years
It is repainted in its entirety every five years
Approximately how many rivets were used to hold the steel structure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge together?
5 million
5 million
4 million
4 million
6 million
6 million
7 million
7 million
Which major annual event famously features a spectacular midnight fireworks display launched directly from the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney
New Year’s Eve fireworks
New Year’s Eve fireworks
The Sydney Festival
The Sydney Festival
The Sydney Royal Easter Show
The Sydney Royal Easter Show
Economic conditions in Australia were severely impacted by which event during the bridge’s final construction phase?
World War II
World War II
The Great Depression
The Great Depression
The post-war economic boom
The post-war economic boom
The Gold Rush
The Gold Rush
What was the approximate final cost of the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction in 1932?
£8.25 million
£8.25 million
£6.25 million
£6.25 million
£10.25 million
£10.25 million
£4.25 million
£4.25 million
What engineering challenge was solved by using temporary cables to hold the half-arches during construction?
Supporting the heavy half-arches without placing scaffolding in the deep shipping channel
Supporting the heavy half-arches without placing scaffolding in the deep shipping channel
Preventing thermal expansion from changing the steel’s alignment
Preventing thermal expansion from changing the steel’s alignment
Dampening the vibrations caused by strong winds during the day
Dampening the vibrations caused by strong winds during the day
Reducing the weight of the steel members used in the arch
Reducing the weight of the steel members used in the arch
Which New South Wales Premier officially opened the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Arthur Phillip
Arthur Phillip
Edmund Barton
Edmund Barton
Jack Lang
Jack Lang
Robert Menzies
Robert Menzies
During which major event were the Olympic rings famously illuminated on the bridge?
2000 Sydney Olympics
2000 Sydney Olympics
The royal opening of the Sydney Opera House
The royal opening of the Sydney Opera House
The 1956 Melbourne Olympics Torch Relay
The 1956 Melbourne Olympics Torch Relay
Sesquicentenary of Australia (1938)
Sesquicentenary of Australia (1938)
What phenomenon requires the use of hinges in the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s arch?
Gradual sinking of the foundations into the harbor floor
Gradual sinking of the foundations into the harbor floor
Permanent deformation due to the weight of vehicles
Permanent deformation due to the weight of vehicles
Expansion and contraction due to temperature changes
Expansion and contraction due to temperature changes
Stretching of the structure due to tidal forces
Stretching of the structure due to tidal forces
What is the color of the paint used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Blue
Blue
Silver
Silver
Grey
Grey
Orange
Orange
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