Story Bridge

The Story Bridge carries traffic over the Brisbane River in one grey steel span, and it has become the shape people draw when they draw Brisbane. It opened in 1940 to a design led by John Bradfield, who had worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and it was built largely with Australian steel and labour during a slow economic period. Walking across is free and takes about fifteen minutes, with the river bending below and the city towers on one side. A commercial climb takes small groups up the steelwork to the top chord. From underneath, the Kangaroo Point cliffs give the best view of the whole structure, particularly once the lighting comes on.

What you actually see

• The crossing on foot - a free walkway over the river with views up and down the reach.
• The bridge climb - a guided ascent of the steelwork to the upper chord.
• Kangaroo Point cliffs - the old quarry face beneath the southern approach, best for photographs.
• The night lighting - colour lighting on the steel, visible from the river walks.

When to go

April to October, Brisbane's dry and mild half of the year, suits both the walk and the climb. Summer afternoons are hot and storm-prone, and climbs are cancelled for lightning. Dawn and dusk climbs cost more and book out first. The walkway is open at all hours, and the lighting is worth a late look from the south bank.

Honest expectations

The walkway sits right beside heavy traffic, so it is loud and fumey, and the mesh fencing gets in the way of photographs. The climb is expensive for its length, involves a harness and a briefing, and personal cameras are generally not allowed on the structure. Seen from directly beneath, the bridge is painted grey steel rather than anything elegant.

Nearby

The Kangaroo Point cliffs, the river walk and Fortitude Valley are all adjacent.