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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year.

One of the world's most beautiful landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge has completed 80 years.

Opened on March 19, 1932, it took 10 years to build the world's widest long-span bridge, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

It cost 6.25 million pounds to build the bridge, locally called 'the coathanger'. The bridge is a backdrop to spectacular fireworks, during the annual New Year celebrations.

It carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore.

It is also the fifth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world, and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 metres (440 ft) from top to water level. Until 1967 the Harbour Bridge was Sydney's tallest structure.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Tim Wimborne/Reuters.

Motorcross rider Travis Pastrana of the US performs a back flip as he jumps his bike over a hovering helicopter in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.


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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Reuters.

A large letter "O" is seen illuminated on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in this handout taken December 11, 2010.

Television host Oprah Winfrey filmed two episodes of her talk show at the Sydney Opera House.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

Children roll a giant soccer ball across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during an event to support Australia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, before the start of the Breakfast on the Bridge event in central Sydney in 2010.

More than 7,000 people gathered together to picnic and have breakfast on the main deck of the Sydney Harbour bridge.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

Competitors pass under the Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Half Marathon at the Sydney Running Festival.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

The 60-foot-long Plastiki catamaran, built from more than 11,000 reclaimed bottles and other recycled plastic and waste products, is towed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the end of its Trans-Pacific crossing.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Mike Bowers/Reuters.

Britain's Prince William speaks to guests at a barbeque hosted by New South Wales' Premier Kristina Keneally at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are seen in the background.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Tim Wimborne/Reuters.

French dancer Philippe Priasso performs his work 'Transports Exceptionnels' while hanging under the bucket of an earthmover in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

Competitors pass the Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Half Marathon at the Sydney Running Festival.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

People picnic and take breakfast on the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Breakfast on the Bridge event in central Sydney. More than 7,000 people gathered to picnic and have breakfast on the bridge.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

A view of the the Sydney Harbour Bridge covered with real grass before the start of Breakfast on the Bridge event in central Sydney.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Tim Wimborne/Reuters.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year.

Click NEXT to read more...

Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

People eat breakfast at the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Central Sydney.

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Stunning photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 14:15 IST
Daniel Munoz/Reuters.

People arrive to have breakfast at the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Central Sydney.