Information
Landmark: Story BridgeCity: Brisbane
Country: Australia
Continent: Australia
Story Bridge, Brisbane, Australia, Australia
Overview
The Story Bridge stands as one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks, its steel arches cutting a bold shape against the city’s skyline.The heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge stretches across the Brisbane River, linking Fortitude Valley in the north to Kangaroo Point in the south, its grey beams glinting in the afternoon sun.Since it opened in 1940, it’s been Australia’s longest cantilever bridge, carrying traffic across the span and drawing visitors who stop to watch the river glint in the sun.Here are the standout features of Story Bridge 1, from its steel arches to the sweeping river views.Architecture and construction design: the Story Bridge is a steel cantilever structure, stretching across the water without a single pier touching the river below.They picked this design because the Brisbane River runs deep and its currents can tug hard, like a steady pull beneath the surface.The bridge stretches 1,072 meters-about 3,517 feet-with its longest section, the main span, reaching 282 meters, roughly the width of three football fields.The bridge towers 80 meters, or 262 feet, over the Brisbane River, where you can see the city stretch out in every direction, rooftops glinting in the sun.Construction began in 1935 and wrapped up in 1940, with the Story Bridge rising over the river as one of the city’s biggest projects, putting countless people back to work during the Great Depression.John Bradfield, who also engineered the Sydney Harbour Bridge, designed this bridge, sketching its arches with the same precision he was famous for.Number two.One of the best ways to experience the Story Bridge is to join the Adventure Climb, where a guide leads you to the summit for sweeping views of Brisbane, the river glinting far below.From the summit, you can take in Brisbane’s skyline, spot the Glass House Mountains rising to the north, trace the Scenic Rim rolling south, and, on a clear day, see the shimmer of Moreton Bay in the distance.You can join the climb at sunrise, in the bright light of day, during a golden twilight, or under a night sky scattered with city lights, choosing the moment that feels right for you.Thrill Factor: The climb delivers a rush-your pulse quickens on the steep steps-but it’s built to be safe and manageable for anyone with moderate fitness.Number three.The Story Bridge is a vital link between Brisbane’s north and south, with over 100,000 cars, buses, and trucks rumbling across its span each day.Pedestrian and Bicycle Access: The bridge has separate walkways and bike lanes, so walkers can linger over the view, joggers can keep their pace, and cyclists can cruise by without weaving through crowds.Several bus routes run past the bridge, so it’s easy to reach from all over Brisbane-whether you’re coming from the bustling Queen Street Mall or quieter suburbs nearby.Number four.After dark, the Story Bridge glows with shifting bands of LED color, casting shimmering reflections across the Brisbane River.The lights often change to match special events, holidays, or causes-think bright red and green glowing for Christmas.Pink stands for Breast Cancer Awareness, like the soft blush of a ribbon pinned to a sweater.Wear purple to mark International Women’s Day-the deep, rich shade of spring violets.At night, the glow of the Story Bridge turns it into one of Brisbane’s most photographed sights.Number five sits there, small and sharp like a hook on the page.During Brisbane’s Riverfire, the Story Bridge becomes the centerpiece, glowing beneath a cascade of fireworks in this annual highlight of the Brisbane Festival.Fireworks burst from the bridge, turning it into a launch point and filling the night with a dazzling blaze of color.Bridge to Brisbane draws thousands each year, with runners and walkers streaming over the bridge in bright shirts to raise money for charity.Number six.Howard Smith Wharves sits just under the bridge, where the river laps quietly at the edge of lively bars, stylish restaurants, and buzzing breweries-an ideal place to unwind while watching the bridge glow at dusk.Just a short stroll from the bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs draw people for rock climbing, abseiling, and relaxed picnics on the sun-warmed grass.Eagle Street Pier, on the city side, buzzes with sleek restaurants where glasses clink and the river glints in the afternoon sun.In the end, Story Bridge isn’t just a way to get across the river-it’s a piece of Brisbane’s history, a magnet for thrill‑seekers, and a proud city icon that gleams in the sun.Drive across it with the wind in your hair, wander its winding paths, climb until the city spills out below you, or pause by the river to take it in-the bridge holds the city’s spirit in every view.
