This arch bridge connects the central business district of Sydney to the northern suburbs of the city, joining Dawes Point on the south side of the harbour to Milsons Point on the north shore.

When it was completed in 1932, it was the largest of its type in the world; it is still among the largest single-arch bridges.

The maximum height of the arch above mean high tide water is 135m. The length of the span is 503m, while the total length of the bridge, including approaches, is almost 3.9km. The grey granite pylons stand 87m high.

The bridge was designed by a British firm, Dorman Long of Middlesborough; the supervising engineer was Dr J.J.C. Bradfield whose name has been given to a major highway which crosses the bridge.

The bridge carries an eight-lane roadway (which originally included tramways), pedestrian, dual railway tracks.

It took nine years to build and at the official opening, on 19 March 1932 The proceedings were disrupted when an officer of the New Guard cut the ceremonial ribbon before the Premier of NSW, J.T. LANG, could do so.