Tours at the Pylon

School Group Tours

Take your classroom on an educational journey to the South-East Pylon, uncovering the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Discover the fascinating history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and engage your students with interactive learning experiences. Suitable for Stages 1 to 3 (ages 5-12), this one-hour, curriculum-linked tour of the South-East Pylon explores the Bridge’s construction and evolving uses since the 1930s. Led by our expert Tour Guide, students will enjoy interactive activities that keep them engaged and entertained. Each tour includes a Teacher’s Pack with pre and post-tour resources and classroom activities to extend the learning experience. 

If you’re looking for a high school tour, we can arrange that too! Our experienced Tour Guides can tailor the content to suit your needs. Just ask our team, or enquire below.  

During this Stage 1 school excursion, students will explore the historical and geographical significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout & Museum. Linked to both History and Geography curriculum outcomes, this hands-on experience allows students to engage with the past and present, uncovering how this iconic landmark has shaped the community and continues to play an important role today. 

Aligned with key curriculum objectives, students will: 

  • Describe the features of places and understand the connections people have with them, using tools like Google Earth to locate the Sydney Harbour Bridge and other key landmarks. 
  • Investigate how people interact with and care for places like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and acquire geographical information through observation and inquiry. 
  • Communicate their understanding of change and continuity by exploring the Bridge’s historical impact on the community and identifying significant people, events, and technological innovations used during its construction. 

 
This Stage 1 school tour connects students to their local history and geography, helping them develop skills in inquiry, observation, and communication 

During this Stage 2 school excursion, students will delve deeper into the historical and geographical significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout & Museum. Linked to both History and Geography curriculum outcomes, this experience allows students to explore how the bridge has shaped Sydney’s development, from its construction to its role in modern celebrations and sustainability efforts. 

Aligned with key curriculum objectives, students will: 

  • Geography Outcomes: Examine the features of places and environments using tools like Google Earth to investigate natural and human features of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its surrounding areas. They will discuss the bridge’s impact on transportation, accessibility, and connections within Sydney, as well as differing perceptions around its management and sustainability. 
  • History Outcomes: Identify and explore significant celebrations, such as the bridge’s opening ceremony and its ongoing role in events like New Year’s Eve. Students will examine the contributions of workers during the bridge’s construction and the impact it had during the Great Depression, as well as explore the effects of British colonisation on infrastructure development in Australia. 

 

Students will consider: 

  • How the Sydney Harbour Bridge connects different parts of Sydney and impact daily life.
  • What role the Bridge plays in significant celebrations and commemorations today.
  • How the Bridge can be made more environmentally sustainable in the future.


This Stage 2 school tour connects students to important local and global history, while engaging them in geographical inquiry, enhancing their skills in observation, analysis, and communication 

During this Stage 3 school excursion, students will explore the diverse geographical features and historical significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout & Museum. This hands-on learning experience connects to both Geography and History curriculum outcomes, allowing students to investigate how the bridge has impacted Sydney’s environment, society, and economy over time. 

 

Aligned with key curriculum objectives, students will: 

  • Geography Outcomes: Investigate the geographical location of the Sydney Harbour Bridge using tools such as Google Earth to understand the natural and human features of Sydney Harbour and how the environment has evolved. They will explore how the construction of the bridge altered the physical landscape and improved transportation and connections between different parts of the city. Students will also consider historical and economic influences on the management of Sydney Harbour’s environment and infrastructure. 
  • History Outcomes: Examine the significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia’s history, including its construction during the Great Depression, its role in economic recovery, and its ongoing importance as a symbol of resilience and progress. Students will also explore the experiences of workers involved in its construction and the bridge’s influence on Australian society over time, considering how historical events, such as World War I, affected its development. 

 

Students will consider: 

  • How the Sydney Harbour Bridge has altered Sydney’s physical environment and improved connections between different parts of the city.
  • What was the significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s construction during the Great Depression, and how it impacted Australian society.
  • How the Bridge’s uses and purposes evolved over time, and what future developments could make it more sustainable.

 
This Stage 3 school tour engages students in both historical and geographical inquiry, helping them develop their skills in observation, analysis, and communication. It also fosters an understanding of how landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge have shaped the community and continue to play a vital role in Australia’s development.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • Private Guided Tour
  • Teacher’s Pack containing pre and post classroom activities and additional resources
  • Exclusive Viewing of Historical Documentary
  • Photo Stop and Panoramic Views at the Lookout
  • Engaging tour activities to keep the students entertained and engaged
  • Student Activity Sheet
  • Connection to K-6 History Syllabus: Focus on significant events and people that shaped Sydney.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR PYLON SCHOOL TOUR

To book your school excursion, please complete our enquiry form below or email us at [email protected]. We’ll confirm availability and send a quote for approval. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation and a Teacher’s Pack (for Stage 1, 2, or 3 guided tours).