Sea Cliff Bridge, NSW Australia

I always marvel at the engineering feat of building any kind of bridge, including its design, functionality, and the complexity of connecting two landmasses. Structures like the Navajo Bridge in the Grand Canyon, 476ft (145m) above the Colorado River, or what seems like a rickety suspension bridge when crossing Hillary Bridge in Nepal on the way to Everest Base Camp, but find that it is sturdy with dazzling views over Dudh Koshi River, or the mind-boggling 22mi (35.7km) long Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China built to shorten the highway route between two cities, never cease to amaze me. 

Then there are the architectural beauties around the world like the UNESCO-listed cantilever Firth Bridge in Scotland, carrying 200 trains per day, the famous suspension Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco that’s featured in more movies than any other bridge in the world, or the cable-stayed pedestrian Helix Bridge in Singapore inspired by the double helix of DNA. 

The commonality of all these bridges is the need to cross some form of waterway. However, there are instances where a bridge must navigate around a cliff face while maintaining a safe distance to avoid falling rocks. The Sea Cliff Bridge between the small coastal towns of Clifton and Coalcliff is one such example. 

The section between Clifton and Coalcliff was originally serviced by the Lawrence Hargrave Drive, a scenic road regularly prone to rock falls, erosion and mudslides, especially after high rainfall. When a large embankment slip caused the road's closure in 2003, restricting access between towns and large centres like Wollongong, the local community strongly protested and an alternate plan was developed. 

Building the bridge was a complex task. Engineers conducted detailed geological studies to deal with falling rocks. They also needed to protect the coastal environment, ensuring marine and land habitats were not harmed. Specific design methods were chosen so the bridge could withstand strong winds and saltwater conditions. Furthermore, the steep and rough terrain made construction difficult, requiring special techniques and equipment.

The result was a 2185ft (665m) long curving bridge around the contour of the cliff face, 135ft (41m) at its highest point. It opened in 2005 with two lanes, shoulders on either side and a pedestrian walkway. The bridge’s lifespan is estimated at 100 years.

Experiencing this engineering marvel on foot was a must. I strolled across the bridge, taking my time, absorbing the vastness of the Pacific Ocean to one side and the dramatically rising cliff face on the other. I almost felt suspended between the ocean and the cliffs. Add a sunny day to this, and the experience was pure bliss.