A very Indian brekkie on an iconic Aussie bridge

Zooming through the Harbour Bridge, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to stop and stare at the magnificent iron arches of the Coat Hanger. As if reading my mind, Nathan Rees rolled out an emerald-green grass carpet, and invited 6000 Sydneysiders to indulge in a leisurely breakfast, and watch the sun rise over our glorious harbour, atop our most iconic bridge. Yours truly and three friends were among the lucky ones.

On the morning of October 25, 2009 we began our journey towards Milsons Point with some anticipation: a forecast of stormy rains threatened to ruin the day. At 5am on the train from Town Hall, the atmosphere was similar to taking a train to Olympic Park for a major play-off: crowds eager for the event to begin and the excitement palpable in the air.

Once at Milson’s Point, we knew we were part of something special—the station underpass was swarming with volunteers and crew dressed in Breakfast on the Bridge regalia; families, couples and friends lined up to get onto the bridge; helicopters hovering above capturing the moment for posterity; roving entertainers building up the mood; and of course the Harbour Bridge looming over the scene, almost within reach.

As we made our way along the two kilometre walk up to the bridge, the stage was set—we were in a charming country town. The fiddler played his gentle tunes from an antique car, folk musicians welcomed guests from a dusty truck, floral garlands were strung across the bridge, cows in their stables were waiting to be fed by the guests, shiny red apples lay at the base of trees, and finally we could feel the freshly damp grass under our feet.

We were given our token for allocated picnic spots—at number 6, we were bang in the centre of the bridge, the sails of the Opera House suspended just behind us. Hungrily we unpack our picnic bags—walnut bread, muffins and yogurt. Then our friends open up their goodies: spicy moong, crisp Gujarati khakhras, peppered puris and the Indian elixir of life—steaming masala chai. It turned out to be a very Indian nashta on an iconic Aussie bridge.

And then the goodies began pouring in. First off, the tempting Bartalow apples we weren’t allowed to pluck earlier. Then the rich, organic Yalla yogurt, fresh bread from Abbott’s Village Bakery and real fruit Cuttaway Creek jam—a delicious display of local NSW produce.

Our group chattered away, eating the delicious brekkie. Our cameras clicked madly trying to capture this awesome event and this new perspective of the bridge which looks so different from underneath, even if you’ve done the Bridge Climb.

As if these memories weren’t enough, the lovely volunteers get into action again—this time distributing Breakfast on the Bridge 2009 souvenirs! It was our very own piece of history to take home. For now though, we put on the caps and badges. The helicopters fly around, and the crowds rise in undulating waves. This is the moment—a moment in Sydney’s history, where many of her residents—across age, religion and race—came together to regale in her beauty.

After all the excitement, comes the moment of silent contemplation. The sun shines brightly and the clouds have parted, and the true majesty of this imposing piece of architecture dawns on me. In the midst of this crowd of 6000+, for a moment I was alone with the bridge—she spoke to me, her massive iron arms seemed to extend in a gesture of friendship. Thus far, I had been a stranger in a strange land. Today, I know her a little better, and perhaps she knows me a little too.

Breakfast on the Bridge was a highlight event as part of the month-long festival Crave Sydney 2009 and will be back next year.