Sydney Harbour Bridge becomes grassy picnic ground

Some 6000 people make themselves comfortable as they participate in the 'Breakfast on the Bridge' event at the Sydney Harbor Bridge, in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2009. Photo: AP

Thousands of people ate breakfast on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the iconic steel span was transformed on Sunday into a grassy picnic ground.

Usually bustling with traffic, the bridge was covered by lawn laid specially for the morning event. It was attended by 6,000 lucky picnickers chosen in a ballot to enjoy food, music and the majestic view.

“It’s amazing to see the bridge in this perspective,” Sydney resident Don Fuchs said as he strolled across, taking in the Sydney Opera House.

“Usually you sit in the car, you cross it, and that’s it,” he said.

The event is part of the Crave Sydney festival, a major celebration of Sydney's way of life, offering 31 days of food, art, comedy and outdoor fun, including the Sydney International Food Festival.

Picnickers brought hampers full of fruits and croissants, while organizers handed out freshly baked bread, jams, apples and yoghurt.

A piano player played honky-tonk music while grazing cows added a rustic touch.

New South Wales state Premier Nathan Rees said the tourism promotion would likely become an annual event.