Gundagai Historic Bridges

Where: Murrumbidgee Flats, Gundagai

The landscape at Gundagai is dominated by three (formly four) bridges spanning the Murrumbidgee flats: the historic Prince Alfred Bridge (now demolished), the timber Railway Bridge, and now the dual Sheahan bridges of the Hume Highway.

The timber viaducts are wonderful examples of early engineering solutions to crossing a major flood plain. Their national significance is recognised with listing by the National Trust. They are a spectacular latticework of wooden trusses, spanning the flood plains and River.

Follow the River Walk from Yarri Park – they are well worth a look (follow the signs or pick up a brochure from the Visitor Centre).

Prince Alfred Bridge

The Prince Alfred Bridge was built in 1866, the first major crossing spanning the Murumbidgee River. It formed part of the Hume Highway until it was replaced by the first Sheahan Bridge built in 1976. The Prince Alfred Bridge was the longest timber viaduct in Australia. Unfortunately, sections of the bridge were removed early in 2021 after they were deemed a risk to public safety. The bridge was fully demolished in early November 2021.

After consultation with the community Department of Planning and Environment, Crown Lands constructed a memorial to remember and honour the bridge.

The memorial includes –

• A public gathering area on the floodplain off O.I. Bell Drive with recycled bridge timber used to create seating and decorative bollards, a reinstated bridge trestle, and a heritage interpretation panel with text and photos.

• 3D online model recreating the sights and sounds of the former bridge that would be accessible via a QR code on the interpretation panel.

Railway Bridge

Gundagai other famous bridge is the Railway Bridge which was completed in 1902. The viaduct is 819.4m long.