Bredbo River railway bridge, Bredbo

The Bredbo River railway bridge is a timber structure built with a traditional deck truss design that carries the railway across the waterway. It spans the river in ten sections, each relatively short, allowing for simple construction methods and durable timber joinery.

Built between 1881 and 1889, the bridge was designed as part of the railway line connecting Queanbeyan to Cooma in inland New South Wales. It became essential infrastructure that opened access to the mining and rural areas of the southern highlands.

The bridge reflects Victorian railway engineering practices through its timber construction using local hardwood materials that were standard for this era. The design choices reveal how builders adapted to regional resources while meeting the growing transportation needs of the time.

The bridge is easily viewable from nearby walking paths and accessible to visitors who want to see the railway heritage of the region. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the area around the structure, and visit during dry weather when the riverbank is stable.

The bridge incorporates a timber deck truss pattern adapted from British railway designs but executed with Australian hardwood species. This fusion of imported engineering knowledge with local materials reflects how colonial engineers modified proven techniques for their specific environment.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -35.97478,149.16259

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:04