Jubilee Bridge

Jubilee Bridge crossed the Nerang River and connected Southport to Main Beach using ironbark timber, spotted gum, and reinforced concrete piers as its main structural elements. The structure spanned between the two banks as a key passage point until its removal in the middle of the 20th century.

Originally called Southport Bridge, it was renamed in November 1925 during the town's 50th anniversary celebration by Lieutenant Governor William Lennon. The construction marked a shift away from water-based transportation methods that had served the area before road and bridge infrastructure developed.

The bridge connected two communities across the water and became part of everyday life for locals moving between districts. It marked a shift in how people understood travel and distance along the river, turning what once required ferries into a simple crossing.

Access to the site involves walking along the riverbanks or through nearby paths in the central district where it once stood. Visitors should be aware that only remnants, plaques, or historical markers may remain today, as the structure was demolished decades ago.

A distinctive feature was a central lift span that could raise to allow boats passage, a process taking about 25 minutes before the system was abandoned in 1933 as river traffic declined. This engineering solution reflected the bridge's dual purpose in an era when both water and road transportation mattered for commerce and movement.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -27.97450,153.42300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21