Australian Towns & Cities
South Australia: Murray Bridge
Incorporating photos and Information from Michael Greenslade's former Australian Towns, Cities and Highways site

Murray Bridge, one of South Australia's fastest growing regions lies at the eastern foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The area was first settled in the late 1830's but grew during and after construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River. The town became an important river port once the rail line was connected with Adelaide and shortly after the first rail bridge to cross the Murray River was completed.

Murray Bridge for many years was essentially a working class town (now a city), but has grown again in recent times due to many businesses from Adelaide decentralising in the regional centre as well as offering cheaper housing and opportunities considering the close proximity with Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. The city has also become the major centre for the southern and eastern Murray regions. The city itself is quite impressive (contrary to those who remember it in the 1980's and before) - offering a great shopping precinct and several parks abutting the Murray River (Sturt Reserve the standout feature). The view gained from the south side of the River is great as the two bridges (rail and road) provide an impressive foreground for the city. Other attractions in the area include: Puzzle Park, Dundee's Wildlife Park, Monarto Zoo (15km west), river cruises and the Bunyip (in Sturt Reserve). While now bypassed by the South Eastern Freeway, it's worth taking the detour and passing through (at least to see the old bridge!)


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Preview: Description:
Murray River Floodplain:
Looking into Murray Bridge from the Old Princes Highway with the Murray River floodplain and rail bridge in the foreground, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Murray River Floodplain:
And again, this time showing both the rail and road bridges over the Murray River, Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Murray River:
Looking southeast along Murray River at Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Murray Bridge:
View of Murray Bridge and South Eastern Fwy (M1), January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Sturt Reserve:
View of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Sturt Reserve:
View south-east over the Murray River in Sturt Reseve, Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Bridge Street:
Bridge Street, looking east approaching the Swanport Road (B35) junction, Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Bridge Street:
Bridge Street, looking west from Sixth Street, Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Bridge Street:
And again, this time taken from Seventh Street, Murray Bridge, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Murray Bridge CBD:
Bridge Street, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

Murray Bridge CBD:
Seventh Street, January 2004.

Image © Michael Greenslade

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016 Census Quickstats

Last updated: 23-Dec-2020 12:39

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