Victoria Bridge, Townsville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Victoria Bridge, Townsville |
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The Bridge at Dawn with the Sugarshaker (Townsvilles Highest Building) in the background.
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| Coordinates | 19°15′37″S 146°49′06″E / 19.2604°S 146.8184°E |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Ross Creek, South Townsville |
| Locale | Townsville, Queensland |
| Heritage status | Queensland Heritage Register (ID 600928) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Swing bridge |
| Material | Steel |
| History | |
| Constructed by | G. H. Royce & Co. |
| Construction begin | 1888 |
| Opened | 2 July 1889 |
| Closed | 1975 |
| Victoria Bridge, Townsville | |
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| Location | Stokes Street, Townsville, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1888 - 1980s |
| Official name: Victoria Bridge | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600928 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1889-1975 (historical use) |
| Significant components | machinery/plant/equipment - transport - road, pier/s (bridge) |
| Builders | G H Royce & Co |
The Victoria Bridge is a special bridge in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It crosses Ross Creek and is known as a swing bridge. This means a part of it could swing open to let boats pass through.
The bridge was built a long time ago, between 1888 and 1889. It was one of only two swing bridges of its kind ever built in Australia. Even though the swing part stopped working by 1924, the bridge was still used by cars until 1975. Later, in 1988, it was changed into a bridge just for people walking. Now, it even has modern shops built along its side! The Victoria Bridge is so important that it's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
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History of the Victoria Bridge
The Victoria Bridge is quite unique. Only one other metal swing bridge like it was built in Australia, and that was in Tasmania. The idea for the Townsville bridge started in 1885. A company called G.H. Royce & Co. won the job to build it for about £18,868.
The bridge officially opened on 2 July 1889. It was used for cars and other vehicles for many years, until 1975. Its special design allowed a central part to swing open. This was very clever because it let large ships travel up the shallow Ross Creek. Big ships could use the deeper left channel, while smaller boats used the shallower right channel.
Over time, Townsville's main business area grew closer to the mouth of Ross Creek. This meant ships didn't need to travel as far up the creek to unload their goods. Because of this, the swing part of the bridge stopped being used by 1924. This happened because the central part of the bridge, called the drum, had moved a little.
Even though it couldn't swing anymore, cars kept using the bridge for another 50 years. By the 1980s, the bridge was getting old and people thought it might be taken down. But in 1988, the Townsville City Council worked with a developer to save it. They fixed it up and added new shops and restaurants. The areas around the bridge were also made nicer. Today, the shops along the bridge are a popular spot for people to meet up.
What the Victoria Bridge Looks Like
The Victoria Bridge was originally made completely of steel, except for its wooden top surface. It had a central drum, which was like a big round base. This drum held a special gas engine that made the middle part of the bridge swing open.
Today, the bridge looks a bit different. It still has its strong steel structure, but it doesn't swing open anymore. The old gas engine was taken out and is now on display near the city end of the bridge. Modern shops have been built along the bridge's length. There's even a restaurant under one end and an office under the other. Even though it has changed, the bridge is still very strong and an important part of Townsville.
Why the Victoria Bridge is Special
The Victoria Bridge is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it's important for several reasons:
- It shows clever design: The way this central swinging bridge was built was a very smart way to cross a shallow waterway. It was a great engineering idea for its time.
- It's rare: There was only one other bridge like it ever built in Australia, which makes it very uncommon.
- It's part of history: The bridge has been a key part of Townsville's look and its growth for over 100 years. It has a special connection with the community.
Engineering Award
The Victoria Bridge has also received a special award called a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia. This award recognizes important engineering achievements in Australia's history.
Images for kids
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Looking across the Victoria Bridge to Townsville CBD with Castle Hill, Townsville in the background, circa 1955
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View of the underside of the bridge with the central drum that allowed the bridge to pivot, 2016
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The swinging span of the bridge deck, 2016
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Boat approaching the swinging span, 2016
