Bridges - the book

‘Historic and Significant Bridges of Australia’ by Don S. McMahon

I was impressed enough with this book that I purchased my own, even if it is to cross off each one as I visit them.

The sandstone Ross Bridge over the Macquarie River in Tasmania. It was built in 1836, and its intricate ornate cravings on each rib were done by 2 convicts  

Included in this study are a variety of Australian bridges, from the convict-built structures including Stone Arch and Brick Bridges, through to Metal Bridges up until 1880, Concrete Bridges up until 1910, and bridges that have historic or constructional significance.

The contents are divided by state, and then further divided into construction style. Don has attempted to obtain the date of its construction/opening, and details of its length, span, and use.

The bluestone Batesford  Bridge over the Moorabool River near Geelong. The Midland Highway now bypasses the bridge.

 The book also includes all the bridges found in Australia Post’s ‘2004 Landmark Bridges’ stamp series (Ross Bridge in Tasmania, Lockyer Creek Bridge in Queensland, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Birkenhead Bridge in Adelaide, and the Bolte Bridge in Melbourne).

Unfortunately no wooden bridges are included, maybe Don will create another entire book for them.

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, from across Farm Cove. The steel arch bridge was built in 1932 it carries 8 lanes of road traffic and 2 railway lines. It is the world's widest long-bridge & Australia's longest span bridge.