After it was damaged in the Black Summer Bushfires five-and-a-half years ago, the rebuild of the Thurra River Bridge is finally complete, providing access to pristine forests and
campsites for fun family trips away to the
great outdoors.
Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced last Wednesday the completion of the Thurra River Bridge replacement and Thurra River campground rebuild following fire and flood damages.
“The reopening of Thurra River Bridge
is a significant milestone in restoring access to some of Victoria’s most pristine and remote areas so future generations can continue to enjoy the best of our great outdoors,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“We thank East Gippsland for their patience as DEECA on behalf of Parks Victoria delivered this complex rebuild with care and caution, designed to withstand future extreme weather events.”
The design and construction of the replacement bridge meets modern standards and accounts for the changed river course – using construction materials such as concrete and steel which will enhance the infrastructure’s resilience to future bushfire and flood events.
BMD Constructions successfully completed the rebuild, managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), in partnership with the land manager, Parks Victoria.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said while locals are relieved the bridge is finally open, there is deep anger and frustration that it has taken more than half a decade for this vital piece of infrastructure to be rebuilt.
“And we must remember the promised rebuild of the Cape Conran cabins and jetties around Mallacoota Inlet have still not been replaced as we head into a sixth year since the fires,” Mr Bull said.
“The delays have been nothing short of a disgrace. For five-and-a-half years, families, tourists and local businesses have been forced to live with lost income.
“The Thurra campground is the second largest in the region, yet it has been locked away because of government inaction and red tape,” Mr Bull said.
The lengthy closure has not only stifled the local tourism economy but also undermined community confidence in the ability of government agencies to deliver recovery projects in a timely manner.
“The fires tore through in early 2020. It should never have taken until late 2025 to restore a single bridge,” he said.
“This is not just about one road crossing, it’s also about accountability. Communities deserve better than five-plus years of excuses.
“Yes, we are pleased it is reopening. But let’s be crystal clear – it should never, ever have taken this long and much still remains to be finished.”
The new Thurra Bridge campground and Mueller Campground are now open for the school holidays, with toilet access and provide a good base site for walking trails across the national park.
Among the first campers will be a group evacuated from Thurra during the 2020 bushfire, who were offered the opportunity to stay at the new campground over the school holidays.
Several other nearby camping grounds are also open to the public, including Binn Beach, Gunnai Beach, Peachtree Creek Reserve, Tamboon Inlet and Wingan Inlet.
The reopening of Thura River Bridge has permitted construction and repairs to commence along Point Hicks Road.
These works are ongoing and public road access to the Point Hicks precinct and more works to help restore additional camping locations at the Thurra River Campground is expected to finish in early 2026.
For more information, visit the Parks
Victoria website.
CAPE CONRAN CABINS
In a letter addressed to the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry on September 18, 2025, Parks Victoria chief executive officer Lee Miezis provided an update regarding the recovery around the Cape Conran Coastal Park.
According to Mr Miezis, the site preparation for the Cape Conran Cabins is expected to commence in late 2025, with the installation of the cabins onsite expected to begin in
early 2026.
The cabins, which are currently sitting at a
site in Bairnsdale, are anticipated to be
fully operational and welcoming visitors by summer 2026-27.
