A breathtaking new scenic video has been released to celebrate the successful first stage of restoration on Victoria’s longest timber trestle rail bridge, the historic Snowy Rail Bridge.
Featuring stunning drone and camera footage, the video captures sweeping views over the iconic bridge and the Snowy River floodplains.
Beyond preserving the historic structure, which was built around 1914 and operated until the last train crossed in 1987, a major objective of the restoration project is to enhance Orbost’s already outstanding visitor opportunities.
Left to deteriorate over decades, the visibly sagging bridge was at severe risk of collapse until the Save the Snowy Rail Bridge Association was formed by dedicated locals in 2015.
Association president Liz Mitchell said the community’s goal was always to save and repurpose the town’s unmistakable icon for public use.
“We formed a local association to lobby and advocate for funding to restore the bridge so that it became a walking and cycling route,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Not just to pick it up and prop it up as a historic remnant, but for it to be something that people could experience and walk and cycle across and enjoy.”
Backed by funding from the Victorian State Government in 2020, Stage 1 of the project focused on time-sensitive, critical repairs to stabilise the failing substructure.
This crucial work allowed crews to install new decking on both ends of the bridge.
Today, visitors approaching the western end are treated to a 300-metre walk through the rainforest, leading to a picturesque picnic area.
The space features expansive viewing platforms with sweeping views of the flood plain and mountains, as well as timber tables decorated with carvings by Indigenous artist Alfie Hudson.
At the far end of the bridge, a bright red entry colonnade, modelled on the exact dimensions of historical VFTY timber wagons, welcomes visitors.
The colonnade is accompanied by interpretive signage detailing the rich history of the railway, the local area and the community campaign that saved the bridge.
With Stage 1 successfully delivered, the association is now setting its sights on the future.
“We are really proud of the work we’ve done to deliver Stage 1,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We are looking forward to completing this project with Stage 2, completing the restoration of the bridge and enabling people to walk all the way across it.”
Locals and visitors to Orbost can view the promotional video at the Orbost Arts Centre, or online via YouTube.
For further information and details about the Snowy Rail Bridge project, interested community members are encouraged to contact the association via email.
