Acheron Breakaway Bridge
The Acheron Breakaway Bridge is a wooden trestle bridge located over the Goulburn River at Acheron. It was built by May 1921, after the Goulburn River broke-away from its original alignment during a major flood event. The new alignment divided private property and created an unusual situation where the river and bridge were no longer on crown land. This land was later donated to the Government.
Wood for the bridge was donated by the local Dobson and Rennie families and the structure was built with wooden trestles, timber railings and running boards (boards on top of the bridge for wheels to move along). In 1932, the bridge was extended to the south by 150 feet after a flood the previous year had eroded a significant quantity of soil away from the southern bank. Four trestles from the northern end of the bridge were also removed, the area backfilled and the road extended to the bridge's new edge.
In 2013 the bridge was saved from being replaced with a concrete bridge, when Acheron locals led a groundswell of opposition against the local Shire's plans. The wooden bridge was fully restored and opened in April 2014.
Today the Breakaway Trestle Bridge is a remarkable example of the longevity of well-built wooden bridges. It remains Acheron's only man made public tourist attraction and is extremely popular with anglers, wedding photographers, artists, and the general public - who appreciate it for its beauty and majesty.
Note: The bridge was badly damaged during the October 2022 floods and is currently closed.
Directions
From Acheron
1. Turn north east into Acheron Road off the Maroondah Highway
2. Travel 1 km and cross the Acheron River bridge.
3. Turn immediately left into Breakaway Road.
4. Travel 1 km to the Breakaway Historic Bridge.
From Alexandra
1. Travel south along Grant Street for 1 km, until your reach the town boundaries. Continue along Mount Pleasant Road for 2 km,
2. At the intersection, continue to the right along the sealed Hoban's road.
3. Travel for 3 km to the historic bridge
Location
Breakaway Road, Acheron 3714 Map
