Bridgewater Swimming Hole (Bridgewater on Loddon)
Bridgewater on Loddon's dedicated swimming hole is a natural infinity pool in a beautiful location. There's a grassy slope running down to a timber deck with a ladder for entry/exit and kayak ramp. This safe and secluded spot is only for swimming and small watercraft, being sectioned off from the water skiing speed boats. There is a floating pontoon about 25m from the deck.
The water is shallow and diving is prohibited. Many people bring along inflatable rafts to enjoy the location.
Make a day of it and enjoy a river-side barbecue or take the short walk to the Bridgewater Bakery for top fare to please the whole family.
The area has shaded BBQs, picnic tables, shade sails, basketball half court, information signs, water tap, toilets, seats with views across the water, walking track and basketball ring.
Alcohol, camping and fires are not permitted in this area. Penalties apply. Do not install swing ropes or use swing ropes installed by others since there are dangerous.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on-lead.
History of the Bridgewater Weir
Information signs at the swimming hole have the following text:
Bridgewater, as its name suggests, has always been a place of river crossing. The rocks you see here are remnants of an ancient basalt flow which originated at Bald Hill in the south, flowing across the Loddon River and creating a natural crossing point which has been used by generations of people. Basalt is also a vital tool used by the Dja Dja Wurrung people to grind seed collected from nearby grasslands.
With the establishment downstream of the Flour Mill in 1873, and the building of the race to supply water to the waterwheel, a temporary wooden weir had been placed across the river at this point.
Prior to the building of the bridge across the Loddon in 1863, a punt operated about 100 meters below the weir allowing Cobb & Co's coaches to cross daily to the goldfields. The current weir, headrace to the mill and the diversion channel for the supply of water to farmers, was constructed and opened in 1884. The weir allowed a more constant supply of water to the flourmill and also raised the water level to allow water to be diverted under the rock wall into the channel for about four weeks each year to fill farmers dams as far away as Serpentine.
The water dammed back in the river created a natural swimming pool in this very scenic section of the river.
A wooden pier was built, along with a children's pool area and a 30ft diving tower on the island completed an ideal swimming area. A swimming club was formed in 1930 and for about 50 years an annual swimming carnival was held here.
The pool also satisfied the needs of the Inglewood community until their pool was completed in 1959.
The pool facilities were removed several years ago and the local Progress Association have plans to beautify this area in the near future. From the early 1950's to the present time water skiing has been a very popular pastime and sport up stream of the Loddon River Bridge.
Photos:
Location
10 Brougham Street, Bridgewater on Loddon 3516 Map
