what are the best bridges in melbourne (2)

What Are The Best Bridges In Melbourne?

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    Within the city, you can choose from a wide variety of bridges. The confluence of the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers in Melbourne creates an estuary. In addition to new motorways, major bridges are required. The most interesting are concentrated in the area around the Yarra River, which is very accessible by bicycle or foot. A great place to stroll or ride a bike is along the Yarra River Trail, which is part of the longer Capital City Trail.

    You can see the most bridges along the Yarra River from South Yarra all the way back to the CBD and Docklands (check the map below for more details). The time just before sundown is best. I love taking shots of the bridges around sunset because the sky turns a gorgeous shade of reddish orange. If you don't have a camera, you can use the one in your phone instead.

    The bridges in Docklands are among my favourites. All of them look spectacular when spotlighted at night, but the morning hues are what make the journey worthwhile. From South Yarra to Docklands, here are my six favourite Melbourne bridges.

    My top six recommended bridges in Melbourne are featured, as well as a complete list of Melbourne's most impressive bridges.

    The Best Bridges In Melbourne

    Because a river runs right through the middle of Melbourne, the city's infrastructure relies heavily on its many bridges. Compared to, say, Hamburg, Germany (with 2,300), we don't have quite as many bridges, but we still have quite a few.

    We have bridges, and most of them are notable due to their size or architecture. Some people have been able to surprise all Melbourne drivers, resulting in numerous car accidents and fatalities.

    Church Street Bridge

    In order to get from Church Street in Richmond to Chapel Street in South Yarra/Prahran, you have to cross this bridge. At this point, we'll begin our photo ride/walk. Tram no. 8 from the CBD stops at the intersection of Chapel Street and Toorak road, making it a convenient option for anyone wishing to make their way here. From there, getting to the bridge is a breeze. The city can be seen in the background of the below photo, which was taken from the side, around a hundred metres from the bridge. It's hard to beat the background light at sunset.

    In 1857, an iron girder bridge was constructed as the first crossing across the river. With a span of 210 feet (64 m) and side trusses that were solid riveted iron 10 feet (3.0 m) in height, this bridge was purchased from the British government at the conclusion of the Crimean War in an effort to protect British troops from Russian snipers. The bridge was taken apart and rebuilt with stone buttresses in their original locations.

    Hoddle Bridge

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    I imagine this bridge to be one of the busiest in Melbourne. No time of day is free from heavy traffic. Taken from the Capital City Trail, this view of the city shows not one but two bridges—the Hoodle and the M1—meeting in the middle. Visit on an overcast day for the best backdrop. Because of Hoddle Bridge, residents of the Southside can also enjoy the "pleasure" of a drive along Punt Road.

    This white concrete bridge with Art Deco columns and balustrades connects Richmond (or more precisely, Cremorne) with South Yarra. The western views over the Yarra, the city centre, and AAMI Park make this bridge a pleasant one to traverse on foot despite the noise of the passing vehicles.

    Melbourne, Australia's Richmond and South Yarra neighbourhoods are connected by the arch bridge Hoddle Bridge over the Yarra River. It's the crossing point for Punt Road over the Yarra. It's a five-lane highway bridge with tiny walkways on either side. Five segmental-arched spans are supported by transverse piers and connected by concrete cross-beams in this bridge's continuous reinforced concrete T-beam design.

    West Gate Bridge

    Anyone who has driven over the West Gate can attest to the fact that the view from the 58-meter height is breathtaking, including the city and West Gate "pink lake" Park on one side and the shipyards on the other. In spite of its size and the fact that it has five lanes in each direction, the bridge is extremely congested. But the West Gate has seen tragedy as well.

    In 1970, while the bridge was still being built, an area of it collapsed, killing 35 workers and injured 18. After Darcey Freeman was murdered in 2009, the bridge was fortified with permanent barriers. Another car-only span joining Melbourne with its western suburbs and Geelong. Only on designated days, such as October's Around The Bay, are bicycles allowed.

    Maribyrnong Railway Bridge

    The Maribyrnong Railway Bridge is one of Melbourne's most impressive landmarks. The structure, which dates back to 1860, may be seen from the riverside walkway.

    The beauty of this bridge makes it a top contender for the title of "most beautiful" in Melbourne. For a summertime tea or lunch, cross Kane's Bridge, another bridge along the Yarra river path that leads to the Studley Park Boathouse. Located close to IKEA and the Maribyrnong River, Victoria Bridge dates back to 1860.

    FAQs The Best Bridge In Melbourne

    Not only does the Bolte Bridge offer one of the best views of Melbourne’s city skyline, but it’s also a pretty sight to see from a distance – especially if you imagine the two enormous concrete box girders as two middle fingers to Bolte’s main rival, the West Gate.

    Maribyrnong Railway Bridge: one of the most beautiful bridges of Melbourne. Dated back to 1860, it can be seen from the walk along the Maribyrnong river Kane’s Bridge: another bridge along the Yarra river walk that connects to the Studley Park Boathouse, a nice place for a tea or lunch in summer.

    Melbourne is responsible for 13 bridges within the city's boundary, ranging from footbridges to heritage-listed bridges such as Princes Bridge.Nov 11, 2003

    The Hawthorn Bridge crosses the Yarra River, five kilometres (3.1 mi) east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, connecting Bridge Road and Burwood Road. It is the oldest extant bridge over the Yarra River and is one of the oldest metal bridges in Australia.

    The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. Not only is it the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, but it also spans one of the globe's finest natural harbours.

    Bolte Bridge

    The Bolte Bridge is not just a great vantage point for taking in the Melbourne skyline, but it's also quite a sight to behold from afar, especially if you picture the bridge's two massive concrete box girders as two middle fingers to Bolte's primary rival, the West Gate.

    Connecting the West Gate, Monash, and Tullamarine highways, Bolte is a crucial link in the city's transportation network. In honour of the late Sir Henry Bolte, the Premier of Victoria, the area bears his name. Not to toot our own horn, but the Bolte is Australia's longest and highest balanced cantilever cast in situ box girder bridge. That's right, go to the other bridges. It is a link between the Airport and southern Melbourne. That bridge isn't meant for pedestrians. The view from the Docklands Library of it at night is stunning.

    Morell Bridge

    The topic of this bridge is covered in depth on a page on Wikipedia. A pedestrian and cycling bridge, it is located within a short distance of the central business district. Next to it is a brand-new stadium called AAMI Stadium, which features colourful flashing LED lights.

    It's in a fantastic spot. On the Capital City Trail, you may walk besides the bridge and snap a photo from a unique angle. The river's reflection in the late afternoon or evening is beautiful, and there are many fantastic areas to explore on foot.

    Morell Bridge is an underappreciated beauty that spans the Yarra at Anderson Street in South Yarra. Unfortunately, it is sometimes overshadowed by the nearby Hoddle Bridge and does not receive as much attention as the more famous Princes Bridge. However, upon closer inspection, you'll see that Morell is way cooler than you anticipated, thanks to the enormous dragon designs that decorate its edges. That's right, it's a protected historic site. NBD. Three arch spans are decorated with various embellishments, the most prominent of which are enormous dragon designs and Victorian-style lights. The bridge has bluestone cobbles for its gutters and a bitumen strip for one traffic lane. The bridge is recognised as a cultural resource in Victoria, Australia.

    Princes Bridge

    This bridge is the primary link between Melbourne's central business district and the southern part of the city. This bridge, which I estimate carries 80 percent of all tram traffic, is the system's busiest link. Sunrise or sunset is fine. Beautiful illumination is present in either scenario. City or South Wharf—which do you prefer as a backdrop? Below is a photo captured on Australia Day from below Federation Square.

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    Yes, for all you grammar snobs, the Princes Bridge was formerly known as the Prince's Bridge (in honour of Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII), but we got lazy and dropped the apostrophe (in fact, there is a policy that possessive apostrophes can't be used in place names, which is nuts).

    Given its prevalence in countless images of Melbourne's skyline, this bridge is likely among the city's best-known landmarks. Also, it's a common sight to see people snapping pictures from that spot. It's not the fault of the bridge, which connects the Hoddle Grid's urban core to the city's arts district and Alexandra Gardens.

    Trivia: a wooden toll bridge stood in the spot where the Princes Bridge is now (not to be confused with a troll bridge). You should read the Wikipedia article about this bridge because it has so many interesting details.

    Seafarers Bridge

    We've arrived at Docklands, a part of town I frequently visit after dark. It's important to keep in mind that the majority of your time on this photo tour and shared ride will be spent in the dark. There are plenty of places to eat and drink if you need a break. In addition to its usefulness as a crossing point, the bridge provides a wealth of photo opportunities. One of my favourites is shown below; I've posted it in monochrome so that everyone can enjoy it.

    Bicycle tyres squeaking and clacking on Seafarers Bridge. What a fascinating development. By connecting the two sides of the Yarra River, boaters make it simpler for landlubbers to get to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and DFO South Wharf. The two elliptical arches are also a striking design element. The Seafarers Bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia connects the neighbourhoods of Docklands and South Wharf on opposite sides of the Yarra River.

    The bridge spans the river, providing access to the MCG from both banks.

    The primary bridge span is supported by steel ties, with three elliptical arches on the northern side and four on the southern side. The 'Mission to Seafarers' centre, located on the northern bank of the Yarra River, is an appropriate symbol of Melbourne's maritime tradition, and the bridge is named after it.

    The Webb Bridge

    This analysis concludes with a look at the Yarra River's final bridge. It's another pedestrian-only bridge, so you'll have plenty of time to get the perfect image. If you go, you must go at night. Incredible lighting on the cage, truly.

    Located close to Docklands, this pedestrian and bicycle bridge spans the Yarra River. Its spiderweb-like structure and the steep hairpin turn at its end are what give it its notoriety, as they frequently result in an accident between a fast-moving cyclist and a pedestrian who isn't paying attention.

    The Docklands Authority commissioned Robert Owen to create Webb Bridge. Owen claims that the bridge symbolises the gestural movement of the river below and the Koori fishing traps above it. The design was conceived as a poetic and symbolic expression of unity, drawing influence from indigenous pasts.

    Montague Street Bridge

    There is possibly no bridge in Melbourne, nay Australia that is more infamous than the Montague Street Bridge. So woe betides the driver who underestimates the height of their vehicle when crossing underneath this bridge, located in Southbank. 

    Despite the fairly obvious danger stripes and “LOW CLEARANCE 3.0M” sign, this bad boy of bridges is famous for regularly decapitating trucks and other large vehicles.  It’s become such a folk anti-hero that it even has a website counting the days since a vehicle last collided with it, plus its own Twitter account. Fun fact: the bridge is so unusually short due to the road being raised in the 1930s to minimise flooding.

    Sandridge Bridge

    The original Sandridge Bridge was built in 1853, but the current one wasn't built until the 1860s (and was partly worked on by John Monash). Before its reopening to foot and bicycle traffic in 2006, the Sandridge Bridge had served trains until 1987, when the line was converted to a tram route.

    The Travellers, a public sculpture by Nadim Karam consisting of nine movable sculptures, honour Melbourne's diverse immigrant population. From Southgate, you can go to Flinders Station by this. The immigration "walk" is a pleasant addition to this formerly rundown train overpass.

    MacRobertson Bridge

    The nearly century-old MacRobertson Bridge links Toorak and Richmond. Cars and bicycles make up the bulk of their users. It's possible to cross the Yarra River on horseback from north to south bank here.

    Charles Grimes Bridge

    The Charles Grimes Bridge isn't particularly noteworthy on its own, but the view of the city, Jim Styne's Bridge, and the Webb Bridge from this vantage point is breathtaking.

    King Street Bridge

    In Melbourne, Australia, King Street crosses the Yarra River on the King Street Bridge. The Crown Casino was constructed in the years after the bridge's elevated viaduct's southern extension.

    The bridge's initial design called for eight lanes spanning the Yarra River: two through lanes in each direction from King Street to Kings Way, and two lanes on either side from King Street to Yarra Bank Road.

    Tram line 58 emerges from City Road onto the median strip at the southern end, where northbound on and off-ramps link to Whiteman Street. The construction of Crown Casino in the 1990s led to the closure of Yarra Bank Road, and the bridge ramps were eventually connected to the casino's underground parking garage.

    West Gate Bridge

    The West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, spans the Yarra River just upstream from where it empties into Port Phillip. Steel box girders and cables hold up this suspension bridge.

    Located 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the south-west, it links the central business area (CBD) to the western suburbs, the western industrial suburbs, and the city of Geelong. A section of the West Gate Freeway passes through it. This site is situated on a major road in Australia.

    The main river span is 1,102 feet (336 m) in length and 58 m (190 ft) in height (190 ft). The length of the bridge from end to end is 2,582.6 metres (8,473 ft).

    While Melbourne's Bolte Bridge is longer by 5 km, this structure comes in at a respectable 5th (3.1 mi). The West Gate Bridge, which is more than twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has a water clearance of 58 metres (190 feet), making it one of Australia's highest road decks (161 ft).

    The bridge carries up to 200,000 vehicles per day across Westgate Park, a significant environmental and recreational reserve constructed in connection with the bridge.

    Conclusion

    Melbourne's infrastructure relies heavily on its many bridges. The most interesting are concentrated in the area around the Yarra River. From South Yarra to Docklands, my top six recommended bridges in Melbourne are featured. Includes a complete list of Melbourne's most impressive bridges. Compared to Hamburg, Germany (with 2,300), we don't have quite as many bridges, but we still have quite a few.

    Some people have been able to surprise all Melbourne drivers, resulting in accidents and fatalities. Melbourne's iconic Maribyrnong Railway Bridge may be seen from the riverside walkway. Hoddle Bridge is a five-lane highway bridge with tiny walkways on either side. Only on designated days, such as October's Around The Bay, are bicycles allowed on the West Gate Bridge. The Bolte Bridge is Australia's longest and highest balanced cantilever cast in situ box girder bridge.

    The view from the Docklands Library of it at night is stunning. Morell Bridge is an underappreciated beauty that spans the Yarra at Anderson Street in South Yarra. Melbourne's iconic Princes Bridge was formerly known as the Prince's Bridge. The Seafarers Bridge links Docklands and South Wharf on opposite sides of the Yarra River. By connecting the two sides, boaters make it simpler for landlubbers to get to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

    Montague Street Bridge is infamous for its spider-like structure and hairpin turn at its end. Sandridge Bridge was built in 1853, but the current one wasn't built until the 1860s. In Melbourne, Australia, King Street Bridge crosses the Yarra River. The West Gate Bridge is more than twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is one of Australia's highest road decks (161 ft) and has a water clearance of 58 m (190 feet).

    Content Summary

    1. Within the city, you can choose from a wide variety of bridges.
    2. The confluence of the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers in Melbourne creates an estuary.
    3. In addition to new motorways, major bridges are required.
    4. The most interesting are concentrated in the area around the Yarra River, which is very accessible by bicycle or foot.
    5. A great place to stroll or ride a bike is along the Yarra River Trail, which is part of the longer Capital City Trail.
    6. You can see the most bridges along the Yarra River from South Yarra all the way back to the CBD and Docklands (check the map below for more details).
    7. The bridges in Docklands are among my favourites.
    8. From South Yarra to Docklands, here are my six favourite Melbourne bridges.
    9. My top six recommended bridges in Melbourne are featured, as well as a complete list of Melbourne's most impressive bridges.
    10. The Best Bridges In Melbourne Because a river runs right through the middle of Melbourne, the city's infrastructure relies heavily on its many bridges.
    11. Compared to, say, Hamburg, Germany (with 2,300), we don't have quite as many bridges, but we still have quite a few.
    12. We have bridges, and most of them are notable due to their size or architecture.
    13. Church Street Bridge In order to get from Church Street in Richmond to Chapel Street in South Yarra/Prahran, you have to cross this bridge.
    14. Tram no.
    15. 8 from the CBD stops at the intersection of Chapel Street and Toorak road, making it a convenient option for anyone wishing to make their way here.
    16. From there, getting to the bridge is a breeze.
    17. In 1857, an iron girder bridge was constructed as the first crossing across the river.
    18. Hoddle Bridge
    19. I imagine this bridge to be one of the busiest in Melbourne.
    20. Melbourne, Australia's Richmond and South Yarra neighbourhoods are connected by the arch bridge Hoddle Bridge over the Yarra River.
    21. It's the crossing point for Punt Road over the Yarra.
    22. It's a five-lane highway bridge with tiny walkways on either side.
    23. West Gate Bridge Anyone who has driven over the West Gate can attest to the fact that the view from the 58-meter height is breathtaking, including the city and West Gate "pink lake" Park on one side and the shipyards on the other.
    24. But the West Gate has seen tragedy as well.
    25. Maribyrnong Railway Bridge The Maribyrnong Railway Bridge is one of Melbourne's most impressive landmarks.
    26. The Bolte Bridge is not just a great vantage point for taking in the Melbourne skyline, but it's also quite a sight to behold from afar, especially if you picture the bridge's two massive concrete box girders as two middle fingers to Bolte's primary rival, the West Gate.
    27. Connecting the West Gate, Monash, and Tullamarine highways, Bolte is a crucial link in the city's transportation network.
    28. In honour of the late Sir Henry Bolte, the Premier of Victoria, the area bears his name.
    29. Not to toot our own horn, but the Bolte is Australia's longest and highest balanced cantilever cast in situ box girder bridge.
    30. It is a link between the Airport and southern Melbourne.
    31. A pedestrian and cycling bridge, it is located within a short distance of the central business district.
    32. Morell Bridge is an underappreciated beauty that spans the Yarra at Anderson Street in South Yarra.
    33. That's right, it's a protected historic site.
    34. The bridge has bluestone cobbles for its gutters and a bitumen strip for one traffic lane.
    35. City or South Wharf—which do you prefer as a backdrop?
    36. Below is a photo captured on Australia Day from below Federation Square.
    37. Given its prevalence in countless images of Melbourne's skyline, this bridge is likely among the city's best-known landmarks.
    38. It's not the fault of the bridge, which connects the Hoddle Grid's urban core to the city's arts district and Alexandra Gardens.
    39. Trivia: a wooden toll bridge stood in the spot where the Princes Bridge is now (not to be confused with a troll bridge).
    40. It's important to keep in mind that the majority of your time on this photo tour and shared ride will be spent in the dark.
    41. In addition to its usefulness as a crossing point, the bridge provides a wealth of photo opportunities.
    42. Bicycle tyres squeaking and clacking on Seafarers Bridge.
    43. By connecting the two sides of the Yarra River, boaters make it simpler for landlubbers to get to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and DFO South Wharf.
    44. The Seafarers Bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia connects the neighbourhoods of Docklands and South Wharf on opposite sides of the Yarra River.
    45. The bridge spans the river, providing access to the MCG from both banks.
    46. This analysis concludes with a look at the Yarra River's final bridge.
    47. Located close to Docklands, this pedestrian and bicycle bridge spans the Yarra River.
    48. The Docklands Authority commissioned Robert Owen to create Webb Bridge.
    49. Montague Street Bridge There is possibly no bridge in Melbourne, nay Australia that is more infamous than the Montague Street Bridge.
    50. The immigration "walk" is a pleasant addition to this formerly rundown train overpass.
    51. King Street Bridge In Melbourne, Australia, King Street crosses the Yarra River on the King Street Bridge.
    52. The Crown Casino was constructed in the years after the bridge's elevated viaduct's southern extension.
    53. West Gate Bridge The West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, spans the Yarra River just upstream from where it empties into Port Phillip.
    54. The main river span is 1,102 feet (336 m) in length and 58 m (190 ft) in height (190 ft).
    55. The West Gate Bridge, which is more than twice as long as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has a water clearance of 58 metres (190 feet), making it one of Australia's highest road decks (161 ft).
    56. The bridge carries up to 200,000 vehicles per day across Westgate Park, a significant environmental and recreational reserve constructed in connection with the bridge.
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