Murray Bridge developed as a major passing point for those travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne and carried out this function from as early as the 1830s. Captain Sturt had been exploring the river in 1830 and found the mouth of the river and it was his reports back about the potential for the countryside around this area that led to settlers arriving here.

The other main people to come to the area, or rather to pass through it were drovers. That was certainly quite a demanding job that they had, particularly at this part of the trail as they had to swim the cattle across the river. It was in 1839 that a Mr. Bonney found what he felt was the best place for the cattle to dog-paddle across the river.

He named this Thompson Crossing and it was the first crossing. Edwards Crossing was a better one and it was what was to become Murray Bridge. This goes back to 1856. Over the years of that century Murray Bridge became the place where goods like wool, fruit and grain arrived from Morgan which is further upstream.

When it came to choosing at which point the bridge should be built there was some dispute. Some favoured Wellington Crossing while others preferred Edwards Crossing. The men who were involved in the building of the bridge came with their families to the area. This in turn attracted small traders who supplied the families with goods.

As families arrived, after a while a school was opened in a building which was known as the 'Round house'. Technically though, this did not represent the first teaching in the area, as children had been receiving tuition from a Mrs. Edwards and a Miss Carter. The Round House had been built for the man in charge of the construction of the bridge in 1876. By 1880 it was being used as a post office, and later as a church meeting venue and where Council meetings were also held by 1884.

The bridge opened to traffic in the year 1879 although it wasn't until 1886 that the railway actually crossed the bridge.


Museums

The Captain's Cottage Museum is in a cottage dating back to the 1890s, having been constructed for Captain Johnson. Today the cottage is maintained in its original style and is where you will come across all sorts of interesting items relating to the earliest pioneering days of the surrounding area. Artefacts from the world of agriculture, vintage engines and model cottages and photographs are amongst the displays that you will see. Located at 12 Thomas Street, tel. (085) 31 0049. Opening hours are 10 am until 4 pm at the weekend and by appointment during the week.

Historical Attractions

There are a number of walks which you can go on which will introduce you to some historical aspects of the town. The Bridge Walk takes about one hour. You will take in the first bridge that crossed the River Murray and learn how it was that Murray Bridge became the gateway to the Eastern States.

Nostalgic Walk takes between one and one and a half hours. It starts out at the railway station and will take you past the famous first River Murray bridge as well as inform you of some of the rail and early river boat accidents that have happened over time. Your final stop off is at Cottage Box Chocolates, where you will be able to taste some yummy samples.

Finally, there is also a five hour river walk and cruise, which consists of the same itinerary as the Nostalgic Walk plus it includes a picnic lunch and cruise on the river.

Tel. (085) 32 2586 for further information and to make a booking. The Bridge Walk starts at 10.30 am and 6 pm. Nostalgic Walk departs at 10.30 am and 2 pm. The River Walk and Cruise starts at 10.30 am.

Natural Attractions

It is possible to see the State's floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea flower at any time of the year at a market garden known as the Sturt Desert Pea Gardens of South Australia. On a visit here you will be able to see superb displays of the red flower.

Talyala Emu Farm is located on a 117 acre property with 20 of those acres being natural scrub. Whilst at the farm you will be able participate in a tour which will show the breeding pens, incubation room, free range pens and chick runs. The shop has emu eggs, emu leather goods, emu oil products and more. Having once been perceived as vermin, the emu is now the basis of this new industry.
The farm is located 10 kilometres north of Murray Bridge on Mannum Road, tel. (085) 32 3185. Opening hours are 10 am until 4 pm daily.

The Butterfly House is a truly great place to visit with its hundreds of colourful and varied tropical butterflies. You will be able not only to see the stunning butterflies in their mature state, but also learn all about their development and see how the whole cycle which they go through actually works. There are also rainforest tree frogs, a Mobilong bird sanctuary and reptile enclosure.
Butterfly House is just off the South Eastern Freeway at 3166 Jervois Road, tel. (085) 32 3666. It is open seven days a week from 10 am until 5 pm.

For great views of the town itself and the river, the best place to go is the Rotary Tower and Lookout, where you will be rewarded with exactly that.

Both Ferries McDonald Conservation Park and Monarto Zoological Park are within quite close range of Murray Bridge and make ideal day trips.

Other Attractions

The Puzzle Park is a popular place to visit with its many features. These include the biggest maze in Australia, an enormous playground plus a puzzle and games centre. This is where adults can hope to recapture something of that lost childhood sense of fun and adventure. There is also an aquarium at the park and whilst there you may well come across one of the park's many kangaroos who wander about freely. Located on Jervis Road, tel. (085) 32 3709. Open seven days of the week from 10 am until 5 pm.

For those with a chocolate fetish, your visit to Murray Bridge just would not be complete without a tour of the factory where over 35 scrumptious chocolate products are made. You can not only purchase some of the finished products but also watch some of the production process and best of all, taste the end product. Located on Wharf Road, tel. (085) 32 5055. Opening hours are from 10 am until 5 pm every day except for Christmas Day.

If it is wine which excites your taste buds you can visit Willow Glen for some sine tasting. It deals in sparklings, brut, spumante and passion fruit Rhine Riesling and Spaetlese Frontignan. The vineyard also produces some award winning red wines. Located on Jervois Road, tel (085) 32 2632. You can visit from Monday to Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm.

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