Sale Swing Bridge, Thompson River
The Sale Swing Bridge is arguably the greatest engineering work of the renowned Australian architect and civil engineer John Grainger. Grainger, most famous for his buildings, was also a skilled civil engineer.
The condition of the bridge after 126 years of service is a testament to Grainger’s engineering skills.
Grainger has not received proper recognition of his great contribution to the fabric of Australia’s built environment and recognition of the Sale Swing Bridge goes some way to redressing this.
The bridge was erected in 1880-1883 by Peter Platt, a local contractor under Grainger’s supervision. It is supported on a combination of cast iron, concrete-filled piers and brick abutments. The bridge structure consists of the swinging span plus two short approach spans constructed of wrought iron half-through lattice girders with a timber deck.
The use of swing bridges in Australia has been limited and this bridge is the oldest such bridge and one of only a very small number remaining in Australia.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Landmark (EHNL) |
| Award Date | 15 November 2009 |
| Heritage Significance | The Swing Bridge is historically significant as possibly the oldest bridge of its type in Australia. Its construction was pivotal in the development and expansion of road and river transport in Gippsland, and confirmed the Port of Sale’s place as the centre of shipping activity in the region. The Bridge was designed and built entirely in Victoria and made an important contribution to development of engineering in the state. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Not Available. |
