These spikes are from the old Snowy River bridge (the second) constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.These items are from a significant piece of infrastructure built in Orbost in the early 20th century. This bridge no longer exists.Twenty-four iron spikes of four different lengths. They are probably hand-made and have round shafts and heads. They are very rusty.snowy-river-bridge bridge-spikes bridge orbost

A new bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost was opened for traffic on June 20th 1922. It was intended as a road and rail bridge, and was again partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge was only used by road traffic. This is a pictorial record of an early bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white postcard photograph of a bridge across a shallow river with men on horseback underneath.snowy-river-bridge

This photograph shows vehicles and people being ferried across the Snowy River during the 1934 flood. The Orbost punt was reinstated on a temporary basis following damage to the bridge. Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. The centre span of the Orbost Bridge was washed away.This is a pictorial record of the effects of the 1934 floods in the Orbost district.A large black / white photograph of a punt with a motor vehicle and people making their way across a river.on front - "On the Snowy 1934"snowy-river-orbost flood-1934 river-transport-punt

This photograph shows the construction of the first bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost being built. a copy was also donated by Gil and Heather Richardson. The first pile bridge over the Snowy River was just completed by Mr Jim Granter when the 1891 flood took out the centre,. There were differences of opinion as to whether the council should pay . The Shire Secretary, Mr John Draffin, persuaded them to honour their obligations. Mr Granter and Mr Clarke finished it as a suspension bridge which was opened by Mrs William Watt. Soon after a mob of cattle stampeded, the weight snapped the cable, letting one side sag. Mr R.P. Cameron repaired it and this bridge remained until 1922. "In 1890 the contract for a bridge was let to Mr James Granter for £1450. This structure with additions and improvements made to it was to cost the ratepayers about £2,500, and its erection was proceeded with in a very satisfactory manner until, just as the greater-part of the work had been completed, the flood of 1891 came down on it, piling up mountains of logs, timber and debris against the piers, which had not been made wide enough apart to allow for. contingencies of this kind. The structure held out bravely until the turn of the flood and then gave way with a crash, about five bays from the centre disappearing in the stream." ( Snowy River Mail August 12 1893)This is a pictorial record of the construction of the first bridge over the Snowy River.A black / white photograph of four men working on the construction of a new bridge and its pylons a man is standing on a timber tower/ derrick. There are logs in the foreground, trees in the background. sheds on the left and possibly a steam engine.on back - "first bridge - 1st pile being driven"snowy-river-bridge granter-jim bridge

This is a bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. This bridge was built in the 1920s as a road and rail bridge, and was partly washed away by flood waters in 1934. After the end of the first World War the Victorian Railways considered an extension of the railhead across the river at Orbost, and in 1922 a new timber and steel girder structure, a joint Country Roads Board — Victorian Railways venture, was built and completed at a cost of £41,000 (the steel girders came from the Flinders Street viaduct reconstruction). Subsequently it was decided not to take the railway across the river, and the bridge has only been used by road traffic.This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A very large black / white photograph under glass in a timber frame. It is of a bridge across a river and is framed by trees.bridge snowy-river-bridge road-transport-orbost

This is a photograph of Mr Clem Heather, band leader. Clem Heather was a Forestry employee in Orbost, The Orbost Workers' Band was started in 1889 by Donald and Archie Munro. The band folded after the town was devastated by floods in 1893. Charles Spink reformed the group in 1905. It split in 1908 and the breakaway band was named the Orbost Workers Band. The two bands, The Orbost Workers and Orbost Town Band would often compete against each other. Eventually, in 1913, the two bands amalgamated to form the Orbost Municipal band. The old Orbost Municipal Band recorded its last meeting in 1941 -a lack of effort and membership. The new Orbost Municipal Band was restarted by Clem Heather (a previous member) on Wednesday 20th September, 1961 and continued into the late 1980s when lack of interest caused it to become defunct.This is a pictorial record associated with the Orbost Brass Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many membersA black / white photograph of a man in a brass band uniform. He is holding a brass instrument (French horn?). It is under glass in a white wooden frame.on front -????????? Orbostheather-clem orbost-brass-band music recreation

Dudley Charles Seymour Courtney , with a fellow worker, was trapped on the Orbost Raailwaay Station roof until rescued by an army duck. These photographs were his. He worked on the railway in Orbost from 1942 - 1952 approximately. During the 1952 flood nearly half of Orbost rail way station is washed away. The stationmaster and four members of his staff were rescued by police using army ducks.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Nine small black / white photographs of a derailed train at a railway station. Derailed trucks and floodwaters can be seen. The photographs have a narrow white frame. Some are portrait and others landscape.on back of 3082.8 - hand-written in blue pen :"The floods worked the line from under the trucks in a couple of hours"floods-orbost orbost-railway-station rescue courtney-dudley-charles-seymour

These photographs are of floodwaters on the river flats of Orbost, near Gilberts Gulch on the Marlo Road showing large lumps of wood in the middle of the road and a red vehicle in the background. 3090.4 has been taken looking down onto theSnowy Rive from near Mitchells / Griebenows Road Newmerella.This is a pictorial record of a significant flood event in Orbost.Four panoramic colour photographs showing the aftermath of a flood. flood-orbost-2000s

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater. These photographs are pictorial records of the 1971 floods which was a significant event in the history of Orbost. They are also associated with the East Gippsland Railway.Three black / white photographs of flood debris and flood waters near a railway line. 3102.l has a pile driver 3102.2 shows a gap in the viaduct and 3102.3 shows men with a tractor cleaning up the debris,3102.1 - on back - "1971 FLOOD REPAIRS TO ORBOST RAILWAY VIADUCT - 15th February 1971. Donated by Audrey Van Den Berg VRH 3693" 3102.2 - on back - " DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT ACCUMULATED DEBRIS" 3102.3 - on back - "DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT AT ORBOST. CLEAN UP BEGINS"orbost-flood-1971 orbost-viaduct-flood-damage orbost-railway

These articles were compiled by Mary Gilbert who was the first curator of the Orbost Museum and a prominent historian / teacher in Orbost. The 1971 floods at Orbost were the worst on record. At Jarrahmond the river rose to a height of 11 metres and on the flats spread to one and a half kilometres wide. Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)These articles are contemporary records of a significant historical event in Orbost.A manila folder containing black / white newspaper clippings from various publishers. They all relate to the 1971 floods in Orbost. (Details of contents in catalogue 735-900)floods-orbost-1971

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a century. This paper is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost's history of flooding.A newspaper, Snowy River Mail, which contains black / white photographs of the 1978 floods in Orbost.orbost-floods-1978

These articles were collated by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.These articles are contemporary records of significant events in the history of Orbost and as such are useful reference tools.A cardboard folder of black and white newspaper cuttings relating to the 1934 floods in Orbost, war photographs and local events and residents. 747.1 is from the February 3, 1934 Weekly Times and is titled, " FLOOD PHOTOS ORBOST". 747.2 is from the Weekly Times, 9 June 1917 and contains war photos and photographs of Orbost - 11 May, 1929.orbost-floods-1934 ww1-photgraphs-orbost-weekly-times

In the early days of Orbost many Chinese were engaged in land clearing or had arrived when gold was discovered in East Gippsland in the 1840's. They lived in camps along the Marlo Road and houses were usually built on stilts. They left after the 1893 floods.This object has aesthetic appeal. It is an object which belonged to the very early settlement days of Orbost.Huge, ornate Chinese ginger jar. Four raised hand- painted pink roses on front. Jar itself is matt black. Looks more like a vase than a ginger jar. Ceramic.Some Chinese writing to left hand side of roses.ceramics, ginger jar, container - domestic, vase

These photographs were taken just after the McKillop's Bridge was completed after the flood damage. The current McKillop’s Bridge was built by the Country Roads Board in two stages between 1931-36, during which its height was raised after the original bridge superstructure was washed away in record floods of January 1934, prior to its original official opening. In its reconstructed form the original concrete abutments were turned into additional piers and the welded-steel trusses were cantilevered back over them to meet the new higher road approaches. It is sited at McKillops Crossing, named after pioneer overlanding squatter George McKillop who crossed here in 1835. This was a stock crossing place for almost a century before the bridge was constructed. (info. from Victoria Heritage Register)This is a pictorial record of the history of McKillop's Bridge, in itself of historical significance for its association with Victoria's long and important pastoral history, its technicl significance and aesthetic significance.Three black / white photographs. 3133.1 shows the approach to a washed away bridge. 3133.2 is of a bridge over a river with men clearing debris. 3133.3 is a close-up showing the wreckage of the bridge.mckillop's-bridge snowy-river flood-damage-1934

This is a photograph of McKillop's Bridge probably taken just after its rebuilding. The current McKillop’s Bridge was built by the Country Roads Board in two stages between 1931-36, during which its height was raised after the original bridge superstructure was washed away in record floods of January 1934, prior to its original official opening. In its reconstructed form the original concrete abutments were turned into additional piers and the welded-steel trusses were cantilevered back over them to meet the new higher road approaches. "McKillops Bridge was Heritage listed due to its social and technological significance – the steel trusses' arc-welded construction technique was a pretty big deal in the 1930s. It was once an important route for cattlemen, who used the ford across the Snowy in the years preceding the bridge's existence"This is a pictorial record of McKillop's Bridge just after its construction.A black / white photograph of a wooden bridge across a river. At the bottom right is a man with his back to the camera. He is looking at flood debris on the bank. At the bottom left are two men near a pylon.on back - McKillops Bridgebridge-mckillop's snowy-river-bridge

This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlors.........."This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white photograph of a suspension bridge with flood waters below the bridge.orbost-bridge suspension-bridge snowy-river

This is a photograph of the second Snowy River Bridge at Orbost. The section in the central span could have been built after flood damage. This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.This bridge was replaced in 1976 after several major floods.A black / white photograph / postcard of a bridge over a river. It has what looks like a bo girder in the central section. On the left is the river bank.on front bottom left - "SNOWY RIVER BRIDGE"orbost snowy-river-bridge transport-bridge

Peter Cameron, came to Orbost in 1885, at the age of 69, having sold his farm at Geelong. Peter bought the property ―Glen Avon from a Mr Street. The home was situated at the bottom of the paddock, near the corner of Morley and Livingstone streets. The farm stretched from Tennyson Street to the end of Snaggers Lane and along the river frontage to “Carinya” Cameron Home. In the Gippsland Times on Wednesday. 2 Jul 1890 on Page 3 is an article titled "THE SNOWY RIVER CALAMITY" which describes an ".unexpectedly sudden rush of water down the flats..... the terrified people commenced to remove their stock from the land and the work of saving property was continued all day ............ many head of cattle were washed away.......The river road, for its entire length, is obliterated, and the approaches to the bridge at Watt's Gulch are gone, with the enormous volume of flood water," These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost. There are few personal records of the very early floods.Three black / white photographs of wooden buildings with flood water in foreground. There are post and rail fences. 3193.2 has been taken from a distance.on back -" "Glenavon east of Lagoon 1897 Feb"floods-orbost-1890s glenavon-orbost

In the photograph are the Rice family, Billy Nixon' family and Charlie Johnston. William Nixon, son of James Nixon and Alice (Roberts) Nixon was married to Ilma Muriel (Cadwallader) Nixon on 2 Apr 1902 in Orbost. They had six children - Llewella Adele (Nixon) King, Sydney William Columbo Nixon, Arthur Harry Nixon, Jack Warton Nixon, Claudine Frances (Nixon) Taylor and Daphne Joyce (Nixon) Menz Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. Note: although this card has the date 1934 written onto the rear, the flood incident depicted most likely dates from 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p 41 when this photo was printed).This item is a pictorial record of a flood in 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p41). Snowy River flood are a feature of the Orbost area. These floods cover the rich agricultural land. A black / white photograph / postcard of a group of people standing in floodwaters outside a timber building. Included are young children and babies being held by women. Two boys are holding dogs in front of them.on back - "Billy Nixon's house (now Downys 1991)"orbost - floods - nixon - 1920

There is no record of which family is in the photograph. The slips at Corringle was a popular picnic area for Orbost people. Corringle Slips is situated at the mouth of the Snowy River Estuary. The Corringle Slips were built by Samuel Richardson and sons during the time when the Orbost Shipping Company was operating. The Slips were washed away in the 1893 floods and reassembled by Martin Jorgensen who then became a part owner of the Slips. In the late 1890's, Corringle was a thriving rural community. (Information from Discovering Marlo brochure)This is a pictorial record of family life in Orbost in the first half of the 20th century. It portrays a typical Orbost family enjoying a leisure activity. The clothing can be seen as more formal than that worn at a family picnic in the present day,A black / white photograph of a group of people (adults and children) seated around a table set with a tablecloth on which are teacups, bottles of drink and cake. in the front is a bucket and two metal boxes. They are well-dressed with the men and boys wearing jackets and ties and some of the women wearing cloche style hats.on back - "Family at Slips"corringle-slips-marlo picnic-recreation

This photograph was taken during the flood of 1934 in Orbost. The people in the photograph are related to Billie and Ilma Nixon and Charlie Johnston. Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle.This item is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history. It is associated with local families.A black / white photograph / postcard of floodwaters. On the right is a young man with four young boys sitting on a log. In the bckground is a rowing boat with one man rowing and three others sitting on the edges . A field of maize / corn is in the background and a large willow tree on the right.on back - "M. C. Rice Orbost 19 /1/20 M Gilbert. Mostly Billy Nixons & Charlie Johnstons 1934" [Note alteration: W C Rice rather than M C Rice].floods-orbost-1934 nixon-william johnston-charles

This photograph was taken near the Snowy River Bridge on the the old Princes Highway in Orbost, near the caravan park. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is pictorial evidence of a significant local event. Floods have been an integral part of Orbost's history for hundreds of years.A black / white photograph of debris, fallen power lines, a tree across the highway and floodwaters across the road.on front at bottom - handwritten in upper case print - " 1971 FLOOD PRINCES HIGHWAY NEAR SNOWY BRIDGE"floods-orbost-1971

This postcard was sent to Annie Gilbert (Mrs John Gilbert) of Tullagoota, Orbost. It was written by "Grace", probably her sister, Grace Cameron Annie Gilbert was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. This is a photograph of the original Orbost / Snowy River Bridge , a suspension bridge which opened in 1893. It has been taken when the Snowy River was in flood. It is similar to other photographs held in The State Library, Victoria. The Snowy River Mail and Tambo and Croajingolong Gazette Sat 12 Aug 1893 records the opening of this bridge as "the most important public event that has yet been commemorated in Eastern ......The Messrs McLeod, with whom the first settlement of this district is generally associated, took up their residence on the eastern bank of the Snowy River about the year 1841 or 42. The late Mr W. Roadknight and Mr T. T. Stirling took possession of the territory on the western side of the Snowy about 35 years ago. During the occupation of the country by cattle owners, very little progress was made in the way of roads and bridges, and except to the hardy and lexperienced bushman, it might have been generally regarded as inaccessible. About the year 1877, however, the late Mr James Robertson eldest son of Mr James Robertson, of Lochend farm, selected land now occupied by his father, about four miles from Orbost on the west bank of the river, Mr John Cameron visited the. district shortly after a .tour of inspection and returned later with his brothers, James and Alick Gameron, but found that during their absence Mr Ernest Watt had found his way on the scene and pegged out a selection, thus anticipating the advent of the Camerons by about 12 hours. We understand that a Mr Kidd, who selected the property now occupied by Mr W. J. Ross, at Pumpkin Point, was one of the earliest batch of settlers.........."This item is associated with Annie Gilbert (nee Cameron) reported to have been the first white girl to be born in Orbost. It is a pictorial record of the suspension bridge over the Snowy River which has since been replaced twice.A faded black / white postcard of a bridge across a river. There are cattle in the river and the banks are tree-covered.on back - a hand-written letter addressed to Mrs J. Gilbert Tullagoota Orbost.cameron-annie suspension-bridge-orbost snowy-river-orbost

This photograph is an aerial view of the township of Orbost taken by the Bairnsdale Advertiser newspaper. It was taken from the northern end of the town. The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au)This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the history of Orbost,A black / white aerial photograph of a township with floodwaters in the background.on back - "Note main current through the lagoon 1971."orbost-floods-1971 bairnsdale-advertiser orbost-township

This photograph shows the Hospital Creek in flood. This is a pictorial record of a bridge in East Gippsland in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph / postcard of a road bridge across a flooded creek. It is in a bush setting.in front at bottom - "Hospital Creek in flood H.D.Bulmer photo Lake Tyers"bridge-hospital-creek tostaree-bridge

These photographs were taken on November 25, 1976 at the official opening of the current Snowy River road bridge. Included in the photographs are: John Duggan; Pat Hall, C.R.B. chairman, R.E.V. Donaldson (3240.7) and J.A.Rafferty, the state minister for Transport, who cut the ribbon (3240.8). Di Young and Cheryl Dusting (3240.9) distributed souvenir information pamphlets to official guests. The Snowy River road bridge is one of four built as part of the 8.4 km project spanning the Orbost flood plains. The Snowy River bridge and another over the nearby Ashbys Gulch are among the 10 longest bridges in Victoria, being the eighth and fifth longest respectively. The new bridge removed through traffic from Orbost township crossing the Snowy River 45 m downstream of the old bridge.This bridge is the fourth to provide a crossing to the township of Orbost. (info from CRB NEWS No. 34. DECEMBER, 1976) These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in Orbost's history.Eleven black / white photographs all related to the official opening of the current Snowy River Bridge. Details are in catalogue folder.snowy-river-bridge

Construction of the roadway embankment between the bridges across the Snowy River flood plains at Orbost commenced in January 1974 and was completed in November 1976. Pearsons were the bridge contractors for the construction of the Princes Freeway and bridges across the river flood plains at Orbost. Heavy rains and floods held up progress.These photographs are of the construction of a major structure in Orbost. The opening of this Snowy River Bridge was an important development in the accessibility to the township of Orbost.Four black / white photographs of construction sites. 3241.1 is of three cranes and other machinery with six persons. 3241.2 is of workmen working on flooded site. 3241.3 is a photograph of the early stages of construction of a bridge looking towards the township. 3241.4 shows the construction of a roadway between the bridges.construction-snowy-river-bridge bridge-orbost

The road to Marlo was cut by flood waters from the Snowy River in two places. The road was closed when water flowed over Gilbert's Gulch (3243.1) The Snowy River broke its banks and flooded surrounding Orbost, Marlo, Lochend and Jarrahmond were isolated. The river bank at the bridge site was broken and filled with earth and rock fill. (3243.2) The new Snowy River Bridge was nearing completion when the river rose 7.2 metres causing erosion on the eastern bank. (3243.7) Contractors involved in the construction of the Princes Freeway and bridge were delayed by the flood waters. (3243.8) The 1976 flood at Orbost was a significant event which delayed the construction of the current Snowy River Road Bridge.These photographs record that event.Nine black / white photographs of flood waters across roads. orbost-flood-1976 snowy-river-bridge marlo-road-flood-1976 gilbert;s-gulch-flood

After the damage from the February 1971 floods at Orbost when the abutment to the Snowy River road bridge was washed away a Bailey bridge, portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge, was put into place to ensure town access, the C.R.B. rebuilt the approach to the bridge driving new piles and constructing the Bailey bridge. They worked late into the night under flood lights to ensure the link from the Orbost township to the Princes Freeway would be open to traffic as soon as possible.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Three black / white photographs of a Bailey bridge being erected across a river. 3245.1 and 3245.2 are the same. bailey-bridge orbost-snowy-river-bridge bridge-orbost

These photographs are of the demolition of the road bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost. This bridge over the Snowy River was opened on July 4 1922. It was constructed in 1922 alongside the previous suspension bridge. Its building was a combined effort of the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board at a cost of 35,000 pounds. It was replaced in 1976 by the present bridge after several major floods.This bridge was replaced in 1976 after several major floods. These photographs are pictorial records of its demolition.Four black / white photographs of the demolition of a road bridge across a river. In them can be seen trucks, excavators and workmen. In 3246.1 there is a triangular road sign - "LOW CLEARANCE 3.9m"bridge-demolition orbost-snwoy-river-bridge