Historical information

The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s and may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga
The first Tawonga bridge was built in 1884- destroyed by floods in 1916. New bridge constructed 1923 and destroyed in 1953. Present concrete bridge constructed in 1986 and named Ryders Bridge

Significance

These wooden bridges were the only method for transporting stock and produce to market, transporting timber to the mills, sending and receiving mail and for local people to cross the many rivers in the area to go about their daily business.

Physical description

1- Black and white photograph is glued onto heavy cardboard, which is yellowing with age. Top right hand corner has a tear in the cardboard. Photograph depicts a wooden bridge on wooden piles with 2 white wooden railings along the length of both sides.
2- Original photo has been digitally enlarged to show a gentleman in a light coloured suite and wearing riding boots leaning on the rails of the bridge. The bridge is not definitively identified, but is of similar construction style to other bridges built in rural areas around this time. Circa 1930”s may be Ryders Bridge (Old Tawonga Bridge) which crosses the Kiewa River on Mountain Creek Rd Tawonga