Historical information

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including access roads to Orbost. This photo shows road damage at the southern end of Nicholson Street, adjacent to the Snowy River. This was the main road leading in to Orbost and also the Princes Highway in 1971. Orbost was completely cut off for several days following this flood.

Significance

This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on the main road leading into Orbost.

Physical description

A b/w photo showing severe damage to a roadway in the foreground, people walking on the intact roadway behind, and the road leading up a hill through buildings.

Inscriptions & markings

Written in black ink below the photo: '1971 flood'.
Written on the back of the photo: 'Orbost and its 3,000 people in East Gippsland were cut off today by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodway. The washed out Princes Highway a quarter mile on the Melbourne side of Orbost in East Gippsland, today. ln the background is Orbost's main street'.