The Walhalla Tramway Bridge, also known as the Poverty Point Bridge or Old Steel Bridge, is one of the most distinctive engineering relics in Victoria.
The bridge has been heritage listed for its historical and technical importance and forms a memorable landmark on the southern end of the Australian Alps Walking Track.
Located 3.3 kilometres upstream from Thomson Railway Station, the bridge spans Thomson River in a spectacularly forested gorge.
The steel structure is 52 metres in length and is suspended approximately 13 metres above the river, providing incredible views of the fast-flowing water and steep valley below.
It really is worth the effort to experience a piece of Victoria’s pioneering history.
Completed in 1900, the bridge was built as part of an extensive tramway network which provided up to 38,000 tonnes of firewood and mining timbers to the thriving gold mines around the Walhalla area.
The bridge has been closed several times for maintenance over the years however it has very recently undergone extensive maintenance completed by Parks Victoria and was re-opened to the public on the 18 May 2026 as part of the Victorian Government Assets Regeneration Program.
The bridge, which is surrounded by towering Mountain Ash trees, is very popular with bushwalkers with easily walkable tracks on both sides of the river.
Recently the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club put on a walk to the newly re-opened bridge.
Walkers enjoyed the varied flora as we crossed the Thomson and climbed the first major ascent of the Australian Alps Walking Track, the Fingerboard Spur.
Our group tackled the Spur with typical enthusiasm and good-natured humour.
The climb is a relentless 500 metres in elevation and offers walkers a sustained challenge as the trail zig zags through dense fern gullies.
Once the group reached the peak of the spur it returned down the Steel Bridge Track to Thomson River.
It was a beautifully sunny winter’s day, and the group was in high spirits to be one of the first people to access the newly re-opened bridge.
If this is the type of adventure that you are looking for, then consider contacting the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club as our monthly program has many interesting activities for our members.
These activities are led by knowledgeable and friendly groups and we welcome like minded people to join our Club.
For further information on anything that you have read in this article go to sbwc.org.au, our Facebook page or by email: publicity@sbwc.org.au
