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Maribyrnong River Viaduct: A Quarter-Mile of History

Discover Melbourne's historic Quarter Mile Bridge, a towering railway landmark on the scenic Maribyrnong River Trail. A testament to engineering history.

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The Maribyrnong River Viaduct, also known as the Quarter Mile Bridge, is a historic railway bridge in Melbourne's western suburbs. Spanning the Maribyrnong River, it's a testament to early 20th-century engineering and offers scenic views along the Maribyrnong River Trail.

A brief summary to Maribyrnong River Viaduct

  • Maribyrnong River Trail, Keilor East, Victoria, 3033, AU

Local tips

  • Access the Maribyrnong River Trail to get the best views of the viaduct. The trail offers various vantage points for photographers and sightseers.
  • Bring your camera! The viaduct's impressive structure and the surrounding river valley provide excellent photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along the Maribyrnong River Trail to explore more of the area's natural beauty and recreational spaces.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Maribyrnong River Viaduct is best experienced via the Maribyrnong River Trail. Several access points exist along the trail. From Brimbank Park, follow the trail south. Alternatively, access the trail from Footscray and head north. The viaduct will become visible as you approach along the trail. No costs are associated with accessing the trail.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Maribyrnong River Trail near the viaduct using public transport, take a train to Footscray Station. From there, connect to a bus that will take you closer to the trail. Check Public Transport Victoria (PTV) for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the bus stop, follow local streets to the nearest access point of the Maribyrnong River Trail. A short-trip public transport fare in Melbourne is around $3.00 - $4.60 AUD.

  • Driving

    If driving, search for 'Maribyrnong River Trail parking' on your GPS to find parking areas near the trail. Parking is available at various points along the trail, including near Brimbank Park. From the parking area, follow signs to the Maribyrnong River Trail and walk towards the viaduct. Parking is generally free, but be aware of any time restrictions.

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Discover more about Maribyrnong River Viaduct

The Maribyrnong River Viaduct, affectionately called the Quarter Mile Bridge by locals, is a railway bridge that crosses the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne's western suburbs. Constructed between 1927 and 1929 by the Victorian Railways Construction Branch, it was once the largest trestle bridge in Australia. Until the Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed, the Maribyrnong River Viaduct was the highest railway bridge in Australia. Today, it stands as the second-highest bridge in Victoria, measuring 55 meters (180 feet) above the water, just behind the West Gate Bridge. The bridge itself is 383 meters (1257 feet) long. The viaduct is a vital part of the Albion-Jacana railway line, primarily carrying freight services. It also serves passenger trains, including the Melbourne to Sydney NSW TrainLink XPT and the Melbourne-Albury V/Line service. The bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, a testament to its historical and engineering significance. During its construction, the project employed 200 people, with one tragic fatality. While the viaduct itself isn't directly accessible for pedestrian crossing, it can be admired from the Maribyrnong River Trail. This scenic trail offers various vantage points to appreciate the bridge's structure and its surrounding landscape.

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