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Step into Tasmania’s past in this next instalment of the Australian Diary series, exploring a journey across its most historic bridges in this fascinating 1949 film.
From the quiet, almost timeless setting of Richmond Bridge, the oldest stone bridge in Australia, to the elegant craftsmanship of Ross Bridge, this film reveals how early engineering shaped the island’s development. Built in a landscape defined by rivers, Tasmania’s bridges were essential to opening up the country, connecting settlements and supporting a growing colony.
As the journey continues, we see traces of Tasmania’s early planning decisions at Risdon, before moving into more ambitious structures such as the Alexandra Suspension Bridge at Cataract Gorge. The film also captures the shift from heritage stonework to practical modern construction, culminating in Hobart’s remarkable floating bridge, a symbol of a changing, forward-looking city.
Blending history, engineering and landscape, this episode captures a moment when Tasmania’s past and future met along the span of its bridges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tasmania’s bridges
00:39 Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest (1823)
00:48 Bridges shaping Tasmania’s early development
00:54 Ross Bridge and colonial craftsmanship
01:03 Risdon and early Hobart planning
01:20 Alexandra Suspension Bridge, Cataract Gorge
01:28 Practical bridge building in regional Tasmania
01:40 Hobart’s modern floating bridge
01:47 Ships passing through the lifting span
The Australian Diary Series (1947–1970) records aspects of everyday life, industry and production in mid 20th century Australia. To watch more Australian Diary films visit:
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From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Title: Australian Diary No. 028
NFSA ID: YM4QBY9C
Catalogue ID: 1452
Year: 1949
Credits:
Production Company: Australia. Department of Information
Director: Jack S. Allan
#AustralianHistory #Tasmania #FilmAustralia #HistoricBridges #AustralianDiary #nfsa