Captain Charles Sturt used Hindmarsh Island as the highest point to locate the mouth of the River Murray on his epic river journey in 1830.
Hindmarsh Island is unique as it faces fresh water on one side and salt water on the other - providing wonderful opportunities for birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts.
Sail into the Coorong National Park for a closer look at some of this wonderful bird life, for fishing or just for relaxing - boat hire is available from Hindmarsh Island. For those interested in local history, remnants of a small cheese factory, flour mill, schoolmasters residence and a school can be found on the island.
Town Highlights
| Coorong National Park | Hindmarsh Island Bridge | Murray Mouth
Coorong National Park
The Coorong National Park is one of South Australia's best eco experience locations. With an abundance of wild life Goolwa's is the ideal place to set off for your Coorong Cruise. Visit the Mouth of the Murray River, see abundant bird life and marvel at this magnificent environment.
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Hindmarsh Island Bridge
The Hindmarsh Island Bridge is owned by the Government of South Australia and managed by Transport SA.
The bridge was built by Built Environs. Total cost of construction was $14,000,000. Construction commenced on 25th October 1999 and was completed in 497 days.
Hindmarsh Island Bridge was officially opened on 4th March 2001 by the Hon Dean Brown MP.
Vehicle Count
The unofficial count is, on average, approximately 2000 motor vehicles per day.
Mural
The mural has been painted on the side of the "I" beam running just underneath the road surface. It was designed and painted by Gary Duncan, depicting marine, bird and animal life in the area.
Construction
- 10,000 cubic metres of earth used for fill
- 2,900 cubic metres of concrete
- 3.5 tonnes of welding wire
- 1.3 kilometres of "I" beam steel girders
- 600 tonnes of steel reinforcement
The bridge has a slope gradient of 8o and is open to two single lanes of vehicle traffic (one in each direction).
There is a shared pedestrian & bicycle path on the ocean side of the bridge and lighting is set into strong galvanised steel guard rails.
Under the span runs power, water and telecommunications services for the Hindmarsh Island residents and businesses.
Dimensions
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Span: 319 metres
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Height: 14 metres above water at highest point
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Superstructure: Concrete deck with bitumen surface
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Beam: The bridge beams were constructed on the river bank then progressively welded together & pushed out over the bridge piers. The beams span 33 metres between reinforced concrete piers, which are supported by piles. A total of 10 spans covering a distance of 330 metres.
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Piles: Are 600mm diameter steel tubes driven approximately 20 metres into the riverbed and filled with reinforced concrete.
The bridge was constructed with a horizontal curve to allow a safe working margin between the construction and the operating ferry at its most extreme limit of drift.
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Murray Mouth
This is certainly a must see when visiting our area. The Mouth of Australia's Largest River pours out into the Southern Ocean with the best viewing from Hindmarsh Island. Cross the Hindmarsh Island Bridge and follow the signs to the Murray Mouth.
