Celebrating 85 Years: Iconic Bridge Which Changed Moreton Bay Forever
Published 02 October 2020
It was a daring move to make during the Great Depression of the 1930s that’s paid dividends for the Moreton Bay Region to this day.
The construction of the Hornibrook Bridge in 1935 changed the region forever and this long weekend the iconic bridge is celebrating 85 years since it opened this Sunday 4 October.
Currently on display at the Redcliffe Museum and Library, Mayor Peter Flannery said locals and visitors can transport back in time and view exclusive memorabilia from the bridge.
“From the toll master’s bright yellow uniform to old work rosters, toll tickets and black and white photos, you can get a real sense of what times were like when the bridge opened 85 years ago,” he said.
“In fact, at the time it was actually the longest bridge in Australia at 2.6 kilometres!
“The bridge changed our region forever and remains a focal point for our community, as one of the most scenic fishing spots in South East Queensland.
“The Hornibrook Bridge really is the backbone of what Moreton Bay is today.
“Opening few decades after the arrival of the Model T ford in Australia, the bridge made Redcliffe a perfect beach getaway, just minutes from Brisbane.
“That’s still true thanks to the congestion on the Bruce, and why you should come here this long weekend rather than battling traffic to the Gold or Sunshine Coasts.
“It started a wave of growth and investment and today Moreton Bay is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.”
Fast forward to today, the Moreton Bay Region now has a booming tourism and events industry worth more than $1 billion dollars.
“In fact, on Sunday we’re hosting the most scenic fun run in Australia - Jetty 2 Jetty,” Mayor Flannery said.
“With the return of events to Moreton Bay, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Hornibrook Bridge.
“If your family has memories of holidaying here in Moreton Bay and driving over the Hornibrook Bridge, you should definitely come back for a visit this long weekend.
“You’ll be amazed by how much has changed, but I promise we’ve preserved the nostalgia of being a charming seaside village.”
Exclusive memorabilia from the bridge is on display at the Redcliffe Museum permanently and the Redcliffe Library until Friday 23 October.
For more information, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/libraries/Events/Explore-The-Hornibrook-Highway-Collection-RED