BACKGROUND

There are several bridges leading in to, or within the Park. Other bridges and punts no longer exist and form part of the heritage of the area. Some bridges are described in detail in separate Pages.

 

STUDLEY PARK BRIDGE

This was built in 1857 and was also known as the Studley Bridge. It crossed the Yarra from the end of Church St (Abbotsford), and entered Studley Park at a site now within the present day Studley Park Golf Course. From there, it joined the former Studley Park Bridge Rd, ending at Studley Park Rd, near the intersection of Hodgson St.

 

It was also known as the “Penny Bridge” due to the need for travellers to pay a one penny toll, which was collected at a Toll House next to the start of Studley Rd. The toll was abandoned by the late 1870s, The bridge was closed in 1899, dismantled and sold for firewood in 1903.

 

Studley Rd no longer exists, buried under the Golf Course. The section of that old road between Walmer St and Studley Park Rd became present Nolan Avenue in the early 1900s.

 

WALMER STREET FERRY AND BRIDGE

Walmer Street, running from Victoria St to Studley Park Rd forms part of the eastern boundary of Yarra Bend Park. At its southern end there was at one time a ferry for foot passengers, popularly known as the Simpson's Road ferry, as it formed a connection between Kew and that road. (Note: Simpson St was the original name for Victoria St)  The Walmer St footbridge, built in 1892, survives.

 

HODGSON'S PUNT

Downstream from Johnston St was Hodgson's punt. Its exact position was at the foot of what is now Clarke Street, Abbotsford, alongside the Convent wall and the Collingwood Community Farm. It operated from 1856 to 1862.

 

COLLINS BRIDGE

This pedestrian bridge crosses the Yarra from the end of Gipps St, Abbotsford , and was opened in 1912..