Kirwans Bridge is the long, bent timber crossing over the northern arm of Lake Nagambie, about 5 km north of town, and it is finally coming back. Closed to all traffic since the October 2022 floods, it now has federal money committed to reopen it. This page tracks the restoration and covers what you can still do there while the works are pending.
01Bridge status: funded, still closed
Status checked 18 October 2026.
On Friday 16 October 2026 the Australian Government committed $4 million to design and deliver the renewal of Kirwans Bridge under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program, announced by Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell. Here is what that means in practice:
- The bridge is still closed. Nothing changes on the ground yet. No start date, construction period or reopening date has been announced.
- Design comes first. The funding covers a two-stage structural renewal, and the design phase will set the load capacity and final scope. Planned works include repairing the substructure and superstructure, replacing or strengthening deteriorated piles, a new reinforced concrete deck, strengthening and corrosion protection of the steel girders, and barrier upgrades, all within heritage requirements.
- Cars, not trucks (for now). Birrell said the $4 million should be enough to reopen the bridge to passenger vehicles, but a higher load limit will need further funding.
The win belongs to the people who kept at it: Birrell credited Strathbogie Shire Council, the Kirwans Bridge Action Group and Go Nagambie for years of advocacy. For context, council had been seeking $7.5 million for a full restoration or replica bridge and had committed $500,000 of its own, subject to outside funding. A $6.3 million election pledge in 2025 fell away when the Coalition did not form government, which is why this announcement landed as a genuine relief locally.
We will update this section as Strathbogie Shire publishes the design timeline and works dates.
02Why the bridge matters
It is not just a pretty structure. For residents on the north side, the closure turned a roughly 5 km run into Nagambie into about 15 km of back roads, with locals raising safety concerns about those detours. For visitors, it is one of the most photographed landmarks on the lake and the gateway to the quiet northern arm.
03The history
Kirwans Bridge opened in November 1890 and is on the Victorian Heritage Register (H1886). At about 310 metres it is the longest timber road deck in Victoria. Its signature feature is the dramatic bend in the middle of the stream, and it also carries two vehicle passing bays, which the heritage listing describes as unique in Victoria. The bays keep the bridge's original 6.3 metre width; the rest of the deck was narrowed to one lane in a 1955 reconstruction that slipped steel joists in beneath the timber.
When the Goulburn Weir raised the river to form Lake Nagambie, the bridge's tall timber trestles ended up largely submerged, and remnants of the original squared beams and corbels are still visible beside the current structure. It is one of only two timber bridges in the state that retain strutted-corbel remnants.
04Visiting while it is closed
You can still see the bridge from either bank; you just cannot cross it. Approach from the Nagambie side or the Bailieston side depending on where you are staying, and treat the structure itself, fencing and signage as off limits. Expect a longer drive if you plan to see both ends, since the closure removed the direct link. Morning and late afternoon light on the water is when the bent spans photograph best.
05Fishing around Kirwans Bridge
The northern arm around the bridge is part of the lake's drowned-timber system, and the submerged trestles and old river channel are classic Murray cod and golden perch structure. Fish it from the bank or from a boat, but keep well clear of the bridge itself while it is closed and under assessment, and do not anchor to or tie off on any part of the structure.
The usual Nagambie rules apply: a current Victorian fishing licence for anyone 18 to 69, VFA size and bag limits, and the Murray cod closed season from 1 September to 30 November (see cod season opening). For where the bridge fits in the lake's best water, read the hot spots guide; for a family session, the bank near the bridge is one of our kids' fishing spots. Nearest launch points are in the boat ramps guide.
06Make a day of it
Kirwans Bridge is a short drive from the town centre, so it pairs easily with a Tahbilk or Mitchelton lunch, a session on the Goulburn Weir pool, or the wider loop in our day trips from Nagambie guide.
07Common questions
Is Kirwans Bridge open? No. It has been closed to all traffic since the October 2022 floods. Federal funding was confirmed on 16 October 2026, but the bridge stays closed until design and works are complete.
When will Kirwans Bridge reopen? No date has been announced. The $4 million covers design first, then delivery, so expect the design phase to come before any construction timeline. We will update this page as Strathbogie Shire confirms dates.
How much funding did Kirwans Bridge get? $4 million from the Australian Government under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program, announced 16 October 2026. It is expected to reopen the bridge to passenger vehicles; a higher load limit would need more funding.
Can you walk across Kirwans Bridge? Not at present. The whole structure is closed. View it from the banks and follow the signage.
How long is Kirwans Bridge? About 310 metres, which makes it the longest timber road bridge in Victoria. It opened in 1890 and is heritage listed.
Can you fish at Kirwans Bridge? Yes, from the banks and on the water nearby, with a current licence and within VFA rules. Keep clear of the closed structure itself.