Remembering the Timber Trestle Bridges of the High Country Rail Trail

The bushfires that tore through the Upper Murray in January 2026 left devastation in their wake.
Unfortunately, the historic timber trestle bridges along the High Country Rail Trail between Bullioh and Shelley stood little chance. Of all the trestle bridges along this stretch, only two survived — the restored bridge at Dry Forest Creek, Bullioh, and the Cudgewa Creek bridge at Beetoomba.

These bridges weren’t just crossing places — they were living pieces of our region’s rail heritage, telling the story of the High Country’s past to visitors.

Using archival material, this series of short videos brings each trestle bridge back to life on screen — including the restoration work carried out over the years by Parklands Albury Wodonga, who managed the trail together with the Rail Trail Advisory Groups of Bonegilla and Tallangatta up until April of 2026, to make this trail a fantastic regional asset and attraction.

The videos will also feature on interpretive signage along the trail once it reopens, helping visitors imagine these remarkable structures as they once stood.

The Bonegilla and Tallangatta Rail Trail Advisory Groups continue to work with DEECA on plans, support and funds to enable the reopening of the rail trail.

A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Albury Foundation for their bushfire recovery grant which made these videos and other essential works possible.

Watch the Trestle bridge videos on YouTube.