Murray Bridge is located 75 kilometres east of our State Capital, Adelaide. The city is situated on The River Murray, Australia’s largest river system. The city has a population of 22000 and is the service centre for an extensive agricultural and light industrial region. Murray Bridge is the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri people.
The original bridge spanning the River Murray was opened in 1879 as a shared rail and road structure. A railway bridge was completed nearby in 1925. The rail and road bridges are part of the heritage precincts of the wharf and station areas, which were important links to the paddle steamer era. A third bridge linking Adelaide and South Australia with the eastern states by road, opened in 1979 a few kilometres downstream, bypassing the city.
The River Murray is a major resource for our community and for much of our state. Pipelines serve Adelaide and many agricultural communities, hundreds of kilometres away. Intensive agriculture includes dairy, pig and chicken raising, mushrooms, vegetables and other horticulture. Dryland agriculture, includes cereal production and grazing. These are supported by processors and packaging businesses to value add the production. Additionally the local economy benefits from small innovative manufacturers, retail and tourism and recreation. Administration and Local Government is through the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council.
Murray Bridge is a regional delivery centre for many government and industry services, including health, education, employment and community welfare. Private and state preschool, primary, secondary schools and further education facilities are in the city and many health and medical providers deliver services at clinics and through the local hospital.
Adelaide, its airport and other tourist and cultural assets are easily accessed. Several renowned wine regions, other attractions in the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu, the wetlands of The Coorong National Park and the River Murray corridor are reached within an hour. The Monarto Safari Park and The Bend Motorsport Park are easily accessed from Murray Bridge as well as new facilities for horse and greyhound racing.
Murray Bridge has a strong community fabric and is host to a multicultural population with extensive facilities for summer or winter sport and recreation. Climate and living conditions are ideal to enjoy all of these opportunities. The developed riverine areas provide opportunities for water sports, boating and fishing and the wetlands allow the community to experience nature. Our concert hall/theatre and galleries and a very active community library provide experiences in arts and culture.
There is a strong sense of community and volunteering supports aged care, sports and learning centres as part of the culture. Visitors to the city will experience the inclusiveness. The members of the Friendship Force Club of Murray Bridge welcome you and are looking forward to showcase our town, region and its people.