Ellerslie Bridge – This is Australia!

The old Ellerslie Bridge, over the Hopkins River, on the Hopkins Highway, just southwest of Mortlake. The bridge was built in 1867, replacing the Letts Ford, and lasted until 1968, when it was decommissioned at the age of 101 years! The bridge crosses the Hopkins River. There is a pleasant rest stop here, complete with a barbecue area and toilets, and probably enough space for a caravan or two for an overnight stop.

The old Ellerslie Bridge, looking north east. Note the two restored spans at the Mortlake end of the bridge. they were restored by VicRoads in 2009 to give the public a viewing platform, and to enable them to see the construction methods used. Note also the bluestone abutments and decorative panel at the end of the bridge.
Copyright © **Willem Schultink**

The old **Ellerslie Bridge,** on the **Hopkins Highway**, southwest of **Mortlake**, Victoria, Australia.
The remains of the **Letts Ford** can be seen in the middle foreground, just downstream of the pylon.

The new concrete bridge, which now carries the Hopkins Highway, can be seen in the background.
Copyright © **Willem Schultink**

Old Ellerslie Bridge bluestone abutments and decorative panel. When it was built in 1867 the Ellerslie Bridge was described as ‘The most handsome bridge in western Victoria’.
Copyright © **Willem Schultink**

The remains of the decking on old Ellerslie Bridge. — The remains of the decking on the old Ellerslie Bridge. You can see how much the old bridge has deteriorated since 1968, when the bridge was still in use.
Copyright © **Willem Schultink**

June 2024. The old bridge is deteriorating rapidly. It was still in use in 1968, just 56 years ago. This shows how quickly things can deteriorate if not properly maintained. Copyright © **Willem Schultink**

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