The Swing Bridge

 The Latrobe Swing Bridge was constructed in the 1880s over the canal connecting Sale to the sea.  The bridge still operates and is a marvel of engineering of the time being able to be operated by one person.  There were both male and female bridge keepers.

The 45 metre span rotates on a central turntable to allow tall boats to pass along the canal.

We visited the bridge on the "Rubeena" that was built in 1910 and has been in continuous service ever since then. Originally a steam ferry on Sydney Harbour then diesel and now powered by an electric motor.

The trip down the canal was accompanied by an excellent commentary and views of virgin native forest that had never been grazed and with plenty of evidence (on the trees) of use of the area by the original Gunaikurnai people of the area.

Then off to lunch at one of the excellent eateries in the town followed by a visit to the Art Gallery.