The bridge with a story; the Story Bridge is perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks that’s situated in the beautiful city of Brisbane. While Brisbane has its own share of attractions, this bridge somehow sets its self apart from the rest. Today, the bridge is a point of interest to many of its local residents as well as tourists as it is within easy distance to many a Brisbane serviced apartment such as the Oaks Casino Towers.
Local residents were in dire need of a bridge between the commercial business district of Australia and Kangaroo Point until their needs were realized in 1940 when the Story Bridge was erected. The bridge connects the north and south suburbs of Brisbane. Built using steel, the bridge is a heritage-listed landmark which spans over the depths of the picturesque Brisbane River. It is categorized as a cantilever bridge and holds the title as the longest cantilever bridge in the continent of Australia. It is also used as a means of transport by hundreds of vehicles and cycles and is frequented by pedestrians daily. The bridge takes its name from John Douglas Story, a prominent public servant who at the time had advocated for a new bridge in Brisbane. However, until the bridge was completed it was known as the Jubilee Bridge honouring George V. The bridge was declared open in 1940 by the then governor of the state of Queensland, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson.
This icon is by no means just another bridge. It hosts the all-colourful and awe-inspiring Riverfire display which takes place every year. Today, many tourists flock to the bridge to make the climb, an adventure which was inaugurated in 2005. Among the best views, one can receive are those atop of the Story Bridge. This bridge climb is incidentally among the only three climbs in the world giving tourists all the more reasons to visit the site. The climb takes a good two hours and requires that participants take a breath-alcohol test before it. Participants are also advised to wear suitable shoes like runners, hiking boots or track shoes to ensure a firm grip.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
