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History Friday - "Explore Gawler’s Rich Railway Legacy 🚂✨"

A Bridge with History - From this photo's sign you're looking at a bridge that has played a vital role in Gawler’s railway system for over a century. This bridge crosses the South Para River on the line to the Barossa, built in 1911 to replace the original wooden structure."


The Railway’s Beginnings • "The railway originally connected Adelaide to Gawler in 1857, with the line stopping at the current Gawler station. As the line extended northward, bridges like this one were built to cross the Gawler and South Para Rivers, paving the way for regional growth."


Engineering Evolution -The visible bridge, built in 1911, was reinforced during WWII to support heavier trains. Just beyond it lies another bridge, built in 1859/60, crossing the Gawler River on the line to Roseworthy & Kapunda."


Honoring a Pioneer - Nearby, along the Gawler River, stands a statue of James Martin, the engineering genius behind much of Gawler’s industrial growth. This statue commemorates his incredible contributions to the railway system and the town’s development.


A Piece of Living History - This bridge, along with James Martin’s legacy, is more than just a part of our past—it’s a living connection to the ingenuity and spirit that built Gawler, the oldest country town in South Australia. Take a moment to appreciate these local heritage sites that continue to shape Gawler.


Explore More of Gawler - If you’re interested in the history of transport, don’t miss the old steam train on display at the Gawler Railway Station. As the oldest country town in @southaustralia, Gawler is filled with amazing buildings, structures, and stories waiting to be discovered. We encourage you to stay in Gawler when you visit South Australia! Adelaide Style Accommodation offers a new 4.5-star, fully self-contained property available for stays of 3 nights or more. Book your stay and take the time to explore this beautiful town and its surrounding areas—it’s less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide.


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