URGENT UPDATE: A catastrophic bushfire in Victoria has destroyed 15 of 16 historic timber trestle bridges along the old Cudgewa-Wodonga railway line, impacting the Upper Murray region’s tourism and community. The Walwa-Mt Lawson bushfire, fueled by strong winds, surged towards the bridges near Shelley, Koetong, and the Tallangatta Valley on January 8, 2026. This devastating loss occurred within just 24 hours as the fire raged out of control.
The destruction of these iconic structures is a severe blow to local tourism, which attracts over 160,000 cycling visitors annually, generating an estimated $131 million for the local economy. The popular cycling trail has been closed indefinitely, leaving thousands of riders without access to one of their favorite routes.
Steven Kaye, vice-president of Rail Trails Australia, expressed his heartbreak over the loss: “The bridges were beautiful to look at and an amazing feature of an incredible trail.” Originally constructed between 1914 and 1981, these bridges were not just functional; they were symbols of community effort and local history. A dedicated group of volunteers had spent over 25 years restoring these structures for public use.
Parklands Albury Wodonga executive officer Ant Packer highlighted the bridges’ significance, saying, “They tell the story about our nation-building.” The bridges, some reaching heights of 21 metres and lengths of 96 metres, were built using hand tools and local resources, representing a monumental effort by the community.
With the immediate focus now on safety, Packer noted that approximately 35 kilometers of fencing also requires replacement, complicating recovery efforts. “We don’t expect to have the trail reopened until the middle of the year at the earliest,” she added, emphasizing the long road ahead.
The devastation mirrors the 2003 Myra Canyon incident in British Columbia, where rebuilding 12 destroyed bridges cost approximately $20 million AUD. Discussions about the future of the remaining bridges are still in the early stages, with stakeholders and volunteers urged to come together to assess costs and possibilities for restoration.
In the wake of this disaster, regional Victorians affected by the bushfires are encouraged to utilize the Emergency Recovery Support Program. The program connects residents with vital services and assistance, helping them navigate challenges such as insurance and emotional support. Those impacted can contact the Emergency Recovery Hotline at 1800 560 760 for immediate help.
As the community grapples with the emotional toll of this loss, there is a call to action for collective memory-sharing and future planning. “This is a chance for people to share memories and hear how the community would like to proceed,” Packer said, signaling a path forward despite the tragedy.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as recovery efforts begin and the community seeks to rebuild its cherished heritage.
