The Historic Nimmons Trestle Bridge
A Victorian Heritage Landmark

Nimons Bridge stands as one of Western Victoria’s most remarkable heritage structures. This iconic timber trestle bridge ranks as Victoria’s third-tallest surviving example of its kind, showcasing exceptional engineering from a bygone era.

The rare example of early timber bridge building demonstrates the remarkable achievement of combining traditional timber piers with rolled steel joist spans and a timber deck.

Location and getting there

Located in Newtown, Victoria, Nimons Bridge sits approximately 25 minutes from Ballarat. The heritage landmark forms an integral part of the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail, positioned strategically between Smythesdale and Scarsdale.

This bridge is a magnificent example of early Australian engineering. As the second-largest composite bridge of its type, it features distinctive architectural elements that make it stand out among Western Victoria’s historic bridges. The impressive height and detailed craftsmanship have earned Nimons Bridge recognition as one of the most visually spectacular timber-trestle rail bridges in Australia.

Trail experience

The Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail stretches 53 kilometres through Western Victoria’s picturesque landscape. Nimmons Bridge serves as a major highlight along this historic route, which extends from western Ballarat through Haddon, Smythesdale, and Pittong before reaching Skipton. There is a seperate article on this trail and the link at the start of this pargraph provides easy avvess if you are wanting more information.

Local attractions

The surrounding area boasts several notable sites. Smythesdale houses the historic Ballarat Gaol gallows and police station, adding to the region’s historical significance. The township of Haddon features a welcoming nursery and café, providing pleasant rest stops along the trail. These local attractions complement the experience of visiting Nimmons Bridge and make the journey even more worthwhile.

Location: 170 Galatea Road, Newtown, Victoria 3351