Story Bridge
Queensland
The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge that spans the Brisbane River, linking Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point in Queensland, Australia. Completed in 1940, it remains the longest cantilever bridge in Australia and serves vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The bridge is named after John Douglas Story, a prominent public servant. Its design was heavily influenced by the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal and was constructed during the Great Depression as a public works project, providing employment and infrastructure development. The bridge features 1.25 million rivets and was built using advanced engineering techniques, including pneumatic caissons for deep foundations. It has only one pier on the northern bank and two on the southern bank to bear weight and prevent twisting. The Story Bridge has undergone maintenance and partial closures for safety and restoration, including pedestrian and cycle path repairs. It remains an iconic symbol of Brisbane's urban landscape and engineering heritage, offering vital connectivity and stunning views of the city and river.
Plan your trip to Australia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to check the current status of pedestrian and cycle paths before visiting, as parts of the bridge have been intermittently closed for maintenance. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane. Booking guided tours or climbing experiences in advance is recommended for a unique perspective of the bridge's structure. Discounts may be available for groups or concessions, so inquire ahead. Wear comfortable footwear if planning to walk or cycle across the bridge.
Interesting facts
- •The Story Bridge is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia.
- •The bridge contains approximately 1.25 million rivets.
- •During construction, workers faced decompression sickness ('the bends') due to working under high air pressure in pneumatic caissons; 65 cases were treated on-site.
- •The bridge was named after John Douglas Story, a prominent Queensland public servant.
- •Its design was inspired by the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal, Canada.
History
The concept of a bridge linking Brisbane CBD and Kangaroo Point dates back to the 19th century, with early petitions in the 1860s and meetings in 1888 demanding a crossing.
The Story Bridge was part of a larger 1920s plan by Professor Roger Hawken to alleviate congestion on the Victoria Bridge.
Construction began in 1935 during the Great Depression as a public works project, designed by John Bradfield.
The bridge was completed in 1940 and initially tolled until 1947.
Its construction involved innovative engineering methods, including pneumatic caissons to build deep foundations under the river.
The bridge has since become a key transportation link and heritage landmark in Brisbane.
Place Guide
Main Span and Cantilever Structure1940
The central span of the Story Bridge is a steel cantilever design, allowing it to stretch across the Brisbane River without multiple piers in the water, providing both strength and an unobstructed river passage.
Pedestrian and Cycle Paths
The bridge features dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths on its outer edges, offering scenic views of Brisbane's skyline and river. These paths have undergone maintenance and partial closures to ensure safety.
Southern Bank Piers1935-1940
The southern end of the bridge is supported by two piers: the main pier bearing the bridge's weight and an anchor pier preventing twisting. Foundations reach 40 metres below ground using pneumatic caissons.
Contact
Phone: (07) 3403 8888
