Feature photo by Ian Fieggen – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Swing Bridge in Sale is unique as the last remaining swing bridge in the world that can swing around 360°. Built in 1883 (commenced in 1880), it was load tested with 240 cattle before it was opened for use.
Crossing the La Trove River, the swing feature of the bridge was used regularly, opening around 20 times a day during its peak usage. Like many river ports, the use of rivers reduced after rail and roads became more plentiful. Usage dropped dramatically, where it became a rare event. For over 60 years, between 1938 and 2004, the bridge opened only three times.
An upgraded section of the main road bypassed the bridge by 2004. It is now closed to traffic, but you can walk onto and cross over the bridge.
The bridge features in the 2008 Australian movie The Tender Hook, starring Hugo Weaving, Rose Byrne, and Matt Le Nevez.