There have been a number of Victoria Bridges on the site of the present bridge and the John Oxley Library holds an extensive collection of photographs of these bridges.  An interesting image which recently came to light is of the first permanent Victoria Bridge, opened in 1874 but washed away in the 1893 floods which devastated Brisbane.

Panorama of the first permanent Victoria Bridge, 1874. Image no. 7143-0001-0001

This image of the then newly completed bridge was taken from the south eastern side of the river ca. 1874.  A little known feature, revealed in this image, is the existence of a revolving mechanism by which the bridge could be opened to allow vessels to pass.

Section of the panorama. Image no. 7143-0001-0002

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