Murray Bridge’s new timber wharf is officially open
A boat terminal and fishing spot at Sturt Reserve has reopened with the completion of a replacement wharf – and the Murray Princess is back, too.
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The replacement of Sturt Reserve's lower timber wharf is now complete, forming part of Murray Bridge's Heritage and Tourism Precinct.
The official opening of the wharf on Thursday morning came four years after plans to replace the facility were first announced.
The $5 million project replaced aging infrastructure with a safe, modern and inclusive public space for all to enjoy.
The new facility includes a viewing platform, shelter, and seating as well as an innovative wet deck.
The new wharf will accommodate a wide variety of watercraft, from large vessels – including the tourist boats Captain Proud and Proud Mary – to small, human-powered boats; and will also be a popular spot for fishing.
Mayor Wayne Thorley said the new wharf was a key part of the council’s vision to grow tourism, strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life for residents.
“This is more than just a wharf – it is an activation space within the jewel of the crown, our beloved river,” he said.
“It supports recreation, events and tourism experiences while showcasing Murray Bridge as a thriving, authentic riverside destination.”
The old, creaky wharf is gone and the new precinct is done. Photos: Rural City of Murray Bridge.
The project is the latest achievement under the council’s Sturt Reserve master plan, which has delivered a series of upgrades of the city’s riverfront precinct over the past eight years.
Upcoming stages include a culturally significant play precinct co-designed with the Ngarrindjeri community, set to replace flood-damaged infrastructure.
Heather Barclay, CEO of the Rural City of Murray Bridge, said the wharf reflected the council’s commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces.
“This wharf is part of our broader plan to build back better after challenges like the Murray River flood, COVID and economic pressures,” she said.
“It shows what’s possible when we work together to invest in the future of our community.
"By creating places where people feel connected and supported, we’re building a city where people can truly live well and thrive.”
A meeting was to be undertaken on the same day of the wharf opening to discuss the next steps on the master plan.
Senator Marielle Smith, representing the federal government at the launch, said the wharf exemplified the value of investment in regional communities.
“I’ve been privileged to spend a lot of time in Murray Bridge over the last six years and have always admired the resilience, strength and ambition of this community," she said.
"Their resilience has been tested with the region experiencing the impact of natural disasters."
The council hoped upgrades like this one would cement Murray Bridge's positioning as the place to be, following the announcement of Golden North's move and the Gifford Hill development.
Murray Princess returns
Meanwhile, in other wharf-related news, the paddlesteamer Murray Princess has returned to Murray Bridge.
The biggest cruise boat on the South Australian river had not visited since July 21 last year, when her mooring was damaged in an accident.
An insurance claim by the council, which owns the mooring, took many months to resolve.
