Walk of the month: A taste of the old and the new at Newbridge
Graham Hallandal guides you along the new developments of Murray Bridge while reminiscing on what once was.
The walk for this month highlights some of Murray Bridge’s history; the now superseded Murray Bridge racecourse and its rapidly evolving repurposing as a retirement village and housing estate.
The 2.6 kilometer walk starts and finishes at the convenient location of Murray Bridge golf course car park.
Shorter sections can be undertaken if required and the route is bike friendly.
Once the car is parked in front of the golf club, walk south east along Ritter Street towards Sturt Street intersection with Melville Terrace.
To the right is an entrance that leads to a new trail between the golf course and old racecourse.
Originally this was accessible to traffic but now only sees the occasional golf cart.
The pleasant walkway overlooks the golf course to the right with solar lighting spaced evenly apart.
Recently additional trees and plants have been added to the established eucalypts trees that shade the 770 metres through to Maurice Road.
Unfortunately due to lack of water, most of the newly planted eucalypts have died.
A deviation off the track and back to the main trail (dotted section) overlooks the new section of golf course and water hazards being developed.
Not all trees are dead, there are many lush sights. Photo: Graham Hallandal
When complete, this will take the Murray Bridge Golf Course to a championship standard par 71 course.
Towards Maurice Road the track passes the original racecourse buildings, many in a rapidly deteriorating condition.
Murray Bridge Racing Club was established in 1899 and held its first race meeting at the old location on Maurice Road July 25 1914.
The new Murray Bridge racecourse is now situated on Brinkley Road, Gifford Hill, 6 kilometers south.
The first of the new buildings for the new $100 million development, Living Choice is under way at the exit onto Maurice Road.
Sited between Maurice Road and the golf course extension, the 22 hectare gated community site is planned to have 230 homes and designed for people over 50.
It will include a creek through the middle, community centre, bocce and pickleball courts.
Walk south east along Maurice Road 590 metres to Mulgundawah Road.
A large storm water retention pond has been constructed near the corner, the water is planned for irrigation of open spaces.
Left into Mulgundawah Road then left into Newbridge Parade (500 metres).
Newbridge Estate is a $50 million, 350 lot residential development.
Time for a break? A very attractive park with seating, a BBQ and children’s playground is worth a stop (dotted lines on the map).
The rear of the park overlooks a new section of the golf course, the Living Choice development, White Hill, and the southern section of Kinchina Conservation Park.
Continue along Newbridge Parade for 300 metres, left onto Smeaton Road to the end, re-entering the trail you commenced the walk on.
It’s 100 metres back to the golf club car park and that’s the end of this walk.
More walks of the month
- Historic Strathalbyn township
- Bremer Valley walk to Callington
- Kinchina Conservation Park, Rocky Gully
- More walks of the month
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