I remember going over the old Bailey bridge as a really little child - it was so rickety that I was actually really really scared & Dad had to reassure me that it wouldn’t fall apart!

Great video mate. Hobartian living abroad, very appreciative of the history which has probably slashed the time limit on my move back.

A piece of the floating bridge is still in use today as a jetty in Alonnah, Bruny Island. Another awesome video Angus!

A correction is needed I personally know the daughter who was travelling in the back of the HO Monaro...their car stopped as pictured they got out and witnessed cars drive over the edge. They stopped the old ek wagon. It was subsequently bumped by another car. No one in the ek but stopped on the edge...the owner of the monaro still owns it

@ricbarker4829

2 жыл бұрын

HQ

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I can remember travelling over all five of the bridges. Driving over the floating bridge can be best described as "spooky". The bridge moved around quite considerably and it was nothing for waves to crash over the top of anyone driving across it. As for the Bailey bridge, it wasn't much better. It used to "bounce" as well as sway from side to side. It was also rather loud. As for the Tasman, I still hold by breath whenever I drive over the "new" section. I was on the bridge heading east when the driver noticed the Lake Illawara way off course. We watched as the ship's super structure disappeared out of sight as the bridge shook and the entire eastern shore went black. The power cables that fed the eastern shore ran through the bridge. Very spooky as the western shore was still all lit up.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, James. Interesting.

@officialWWM

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, amazing!

@roydagger

2 жыл бұрын

Really?

@blackdogRexy

6 ай бұрын

Even with the low speed limit the Bailey could still be a very dangerous cross. I recall a truck driver lost both his legs on an icy night in the eighties. The only thing that stopped him bleeding out was the sub zero temperatures

I'm really enjoying your videos. You arouse curiosity about what is around us here in Hobart. Thankyou.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear, Suzan.

I remember the day the of the bridge accident as a child. Seeing the photo on the front page of the Melbourne news paper shocked us all. It was really hard to comprehend it was true. Thanks you for another very good presentation. I really like Hobart, so much history and stories to be told everywhere you look. Words can’t describe the incredible beautiful forest as well.

Took me years to get the courage to drive over Auckland’s harbour bridge. I still don’t like it and go the long way round. Very scenic!

Angus, don't stop making these short video's. I think they are well done, very informative and great photography not to forget the cute dog and your voice is relaxing to listen to. Thank you 💖

My family moved from the western shore to the eastern shore in 1976. Property prices had crashed due to the bridge going down. My parents bought a waterfront property for next to nothing. I was in Year 8 and in my new eastern shore school I was horribly bullied compared to my previous school where I was one of the in crowd. I never understood it. Your insights into the social disruption and crime rate differences on the different sides of Hobart before and after the bridge crash throw a new light on my personal experience. I guess that my family was hated, seen as blow ins exploiting the misery of those who had lived on the eastern shore for a long time. Don't worry, it came back to bite me twice. When I got my first job in Hobart I was looked down upon as some sort of uncivilised feral from the other side of the river. Years later, living in Dover in the Far South I bought a yacht and joined a Hobart (Western shore) yacht club to race on the Derwent. At that club I was treated as a bogan from the bush. When I raced in races run by the Bellerive Yacht Club they treated me like I was a posh prick from Sandy Bay.

@siddalton5190

2 жыл бұрын

😆Perspective! Coming from the northern suburbs of Moonah, we were always considered bogans regardless of the bridge. I still thought the eastern shore kids had it better because they got to catch a ferry to school every day, and to me it was always a posher area than Glenorchy! It was a great pain for the city though - the best beaches were over the eastern side and the waiting times when the Bailly bridge was built were unbelievable - most of the time we'd drive to Bridgewater to get home as it was quicker. I never realized how the crime rates changed as explained in the video, though it makes sense.

@fabmanly1070

2 жыл бұрын

It’s the same in Auckland, living on the North Shore. Northern side of our harbour bridge has always been the good’ side……similar to Sydney’s North Shore. Socioeconomics of bridges, fascinating. What’s not surprising is the snobbery associated sailing/keel boat clubs……never changes. Am always looking at houses on the Eastern Side, nice place to live.

I remember the baily bridge, I was a child and loved how it rattled as one drove over it

Thanks for that. An enjoyable meander along the Derwent

As someone who hopes to move to Tasmania in the next year I find all of Angus's videos to be well thought out and interesting...great work being done by "dog" also :-)

@jamiekelly6851

2 жыл бұрын

Don't, we literally have no room. Wait 4 years.

Fascinating and well researched. Love your little dog too, he looks, er, well fed 😂

The bailey bridge was sold by the army in the early 1990s from its warehouses in Bathurst. A significant amount was bought in job lots by farmers to bridge their properties. Some of it ended up in WA.

Nicely put together and entertaining mate. Cheers.

Great video Angus, well done. The icing on the cake would have been to add a snippet of video of what's left of the floating bridge here at Alonnah on Bruny Island. Back in the early 70's, the then Warden of Bruny Island, John Dillon, fought tooth and nail to have it installed here as a breakwater for boats. Thank goodness he did as it's now a great community facility.

@officialWWM

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. The rest of it was sunk near Betsy island as a fish attracting device.

What a great video! I loved your intelligent presentation and soothing voice.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Very generous

Awesome video mate, great to hear the history of our bridges x

Lovely and insightful video Angus! Now we’ve got the New Bridgewater Bridge to look forward to.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

We'll possibly be waiting a million years for that one.

Concrete panels from the old floating bridge have been use as fencing for a property in Daly Rd Lenah Valley. It was my back fence when I lived there.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't know that.

@stephengeorge7510

2 жыл бұрын

@@angusthornett the person who built the house was an engineer who worked on the Tasman Bridge. Must have acquired them. Made a great fence.

I remember the Sunday night in January 75 well when the bridge collapsed. The Tasman Bridge still impresses me when I see it on approach. Certainly a prominent feature of Hobart’s landscape.

Cool. Thank you. I drove over the Tasman Bridge the day before it was struck by the Lake Illawarra. I lived in Melbourne then but was in Tas for a wedding. I knew some of the other history but you presented it in a very hands on and listenable way. Thank you.

Informative and entertaining. Travelling on the many varied ferries during the bridges rebuild was a memorable, unique experience. My dad enjoyed a beer at the onboard bar nightly, coming home from work to Lindisfarne, from the G.P.O. in Hobart. Thanks for making.

My first memories are from Howra. My family moved to Hobart the year the bridge was fixed. It was big stuff back then for the easterners. I haven't been back yet and this video makes my heart ache to visit once more. I would love to see more. When I was there Port Arthur was just a ruin, while we were there someone came along and fenced it off from the kids that used to run through the ruins playing hide and seek. There was no cafe and people used to go there for picnics. We were also one of the last people to climb the shot tower before it too was roped off from access.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

A lot changed since, a lot still the same.

not too long ago, i got stuck on the base of one of the pylons of the derwent bridge at about 9pm at night because my boat (an inflatable) brushed up against the mussels and got a few big cuts in it, thus deflating it and rendering it useless. in the hour and a half that the rescue boat took to come i managed to acquaint myself with the bridge quite well

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Glad that wasn't me.

I remember fishing off the old pontoon bridge in the early 60s, something you certainly couldn't do from the Tasman. It used to rock a bit on a stormy night. The first time I saw a traffic jam in Hobart was during construction of the Tasman when one of the work barges broke free during a storm and threatened to crash into the old bridge and sink it. Traffic was diverted all the way through Bridgewater that night. Fortunately, no serious damage was done and it was all back under control the next day. I'm pretty sure that the Bailey bridge was still in use the last time I visited Tasmania (1977 from memory), even though the Tasman was back in action.

Keep up the great work!

The next chapter within the history of Hobart's bridges will be the pending, soon to commence construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge. I don't know what's happening to the current bridge's framework & railway line. I'm hoping the causeway will remain, due to its convict built heritage. & The railway line... that's another story..waiting to be told...😊 Thank you, for sharing Tassie's rich & relevant history... ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

I have driven over all those bridges except the newest one. Last time I was there it was still being built. I have a cousin who knew both the drivers of the HQ Monaro and the EK wagon. The Tasman bridge is quite steep, steeper than it looks. My mother was lucky, she crossed the bridge about 10 min before it was knocked down.

@johncarne1055

2 жыл бұрын

The only car that stopped on the edge was the mi around...the EK WAS SHUNTED WHIKST EMPTY AND STATIONARY

Top quality video, like always. Thanks for sharing

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, dude. Good to hear you enjoyed it.

Hi great video. Really enjoyed it. Just a small note that was incorrect. No one lived on site at the Bridgewater bridge. I know this because my dad was one of the operators.

Great stuff mate very intresting indeed

I didn't realise the Bridgewater bridge was that young, Loving your work Angus!

Great video. I recall being driven across the Bailie Bridge as a young child. It is hard to imagine a replacement for the Tasman Bridge. Hard to imagine Hobart without the silhouette of that bridge.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

It is

Another possible mention was the Risdon punt. been catching up on your older videos this week mate! Dreading the moment I’ve watched them all

@angusthornett

Ай бұрын

All things must pass.

@davenicholstas

Ай бұрын

@@angusthornett eventually, but not yet. Keep it up, super enjoyable 🤙

Would be awesome to see an iconic bridge design here in Hobart 😊

I’m from Hobart and this is great I love learning new things about where I live so thanks

Wonderful. I also love the dog. Thank you always for the posts. They’re destined for history and future generations will always enjoy them.

Thanks for a very interesting history of the Hobart bridges. 😁👌👏👏👏

Another great video

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, James, glad you enjoyed.

Great video. Well done.

nice one mate

I am 47 years old, as a child on occasion we would use the Bridgewater bridge, in the mini minor, me and my sibling knew it as the clikity clacity bridge. I also remember visiting the sight of the Bailey bridge, people would visit it …sightseeing

Now watched all videos today, and watched subscribers climb. Thank you Keep up the good work

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, mate. Hopefully the channel can become sustainable.

Wow, what a great video! Really glad I found your channel!

Thanks for sharing this great history of Hobart’s bridges 🤓❤️

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ian.

Far out. Thanks for such a captivating video mate! Ive lived in Glenorchy for most my life and didnt know much about the things you spoke of. I actually went to a car show opposite to the Aquatic Centre, and those 2 cars dangling off the bridge were present, with their document of authenticity to proove that they were the 2 cars. Soo sad to hear how things changed upon the bridge, with the split dividing the sides and rhe crime rates and what not. But yea, absolutely love the vid 👍🏻

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, mate. Yeah, it's cool how those cars are still about.

That was great, nice work!

What a great video.. love it.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers home boy.

I think it is fair to say (in my opinion anyway, and I am far from the only one who holds this opinion) - that Kingston, Blackmans Bay and the general Kingborough area was sent into a warp speed of growth and recognition due to the collapse of the Tasman Bridge. Good video as well, nice one.

@ianraper4304

2 жыл бұрын

Perhaps and I would add that the same applied for all those on the west side of the Derwent - given that it was the east side that was badly affected.

A very well done video. Thanks.

Really interesting video man!

We spent our honeymoon in Tasmania and took a Derwent River cruise from Constitution Dock to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, via Wrest Point. This was in November of '93. Our host for the journey told a non-stop story of the Derwent, the Hobart bridge and the Tasman bridge and he gave a very graphic and harrowing tale of the results of the Lake Illawarra disaster - including the initial lack of transport ( some people even driving to and past Bridgewater to cross the river. Other transport such as ferries across from Bellerive/Lindisfarne - the ferries were on loan from the Sydney-Many ferry run and some had been decommissioned but were re-instated (and had to make the journey down to Hobart) - access to the airport was also badly affected. The Bowen Bridge at Goodwood was also constructed (opened Feb 1984) to assist with the traffic should something happen to the Tasman bridge. I found it all fascinating. There are some points that I would like to add to your narration 1. The pin that was used to combine the two 'halves' of the Hobart Bridge was 12 and 3/4 inches in diameter and weighed half a ton. 2. The Hobart Bridge was a temporary construction and always regarded as such. 3. There is a photo of a 'mock-up' of the final resting place of the Lake Illawarra on the bed of the Derwent River - it is a remarkable visualisation of the underwater scene.

The replacement of the tasman bridge could be very difficult. Besides cars, bike and pedestrians, the bridge also carries, water, electricity and phone lines. Unsure if the bridge carries fibre or not so not sure if internet is going over but a lot of planning would be required for disconnecting those services.

@einfelder8262

2 жыл бұрын

All of that can easily be laid in an underwater cable. The biggest issue is where to locate the new bridge, and what design to use. The current one was built for beauty over practicality, as I remember when the design was chosen. It was the most expensive, having twice as many pylons as needed, making it prone to .......... being hit by a ship. It is easy on the eye, though, and certainly much nicer than many bridges around the world.

Love this!

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Michael. If I can get 1000 subs and am able to get monetisation I might be able to keep making videos.

Awesome video, very interesting history that I never knew before.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, mate. Glad you got something out of it.

@Tassiephotographer

2 жыл бұрын

@@angusthornett I’ve always wanted to fly the drone around the bridges, but everytime I’m down that way the wind is too strong 😂

This is very cool_ can’t help feeling there’s a series in this ie bridges of the world - the ongoing theme of linking areas/communities

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, mate. Yeah, lots of bridges have come down.

I clearly remember travelling across the bailey bridge from Berriedale to Lindisfarne to see my Grandparents.

I do remember when the carrier rammed into the bridge.

Don't forget also that the curved concrete wharf at Allonnah on Bruny Island is the last intact segment of the floating bridge.

I remember the collapse in 1975, I was making a model of the graf spee at the time an mum rushed in and said the bridge had collapsed

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Now that is a wreck.

I like old photos like that of the train derailment "Men in Bowler hats descend to discuss the damage"

@danaveye3977

2 жыл бұрын

As a recent number added to the population here can you, please, do a bit on the toll gate that once existed outside the maypole hotel? Some other wag was telling me that Risdon Rd there used to run through, via a bridge, to the eastern shore. Any truth to that?

Love your videos and Hobart!

Very, very interesting! Thank you.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Albert. I trying to get 1000 subscribers.

@albertoftasmania

2 жыл бұрын

@@angusthornett Best of luck, not doing too badly so far.

I was born in august 75 after the bridge was knocked down and dad said if my mum didn't change her mind we would have been on the bridge at that time

Thanks mate, outstanding work :)

Great vid mate, well done.

Nice retrospective on the structures we take for granted living on the Derwent Angus, thanks. A mate of mine was actually born on the floating bridge - on the front seat of a brand new Holden EJ. It might explain why he has suffered sea sickness ever since : - ). I have a question - at 6:34, 7:53 & 8:15 there is some form of pontoon structure floating about 4-500 metres south of the bridge. I don't recall seeing it as a kid growing up down there. Was it some form of breakwater to moderate the sea state for the floating bridge or just a guide for shipping? cheers

@jimmyohara2601

Жыл бұрын

what does where your mate was born, what they were born inside of got to do with this subject ?? Seriously 🤔🤐.

The guy in the Monaro Frank actually waved a bus down when he got out the car and the bus was full of people and it crashed into the side WALK so he saved their lives

These are awesome! Found you today, and binge watching. Thanks Angus(:

Great little video Angus. I wonder if they are now working on future plans for a new Bridge. I recall the day that the Bridge fell. I was front page of the The Sun, and I recall my relatives all talking about it. With the falling of the Tasman Bridge and the Westgate Bridge, it left a bad taste and made me feel very uncomfortable when driving over any bridge. Enjoyed you video very much.

@debshipard1664

2 жыл бұрын

I have the same memories . The Westgate still makes me nervous

@CowboyJojosAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

@@debshipard1664 I always get chills when going over the Westgate.

@jadeg01

Жыл бұрын

There are multimillion$ plans underway already for a renewal of the Tasman rather than replacement.

There is a nice place to sit under the Bowen Bridge on the Technopark side

Fastastic video thank you.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Tim

I remember going over the Bailey Bridge...carclunk...carclunk and very noisy.

I thought it took longer to rebuild the Tasman bridge. An excellent presentation, thank you.

Section of Tasman Bridge at Alonnah. Now a breakwater.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

You got it

Watching from Launie ❤️

hobart born and bread, im too young to have seen the floating bridge, or baily bridge, looks like a deathtrap! nor did i see "the incident" with the lake illawarra but im so glad to see these photos, many the first time absolutely amazing its so sad to think Tasmania's icon may soon be moving on

@ianraper4304

2 жыл бұрын

Moving on? Please explain.

grew up in bridgewater suburbs.. haven't been there in years.. interesting to see the bridge still looks like a dump. Lol

I just Subscribed. Great video!

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, David. I'm trying to get the subscribers up, so that the channel can become sustainable and I can continue to post content. If you feel so inclined, don't be afraid to share my videos on facebook and alike.

What about McGee's Bridge? or does that not count because it's further out and not technically part of Hobart.

@angusthornett

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I reckon

How does one accidentally demolish a bridge? Interesting place and good video..

Ships and bridges don't seem to mix. They need huge bollards or something to protect them

100 year life span of concrete bridge seems very very short… or is it seismic related ?

Can you please run for Parliament?

@angusthornett

Жыл бұрын

I’m unelectable

im trying to understand how is the new bridgewater bridge project the biggest infrastructure project when you have this that looks more complex and pricier .

Some of the Bailey Bridge was used for bridges for the road from Westerway too Maydena. Then they built concrete bridges. Other parts were kept at a quarry just before Rokeby.

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

interesting

"on the River Derwent" … that's how we know you're really from Hobart.

I think a part of the boringness of these bridges is in their design (obviously). As with a lot of late 20th-century constructions, the bridges are purely utilitarian, they don't suit the 'characterful' nature of Hobart. They're also strikingly car-centric. That isn't to say that they shouldn't convey cars, obviously that's their purpose -- it's just the fact that they ONLY convey cars, and you can see the frightful narrowness of the pedestrian/cyclist lanes on the Tasman. Hobart is fairly small, but this car-centrism is the primary reason its traffic is so bad. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, etc., are only now realising that the American model isn't great -- a country like the Netherlands has the best driver experience, simply because it does not give everything to the car and nothing to anything else (it is a mathematical thing to work out that cars are much less efficient, by transporting the least volumes of people compared to any other mode). The City of Hobart itself has recognised this for a number of decades. A recently-popular KZread channel that is passionate about the Netherlands' infrastructure is called "Not Just Bikes". Another thing is: the connection of the two shores is a minor curse on the outskirts and eastern shore. All (or most) of the jobs people need are located in or around Central Hobart, the western shore; but with suburban sprawl and the aforesaid car-dependency, it creates a caricatured inequality across the city. This is sad to me, because I really want Hobart to be its own thing (and I think many Hobartians), by following BETTER, rather than WORSE policies. It is not choice that mandates these developments, but government policy.

The Bowen bridge is the only one suitable for a pushbike. The Tasman bridge is so much worse than the floating bridge. It really is a disgrace that such a poor design was acceptable for non motorised communication. There is scarcely room for two pedestrians to pass each other. But the vertical rails catch handlebars and are deadly. But there is more. At each end the narrow path narrows further to two solid pillars. A glance at the gouge marks in those shows how many serious accidents have been caused by inadequate and negligent design. Mobility scooters would be also extremely difficult. Even at this late stage there is a need to rebuild a new walkway along at least one side. Something suitable for the users of it.

@allenjenkins7947

2 жыл бұрын

Back in my brief residence in Hobart during my schooldays I rode with mates over the pontoon bridge quite a few times. No desire whatsoever to attempt it on the Tasman if I ever visit again.

Man’s a Souljacker

Spirit of Hobart is by far the ugliest boat on the Derwent River

Well done angus i really enjoyed the history of the bridges cheers bob.😁🤠🍺🦘🐨

@angusthornett

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Bob

Why do you carry the dog?

Why does he have a fucking dog? Is it a teddy bear? For emotional security?

It's an ancient pile of shit. It certainly served its purpose a long time ago. Tasmania has grown, and this bridge no longer serves its purpose. Being nostalgic is wonderful, but not useful.