McKillops Bridge, Deddick Valley, Victoria

One of the main destinations on our 4 day road trip of the Gippsland Region was to reach McKillops Bridge. What a journey. This trip did not disappoint. The scenery is spectacular. As long as you are not the driver, soak up the panoramic views, they’re incredible. Unfortunately for drivers there is no place to pull over to take it all in. The road is extremely narrow. The road narrows to one lane and is for two way traffic.

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The scary 11km stretch of road from the Little River Gorge to McKillops Bridge will never be forgotten. It is said that this road trip is one of the most dangerous in Australia. Before you embark on this journey ensure you check the weather reports and your vehicle is suited for these roads. Caravans are not recommended to explore this magnificent part of Victoria.

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About McKillops Bridge

McKillops Bridge was built in the 1930’s. The iconic 250metre long bridge is one we recommend you park the car and walk across. This in itself is quite a scary experience. As you walk or drive over the bridge the planks of wood move. Walking over the bridge I hung on tight to my phone. Yep, looking down through the gaps between the wooden planks I was scared. Would I drop my phone through the cracks or trip on the uneven bridge? It was a long way down.

Driving over the bridge you hear clunking noises coming from the iconic bridge. What amazing stories this bridge could tell, if only it could speak. McKillops bridge must have witnessed so much.

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To think that when the bridge was built massive floods came and washed the bridge away, the bridge hadn’t even been officially opened. You can view pictures of the McKillops Bridge and see how the original bridge was destroyed.

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Stopping along the bridge you are rewarded with amazing views as your eye is drawn to the Snowy River below and the surrounding Snowy Mountains. After seeing the movie, “The Man in Snowy River” as a kid, my imagination starts to run wild and think about what it would’ve been like to see brumbies running wild through this mountainous area in time gone by. I picture the brumbies running wild across the Snowy River and up into the mountains.

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Both sides of the bridge offer panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains. The air is fresh. Take in deep breaths as you fill your lungs with the fresh country air. What a view. An awesome view. For those prepared to take on the hair raising road, it it well worth the journey.

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What is the road like?

The road is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Australia. We could see why. On our visit we were extremely lucky the conditions were in our favour. Our visit was just after a Covid-19 lockdown in Victoria so there were minimal tourists on the road. Phew, this was a relief. 11kms of the road to reach this amazing bridge and scenery was a single lane for two way traffic. We were fortunate not to meet another car coming towards us. If we’d met another car in some areas it would’ve required either car to reverse for quite a distance to enable the other car to pass. You would not want to be towing a van. In many areas of the road it just drops off. Yes, it’s quite scary.

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The scenery for non drivers if phenomenal. Sorry drivers, your eyes need to be glued to the road and looking ahead for any oncoming traffic. The dirt, windy road weaves it’s way through the Snowy River National Park offering fantastic views. As you drive along don’t forget to be aware for wildlife.

On our trip as we slowly turned a corner and were confronted with a mob of kangaroos sunning themselves on the road. Ensure as you drive along you are taking extra precaution not only for cars but also Australia’s native animals. This is not a road to be speeding on.

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Facilities

Coming from Buchan Reserve as you cross the bridge you will come to a carpark. Here you will find toilets. From the carpark you can take a short walk down to the Snowy River. On our visit some were swimming. For kayak enthusiasts it would be an amazing place to go for a paddle. The water was very fresh and so clean. Near McKillops bridge there is a trail which is great for dedicated hikers whom can walk the 18km trail and camp.

• Panoramic views
• Walking tracks
• Camping grounds
• Carpark
• Picnic area
• BBQ’s – ensure you check the local fire restrictions before lighting your BBQ
• Toilets

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If you drive or walk a little further from the carpark you will come across a BBQ/picnic area and areas to park.

Places nearby to visit

Ensure you allow plenty of time to explore this part of Victoria. The distance may not seem that far, however, due to the nature of the roads the journey is a lot longer than one thinks. Below are some of the places we explored on our 4 day road trip in the Gippsland Region.

If you can we recommend you take a lot longer to explore this scenic part of Victoria. It truly is a majestic part of Victoria.

• Buchan Reserve, Buchan
• Little River Falls, Wulgulmerang East
• Little River Gorge, Wulgulmerang East

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McKillops Bridge, Deddick Valley Location

Located in the Gippsland Region of Victoria in the Snowy Mountains.

• C611, Deddick Valley, Victoria 3885
• Approximately 83km, 1hr 30mins from Buchan Reserve
• Approximately 16km, 28mins from Little River Gorge, Wulgulmerang East
• Approximately 19km, 31mins from Little River Falls, Wulgulmerang East
• Approximately 437km, 5hrs 35mins from Melbourne CBD

Feedback/Comment

Have you visited the scenic mountainous Snowy Mountains in the Gippsland Region of Victoria, if you have we’d love you to share your experience with us. If you have another adventure you’d love to share with us, we’d be excited to read about it.