Project Update July 2025 - Lower Timber Wharf now complete!
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has officially opened the new Lower Timber Wharf, marking a major milestone in transforming Sturt Reserve into a vibrant, accessible riverfront destination for residents and visitors.
The Wharf forms part of the city’s Heritage and Tourism Precinct - a $6 million revitalisation project supported by $3 million in Australian Government funding, comprising $1.5 million from the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
The Wharf is part of Council’s vision to grow tourism, boost the local economy and enhance quality of life. It offers a fully accessible design, featuring a viewing platform, shaded seating areas and an innovative Wet Deck that brings people closer to the river. The new facility caters to a wide variety of watercraft, from large vessels to kayaks and paddleboards, and remains a popular spot for fishing.
The Lower Timber Wharf is the latest achievement under the Sturt Reserve Master Plan. Future upgrades will include the Play Precinct, a culturally significant space co-designed with the Ngarrindjeri community, which will replace flood-damaged infrastructure and strengthen local heritage connections.
The Wharf adds to Murray Bridge’s growing appeal as a regional destination. Recently recognised as one of Wotif’s Top 10 Aussie Towns for 2025, Murray Bridge is attracting visitors with new experiences like the Monarto Safari Resort and a thriving local tourism sector.
The opening of the Wharf reflects Council’s commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that support a growing community. It also showcases the value of partnerships between all levels of government, with the project funded in part through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
Sturt Reserve Master Plan Advances with Lower Timber Wharf Replacement
The Sturt Reserve Master Plan continues to progress with the upcoming replacement of the lower timber wharf, marking another milestone in the transformation of Murray Bridge’s riverfront into a high quality leisure destination.
Following the successful opening of the wharf shelter in late 2022, the next stage will deliver upgrades to existing lower wharf and landside facilities within the Heritage & Tourism Precinct of Sturt Reserve. Construction for the lower wharf commenced in August 2024, with a targeted completion date of early 2025.
This project is made possible through the support of the Building Better Regions and the Black Summer Recovery Grants Programs.
Project Update June 2025
The final touches are underway with the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Completed:
✔️Installation of timber decking, steps and terracing
✔️Steel structure – including Lower Timber Wharf Shelter, access ramp and viewing deck
✔️ Viewing deck
In Progress:
🔹Stage 2 of pavement renewal works on Wharf Road
🔹Timber decking, steps and terracing installation
Project Update May 2025
A lot of hard work is really paying off now for the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Completed:
✔️Installation of fender pile caps
✔️Stage 1 of pavement renewal works on Wharf Road
In Progress:
🔹Timber decking, steps and terracing installation
🔹Steel structure (including access ramp and Lower Timber Wharf Shelter)
Project Update March 2025
Things are really taking shape on a number of fronts with the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Completed:
✔️“Wet-Deck” and associated access timber stairs has been completed
In Progress:
🔹Timber decking installation
🔹Steel structure (including fender pile caps)
🔹Stage 1 of pavement renewal works on Wharf Road
Project Update January 2025
It’s been a busy month and we’re excited to share the latest progress on the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Completed:
✔️ New underground services installed
✔️ Retaining wall backfilled
✔️ Rock revetment (along the riverbank) installed
In Progress:
🔹Steel structure and timber decking installation
Project update November 2024
We’re excited to share the latest update on the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Current Phase:
✅ Installation of foundation for new retaining wall has been completed
✅ Installation of new underground services are 70% completed
✅ Installation of new retaining wall is in progress
Project Update 17 October 2024
We’re excited to share the latest update on the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Current phase:
✅ Installation of foundation for new retaining wall has been completed
✅ Installation of new underground services are 70% completed
✅ Installation of new retaining wall is in progress
Project Update 3 October 2024
We’re excited to share the latest update on the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Current phase:
✅ Excavation works for the new retaining wall have been completed
✅ Installation of foundation for new retaining wall in progress
✅ Installation of new rock revetment in progress
Project Update 24 September 2024
We’re excited to share the latest update on the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf project:
Current phase:
✅ Excavation works for the new retaining wall have commenced
✅ Installation of new rock revetment has commenced
Recent Milestones:
✅ All piling works are now complete
✅ Archaeology site investigations (mainly focussing on remnant wharf items) is now complete
✅ Removal of the old lower timber wharf is now complete
Project Update 14 AUGUST 2024
The lower timber wharf replacement construction has commenced at Sturt Reserve.
Progress update:
✅ 70% of steel piles installed
✅ Floating barge on site for piling works
✅ Clearing rock armour from the riverbank and below water line to accommodate piling works
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sturt Reserve Lower Timber Wharf Project?
The project involves the replacement and upgrade of the lower timber wharf at Sturt Reserve, part of the broader Sturt Reserve Master Plan aimed at transforming Murray Bridge’s riverfront into a premier leisure destination.
2. Why is the lower timber wharf being replaced?
The existing lower timber wharf is deteriorated and needs to be replaced to ensure safety, improve accessibility and enhance the overall visitor experience at Sturt Reserve.
3. When will construction begin and end?
Construction is scheduled to commence from Monday 8 July 2024 and is scheduled for completion by December 2024.
4. Who can be contacted for more information?
For more details or specific inquiries, residents can contact the Council’s Lower Timber Wharf Team at 08 8539 1100 or lowertimberwharf@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
5. Will I be able to access the Captain Proud and Proud Mary during this time?
Yes, passengers on the Captain Proud and Proud Mary will still have access during the construction period.
6. How can the public stay informed about the project's progress?
Regular updates will be provided through the Council's website and social media channels.
7. Will any roads be closed throughout this process?
No, all roads will remain open with traffic restrictions in place. Occasionally the roads may need to be closed for short periods of time to enable works to continue safely.
8. Will the work affect the Heritage Wharf?
No the works being completed are only on the Lower Timber Wharf. The adjacent Heritage Wharf will continue to remain closed throughout the replacement of the Lower Timber Wharf, as Council seeks solutions and appropriate funding for its remediation.
Completed Projects
History and Tourism Precinct - Wharf Landside Shelter
In September 2022 Mayor Brenton Lewis officially opened the Wharf Shelter at Sturt Reserve, celebrating the ongoing transformation of Murray Bridge’s riverfront into a showpiece and world class leisure destination.
The design of the new shelter and associated works draw from both the history of the local factories and working wharf as well as local Ngarrindjeri cultural heritage. A co-designed process with our Ngarrindjeri community partners has created both a functional shelter and space and one that celebrates both European and Ngarrindjeri cultural heritage.
The design of the shelter also includes Aboriginal artwork by Kevin Kropinyeri which depicts a Dreaming Story about Waatji Pulyeri the Blue Wren.