Tea Gardens Walk page 6

Page 6

7. The Fishermen’s Co-operative
A waterfront building, it also houses a shopfront which sells fresh fish.

8.The Swimming Centre
The town was without swimming facilities after the closure and demolition of the Council-owned baths, formerly located on the riverbank near Ogden Street (26). Community effort saw the building of the present swimming pool which was opened in October 1982.

9. The Singing Bridge (Photo 8.1, 8.2)
Replacing a ferry service which had operated in various forms since about 1928, the bridge between Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest was opened in April 1974. bridge1.jpg - 8215 Bytes
9.1: Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Bridge (1974). punt07.jpg - 8231 Bytes
9.2: The vehicular ferry which operated before the bridge was built.

The ferry ride across to Hawks Nest saw the length of queues in peak holiday periods reach unacceptable levels of up to six hours waiting time. The bridge which is 304 m. in length cost $1.2 million to build. Because the bridge railings resonate during strong south-westerly winds the local citizens have dubbed it the “Singing Bridge”. A climb to the centre of the span provides excellent views of Tea Gardens and the Hawks Nest - Winda Woppa area.

Return to the car parking area and walk over to the southern side of Myall Street. Please cross this road with great care as it carries the main traffic flow across the bridge.

10. Information Centre, Council Offices, Arts & Craft Centre (Photo 10)
Cross over Myall Street (with care!) to the Community building which houses the Tourist Information Office, an Arts and Craft Centre and the local Council Offices.
infocen2.jpg - 4616 Bytes

10: Tourist Information Centre, Gift shop and Council Offices.

From the Centre walk north-west along Myall Street, turn right into Charles Street, then left into Marine Drive and retrace your steps back to the starting point at the Hotel Motel.