Murray Bridge, one of South Australia's fastest growing regions lies approximately 80km east of Adelaide at the eastern foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The area was first settled in the late 1830's but grew during and after construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River. The town became an important river port once the rail line was connected with Adelaide and shortly after the first rail bridge to cross the Murray River was completed. Murray Bridge for many years was essentially a working class town (now a city), but has grown again in recent times due to many businesses from Adelaide decentralising in the regional centre as well as offering cheaper housing and opportunities considering the close proximity with Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. The city has also become the major centre for the southern and eastern Murray regions. The city itself is quite impressive (contrary to those who remember it in the 1980's and before) - a recently upgraded CBD and Bridge Street offers a great shopping precinct and several parks abutting the Murray River (Sturt Reserve the standout feature). The view gained from the south side of the River is great as the two bridges (rail and road) provide an impressive foreground for the city. Other attractions in the area include: Puzzle Park, Dundee's Wildlife Park, Monarto Zoo (15km west), river cruises and the Bunyip (in Sturt Reserve). While now bypassed by the South Eastern Freeway, I recommend taking the detour and passing through (at least to see the old bridge!)

Population: 17,500
State: South Australia
Postcode: 5253
Local Government: Rural City of Murray Bridge
Location: 78km east of Adelaide
Main Roads: South Eastern Freeway , Karoonda Road
Main Watercourses: Murray River
Radio Stations (Music): Nova FM (91.9), Power FM (98.3), Mix 102.3 (102.3), Triple M (104.7), Triple J (105.5), SAFM (107.1), Life FM (107.9)

Photos from Murray Bridge (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):
 

	Looking west into Murray Bridge from the Old Princes Highway with the Murray River floodplain and rail bridge in the foreground (2004).
	And again, this time showing both the rail and road bridges over the Murray River, Murray Bridge (2004).
	Heading north-east along Bridge Street, approaching the road crossing over the Murray River, Murray Bridge (2004).
	Looking east over Murray Bridge taken from Whites Hill (2004).
	Bridge Street, looking west from Sixth Street, Murray Bridge (2004).
	And again, this time taken from Seventh Street, Murray Bridge (2004).
	Bridge Street, looking east approaching the Swanport Road junction, Murray Bridge (2004).
	View south-east over the Murray River in Sturt Reseve, Murray Bridge (2004).
	Adelaide Road, heading west in Murray Bridge (2004).
	Swanport Road, heading south-east from Joseph Street, Murray Bridge (2004).