Hamley Bridge

Hamley Bridge is a beautifully situated small town in a picturesque valley surrounded by some of the richest farming land on the Adelaide Plains, between the rivers Light and Gilbert it is literally a town of bridges. Hamley Bridge is a riot of lilac blooms from late November and through December from the Jacaranda trees that have been planted along the main street in remembrance of those who fought for their country, and makes for a beautiful walk around the town which must include the River Light with its great picnicking areas which the local community are re-greening and improving. Other settlements in the area had commenced in the early 1860s and it was not until 1868 that the junction of the two rivers came under notice as a possible site for a township. The northern railway was extended from Roseworthy to Tarlee during 1868 and a bridge, said to be the highest in South Australia was built over the River Light. A railway station was established a few hundred metres north of it in 1880 and was first know as the Alma Railway Station. The stone building, occupied as a private residence today represents the fine architecture of the era, as do many other prominent buildings in the town; especially the Catholic Church, which is one of the finest examples in South Australia made from local stone. The Railway Station is heritage listed along with the signal box and water tanks at the station, as well as the Institute, two bridges over the River Light (railway and old car bridge), which also has the heritage brick kiln chimney near its banks. Named by the government of the day, after the Acting Governor Colonel Francis Hamley whose wife laid the foundation stone of the River Light railway bridge on 25 July 1868.