The Lower Hotham fire has claimed an historic victim by burning an important crossing on the Bibbulmun Track - the historic Long Gully Bridge.

Considered an outstanding example of an early rail trestle bridge, the 128 metre long bridge was a great example of the technical design skill of the Western Australian Government Railways. The bridge was built for the WA Government Railways in 1949. The rail network was integral for the timber industry from the Serpentine-Jarrahdale area to Dwellingup region. When the Dwellingup Mill was burned down in 1961, the track ceased operation. The Bridge met sections of land that rise steeply above Murray River valleys and it provided the only viable crossing point for walkers on the Bibbulmun Track.

Once the dust and ash settles we will investigate how we can create a new crossing for walkers.

Lightning strikes started the blaze, which engulfed over 52,000 hectres of land and destroyed the 128-metre wooden structure, along with one house and two sheds.