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With nearly three kilometres stretching over Moreton Bay, the Hornibrook Bridge was once the longest road bridge in the Southern Hemisphere, forever changing travel and community life on Queensland’s Redcliffe Peninsula.
A Historic Engineering Feat
The Hornibrook Bridge was a crucial link between Brisbane’s northern suburbs and the Redcliffe Peninsula for over 40 years, stretching nearly three kilometres across Moreton Bay. Built during the Great Depression from 1932 to 1935, it was the longest road viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere at the time.
Led by engineer Emanuel Richard Hornibrook, the bridge used local hardwoods like ironbark and tallowwood, supported by concrete piers. Its distinctive Art Deco concrete portals and hump-backed design earned it the nickname “Humpity Bump,” while greatly reducing travel times and supporting Redcliffe’s development.
Connecting Communities and Boosting Growth
Before the Hornibrook Bridge, Redcliffe was isolated from Brisbane, reachable only by ferry or long, often difficult road trips. The bridge provided a direct road connection, encouraging people to visit, settle, and invest in the area.
This new link boosted tourism, business growth, and daily accessibility for residents. It also helped establish regular commuter bus services, making jobs across Moreton Bay more accessible.
Challenges and Changes Over Time
The Hornibrook Bridge operated as a toll bridge until the mid-1970s and became a strong symbol of connection for locals. As traffic increased, the need for additional bridges led to the construction of the parallel Houghton Highway.
When the Houghton Highway opened in 1979, the Hornibrook Bridge closed to vehicles but remained open to pedestrians and cyclists. Due to maintenance costs and safety concerns, most of the bridge was dismantled in 2011 despite efforts to preserve it.
Celebrating a Lasting Legacy
The Hornibrook Bridge will mark its 90th anniversary on Saturday, 4 October 2025, at Redcliffe Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. His granddaughter, Julie Hornibrook, will speak about the family’s connection and the bridge’s Art Deco design.
The mostly demolished bridge was key to Redcliffe’s growth. The event is sold out, but a waitlist is available for anyone interested in attending.
Published 2-October-2025
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