The Tailem Bend to Jervois Punt

Over the last 40 years I have been driving this road which part of the main highway from Adelaide to Melbourne. Many times I have thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at this historic old punt.

However I am usually in a rush to get to Melbourne - a drive of 500 miles or roughly 750 kms. Today it was different being 4 days of vacation coming up, and an interesting blip firmly in mind.

We pulled off the main road and drove a short distance to the river's edge. Perfect timing as the punt was just leaving. Grabbed a few shots and I liked this one the best.

Clearer punt.

The Tailem Bend Ferry, a cable ferry, operates across the River Murray to Jervois which is a small farming community. Major industries in the area include pig farming, dairying, and grain growing.

Because this punt is considered to be part of the road system, the ferry - or punt - is free.

The ferry at Tailem Bend was one of the last built across the River Murray by the South Australian Government. It was a vital link between Jervois and Tailem Bend at the time and is still very important today. Built in 1924 with a timber jetty, it was replaced in the 1960s by a new punt and crossing.

The ruins of the timber jetty are still there. Now that would make a good future blip!