For decades, the Walter Taylor Bridge in Chelmer stood as more than just a transport link—it was a home. The bridge, which opened in 1936, remains the only habitable bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. While thousands of motorists cross it daily, few realise that generations once lived inside its towering pylons.
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
A Bridge Like No Other in Chelmer
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
The Walter Taylor Bridge, originally known as the Indooroopilly Toll Bridge, was completed in 1936, replacing a ferry service that previously connected Chelmer and Indooroopilly. Designed by local resident Walter Taylor, the bridge was privately funded through a toll system, with the initial charge set at one penny per crossing.
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
The structure remains unique, with its cables sourced from surplus materials used in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its towering pylons housed the families of the tollkeeper and bridge supervisor, making it the only bridge in the Southern Hemisphere designed to be inhabited.
Life Inside the Walter Taylor Bridge
For 74 years, three generations of the Green family lived in the Indooroopilly pylon, beginning with Morton John Green, the bridge’s first tollkeeper. The apartment, accessible by a 52-step climb, featured high ceilings, a kitchen, bedrooms, a balcony, and a view overlooking the Brisbane River.
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
However, life inside the bridge came with unique challenges. The bedroom walls did not reach the ceiling, limiting privacy, and the thick stone structure meant that modern upgrades, such as installing an elevator, would be nearly impossible.
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
The Chelmer pylon had a very different history. It was initially home to the bridge’s second-in-command before being rented out over the decades, eventually housing university students. The space suffered significant damage due to parties and neglect, leading to its current uninhabitable state.
From Family Home to Historic Landmark
In 1965, BCC took over ownership of the bridge, and the toll system was removed. The last residents moved out in 2009, with one of the brothers requiring a crane-assisted evacuation due to medical reasons.
Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane
The bridge remained empty until 2013, opened for guided tours. Thousands of visitors have since explored the Indooroopilly pylon, learning about the unique lifestyle of those who once called it home.
Some have suggested repurposing the space for commercial use. However, strict building codes and accessibility issues make this unlikely. For now, the Walter Taylor Bridge remains a heritage landmark, and its history has been preserved through tours and public interest.
Published 19-Feb-2025
