Gravesend: river camps, two bridges, one good shop

Gravesend sits where open plains meet the western approaches of the Dividing Range. It began as pastoral country, grew with a railway fettlers’ camp after 1901, and later hosted prickly-pear research — including early biological-control work that changed NSW farming.

Two bridges are the landmark pair: a large early-1900s steel railway truss with imported spans, and a 1930 concrete road bridge. They are working crossings first, photo stops second — stay safe around traffic and rail.

Practical visitor kit is simple: The Shop on Railway Parade for food and supplies, weekday post office hours, free camping at the recreation ground, and Ezzy’s Crossing for self-contained riverside nights. March’s cod classic and August campdraft are when the village feels busiest.

Bridge, camping and shop details from Visit Gwydir; copy is original.