Bruce's Bend Marina, Nichols Point

Bruce's Bend History

The fascinating history of Bruce's Bend Marina on the Murray River in Nichols Point.

The Bruce's Bend Marina was established by Wayne Roberts, who was a well established boat builder, over 30 years ago.  A testament to Wayne and his vision, the marina is now home to over 55 boats and covers 42.5 acres of government crown land.


It is also home to The Reliance which was built in 1875 by South Australian Ketch Fleet, in Port Adelaide, by H.C. Fletcher.


Originally a barge for the Murray Darling sheep trade it would travel back and forth on the Murray trading wool.


It was converted to a sailing vessel C1921 and used in the Price Salt trade, as well as grain carting.
Its later life was taken back to the Murray in the early 1960's for use on the Chowilla Dam project. 


She ended her days at Bruce's Bend, near Mildura, where she can still be seen today.


The Reliance

Reliance when she worked the South Australian Gulf Waters as a three mast schooner.


She traded mostly from Port Price, found at the top of St Vincent’s Gulf through to Port Adelaide, travelling with bagged salt and grain.

Reliance in the glory days - Bruce's Bend Marina
ABC VIDEO: Murray River flooding challenges residents around Bruces Bend

VIDEO: Murray River flooding challenges residents around Bruces Bend

Brett Pickering, one of the partners in Bruces Bend Marina says people along the river are teaming up to help take on rising flood water.

November 2022

Further reading about the history of Bruce's Bend Marina

Bruce's Bend Marina Article - Kings Billabong Park - A Rich History

Kings Billabong Park - A Rich History

November 14, 2023
Local Indigenous people have enjoyed the Billabong's rich life-supporting wetland for thousands of years. Shell middens (kitchen hearths), burials and scar trees indicate a lifestyle celebrated on these banks for centuries. The Billabong was an important meeting place between Murray nations and travellers from the south. Kings Billabong took its name from the indigenous word for still water - billabong, and its European name from Captain James King, who navigated the Murray River and its tributaries in the late 19th century. The Chaffey Brothers from Canada selected Kings Billabong as the central water supply to establish the Mildura Irrigation Settlement. By 1891 a 1,000 horse powered pumping engine was installed at Psyche Bend to maintain the water level. The restored steam-powered pump at Psyche Bend can often be seen operating on key holiday weekends. Today, the reserve is supported by the Friends of Kings Billabong who can regularly be seen helping to maintain the health and integrity of this special place. Nichols point is primarily a grape horticultural producing area within a tranquil rural setting, which over the years has strongly been protected by local residents. Nichols Point residents proudly maintain a rural outlook whilst incorporating modern day activities. Progressively we have seen a growth in the number of residents and subdivision developments seeking our rural and community life style. The tranquil billabong is a highly valued conservation reserve that supports a number of wildlife species and waterbirds. Whilst preserving its natural beauty it is alluring for the tourist, bird watchers, bushwalkers, nature lovers, campers, cyclists, fishing, canoeing, dog walking and horse riding enthusiasts. There are many ways that this wild and natural land attracts and captivates the varied uses of the reserve. It has three specific trails to accommodate a variety of needs ranging from a 200m loop, 3.5km loop to a 9.5 km loop.
Bruce's Bend Marina Article - Development of Nichols Point

Development of Nichols Point

November 14, 2023
A thriving community on the Murray River.
Bruce's Bend Marina Article - The Naming of Nichols Point

The Naming of Nichols Point

November 14, 2023
An encounter with an angry bull.