VICFarming
Cobram
Rail, irrigation and fruit shaped a Murray town.
1887Town lots sold · rail-and-orchard centre
WHAT STARTED IT
Selectors farming the Murray flats needed a market and transport point. Railway construction prompted subdivision of town lots in 1887, creating Cobram beside the line and river.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The angled railway and rectangular private subdivision produced Cobram’s unusual street pattern. A farmer’s 1892 irrigation windmill anticipated the orchards that spread after water schemes; a Murray bridge opened in 1902.
TURNING POINTS
1887Town lots go on sale.
1892Early controlled orchard irrigation begins.
1902First Murray River bridge opens.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A cross-border service town with Barooga, surrounded by orchards, dairying and vegetable farms and popular for river recreation.