The Barkly Bridge was built in 1884 by the British company of "Westwood, Baillie & Co, Engineers and Contractors" of London. The steel girders were transported all the way from London using sea, rail, and for the last 100km an ox wagon was used. It was the first bridge to cross the Vaal River. Its opening was celebrated with the closure of all the shops in Kimberley and Barkly West. A Toll House was built for those crossing the bridge to recover costs at the time, which was opened as a museum in 2000.

The Barkly Bridge is a single lane bridge that was replaced by a modern concrete bridge in the 1970's. Kimberly is only about 35km from here. At this point the Vaal River is quite wide. It is possible to walk across the entire bridge. It makes one realize what a job it must been to carry all the segments of this bridge overland by ox wagon!

Area of Barkly Bridge Map