The Bridge Hotel, or as it was originally known, The Central Hotel, was built after approval was given to Henry Moss in 1885, for a "large and elegant finished two storey hotel". The brick hotel had five bedrooms and a parlour upstairs. Downstairs were the public parlour bar, kitchen, dining room, spirit room and tap room where beer was stored.

Henry Moss was the Mayor of Shoalhaven at the time and responsible for the approval and construction of the bridge over the Shoalhaven River. After the bridge was constructed Henry Moss noted large numbers of people using the bridge, to cross the river, and it was after this that he decided to lodge the application to build the hotel.

As part of the original licence application made by the first licensee, Benjamin Thompson, it was noted that, "He is determined to keep nothing but the very best brands of liquor in stock." Benjamin also noted that, "Charges strictly moderate. Civility and attention."

The 1909 licensee, David Boyd, was a teetotaller and during 1910 he and his wife Ellen served more than 800 meals and accommodated 289 people.

On Sunday the 30th of April David died on the job. The previous day David broke down 17 gallons of rum after which he closed all the doors and windows leading to the bar. On the Sunday after lunch he went into the bar area to smoke his pipe. Unfortunately the fumes from the rum casks were still in the bar area which ignited and he blew himself up.

Part of the original hotel building, the two storey section, still stands on the corner of Bridge Road and North Street. In 1977 the hotel was modified by the addition of the pool room and bistro area. A beer garden was also included in these extensions.

In 1998 the beer garden area was roofed to protect patrons from the elements. This was the last addition made to the hotel building as it currently stands.

In 2005, when the current owners took over, the Bistro, beer garden, public and Saloon bars were extensively renovated. The hotel now has reversed cycled air conditioned, a glycol beer system, rejuvenated kitchen, polished floors, lounges and new bistro furniture, plasma screens, extra pool tables and juke box, Espresso facilities, for the enjoyment and comfort of its patrons.