Campbell Town: Red Bridge and Local History

Campbell Town lies on the banks of the Elizabeth River and along the Heritage Highway between Launceston and Hobart. The town is a popular stopping point on this route, and its local history has several distinct aspects. Red Bridge, the Convict Brick Trail along the main street, historic buildings, the museum and several memorial sites each add their own perspective. As you plan your trip, you can choose what interests you most: architectural history, individual life stories or cultural remembrance.

Red Bridge and the Convict Brick Trail

Red Bridge was completed in 1838 and built from more than 1.5 million bricks made by convicts by hand. It is Australia's oldest surviving brick arch bridge. Its construction date, materials and method of production make it a tangible reference point for Campbell Town's architectural history; the origin of the bricks also connects the bridge to the history of convict transportation.

The Convict Brick Trail offers a different perspective: it runs along the main street, with bricks set into the footpath providing information about individual convicts. This self-guided trail focuses on life stories, while Red Bridge, as a historic structure, offers a different perspective. Both give you different ways to explore the town's history.

Buildings from different periods

Several other buildings offer specific points of reference in time. Foxhunters Return is an inn built in 1834. The Grange was designed in the late 1840s by convict architect James Blackburn. The Church is a heritage-listed sandstone building dating from 1857. Together, they represent three distinct moments in the 19th century: the construction of the inn, the design of The Grange and the construction date of The Church. The Church welcomes coach parties and groups by prior arrangement.

Museum and memorial sites

The Campbell Town Museum is housed in the town hall and showcases the local history of the Midlands. Its collection includes photographs, uniforms and musical instruments, as well as music by the Campbell Town Brass Band, founded in 1844. The local perspective thus ranges from visual and material exhibits to the music of a local band.

The Transit of Venus Sundial commemorates the observation of the transit of Venus from Campbell Town on 8 June 2004. The Harold Gatty Memorial honours Harold Gatty for his record-breaking 1931 flight with Wiley Post. The Campbell Town Chainsaw Sculptures depict various features of the town. These memorial sites each have a distinct focus: an astronomical event, an aviation achievement and subjects drawn from Campbell Town itself.

Books in a historic setting

The Book Cellar combines a traditional bookshop with a coffee bar. It is located in convict cellars beneath an inn dating from the 1830s. You can browse a selection of new and second-hand books in the historic cellars. If you plan a visit to The Book Cellar, check the latest visitor information beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Richmond, Derwent Bridge, Claude Road, Stanley, Conara, Gladstone, Robigana, Pipers Brook.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.