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Campbell Town, Tasmania - Convict History, Heritage Bridge & Streets
- Apr 28, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Campbell Town, Tasmania - Convict History, Heritage Bridge & Streets
Campbell Town is a beautifully preserved historic village near the Elizabeth River in Tasmania’s picturesque Midlands. Positioned on the famous Heritage Highway, it sits 68 kilometres south of Launceston and 134 kilometres north of Hobart, making it a perfect stop on any journey between Tasmania’s two major cities.
The town is rich in colonial history and character, with elegant sandstone buildings, charming bridges, leafy parks, and a peaceful riverside atmosphere that invites you to slow down and explore.
From heritage walks and convict history to cosy cafés and boutique accommodation, Campbell Town offers visitors a wonderful blend of history, beauty, and small-town charm. It’s a fascinating destination that rewards anyone who takes the time to wander its streets and discover the stories woven into its past.
Town Centre - History, Books & Country Cafés
The heart of Campbell Town is interesting to explore as it is filled with layers of colonial history and an inviting small-town atmosphere. As you wander through the town centre, you’ll discover a wonderful mix of antique stores, speciality shops, cosy cafés, and traditional bakeries, all set among beautifully preserved sandstone buildings and leafy green parks.
One of the true highlights is Foxhunters Return, a remarkable 19th-century inn built in 1834, which has been lovingly transformed into a sensational bookstore. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, with shelves of books lining the old stone walls and stories waiting to be discovered in every corner. Together, these elements make Campbell Town’s centre a charming place to slow down, browse, and soak up the town’s rich heritage.
The Red Bridge - Australia’s Oldest Working Bridge
The Red Bridge is one of Campbell Town’s most iconic landmarks and an extraordinary piece of living history. Built by convict labour in the 1830s, it is recognised as the oldest bridge still in use on a major highway in Australia. It was constructed from locally quarried sandstone, and the bridge has stood the test of time, carrying generations of travellers across the Elizabeth River and continuing to play an important role in Tasmania’s transport network.
Today, more than two million vehicles pass over Red Bridge each year, yet it still retains its original character and craftsmanship. Walking down to the riverbank gives you a wonderful view of its graceful arches and solid stonework, offering a quiet moment to appreciate the skill and effort of the convicts who built it nearly two centuries ago.
Blackburn Park - Art, Nature & Stories in the Trees
Just near the historic Red Bridge, Blackburn Park offers visitors a beautiful blend of nature, art, and storytelling. Scattered throughout the park are a series of remarkable sculptures by Tasmanian artist Eddie Freeman, intricately carved into 80-year-old macrocarpa pine trees. Each sculpture brings the timber to life, revealing faces, figures, and scenes that reflect both imagination and local character.
As you wander through the park, you’ll notice how the carvings seem to emerge naturally from the trees, creating a unique outdoor gallery that changes with the light and seasons. Set beside the Elizabeth River with lawns, walking paths, and shaded picnic spots, Blackburn Park is a peaceful place to pause, explore the artwork up close, and appreciate the creativity that adds another layer to Campbell Town’s rich cultural heritage.
Why Campbell Town Is Worth the Stop
Campbell Town is more than just a convenient stop between Hobart and Launceston — it’s a destination rich in stories, craftsmanship and quiet beauty. From wandering heritage streets and exploring convict-built landmarks to relaxing beside the river or discovering art hidden in the trees, this historic Midlands village offers a gentle, rewarding glimpse into Tasmania’s past.
If you enjoy heritage towns, scenic riversides and places that invite you to slow your pace, Campbell Town is well worth adding to your Tasmania itinerary.
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