Campbell Town Tasmania – History
Campbell Town has long been a popular road-stop between Launceston and Hobart, but it truly deserves more than a quick visit!
With its prime location in “The Heart of Tasmania,” Campbell Town is ideal for a longer stay, offering rich history, charming riverside scenery, unique accommodations, shopping, and an authentic rural atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to explore for an overnight or weekend trip!
THE RED BRIDGE
The Red Bridge – A Timeless Convict-Built Masterpiece
Spanning the tranquil Elizabeth River in Campbell Town, Tasmania’s iconic Red Bridge is more than just a picturesque stop — it’s a remarkable piece of colonial engineering and history. Constructed in 1838 by convict labour, the Red Bridge is Australia’s oldest surviving brick arch bridge and the oldest bridge still in use on the National Highway.
Made from over 1.25 million handmade bricks, the bridge features three elegant arch spans, each 7.6 metres wide, supporting two lanes of traffic and pedestrian footpaths. Interestingly, it was built on dry land, and only after completion was the river cleverly diverted to flow beneath it — a true feat of 19th-century ingenuity.
The bridge is believed to have been designed by convict-turned-architect James Blackburn, who also became Melbourne’s city architect. Today, the Red Bridge carries more than two million vehicles a year, including large freight trucks, proving its incredible durability.
Recognised for its historical and engineering significance, the Red Bridge has been listed on the Register of the National Estate since 1978 and has received a National Engineering Heritage Marker from Engineers Australia.
Visitors are encouraged to take a stroll along the riverbanks, admire the graceful arches, and perhaps enjoy a picnic with local fare from one of Campbell Town’s charming cafes. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or soaking up local history, the Red Bridge is a must-see destination halfway between Hobart and Launceston — a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and country charm.
ELIZA FORLONG STATUE
Eliza Forlonge – Pioneer of Australia’s Superfine Wool Industry
Long before Australia was known for its world-class wool, one determined woman helped lay its foundations—Eliza Forlonge, a name that deserves far more recognition in our national story.
Born Elizabeth Jack in Glasgow, Eliza married John Forlong in 1804. After heartbreakingly losing four children to tuberculosis, the Forlonges sought a warmer climate to help their son William, who had also begun showing symptoms. They set their sights on New South Wales, with an ambitious vision: to breed the finest Saxon merino sheep in Australia.
But Eliza did more than just dream — she walked. Multiple times across Saxony (now part of modern-day Germany), on foot, carefully selecting and personally shepherding flocks of merino sheep to the port of Hamburg. These sheep weren’t just livestock — they were the start of something extraordinary.
In 1829, Eliza’s 16-year-old son William sailed on the Clansman with the first flock. Upon stopping in Hobart, Governor Arthur quickly recognised the rare quality of their sheep, persuading William to accept a land grant near Campbell Town, Tasmania. Eliza followed in 1831, arriving with a second flock and joining her family on their new estate, Kenilworth.
These carefully chosen sheep became the genetic backbone of Australia’s superfine wool industry, forming the basis of the Winton and St Johnstone studs, still renowned today. In 1839, after frustrations over land access, the family moved to Port Phillip (now Victoria), taking with them over 1,000 sheep — the legacy travelling with them.
When Eliza passed away in 1859, she left behind far more than flocks. She left a story of resilience, vision, and tenacity. Today, she is commemorated in Campbell Town by the stunning “Eliza and Ram” statue, created by sculptor Peter Corlett — a lasting tribute to a woman who helped Australia “ride on the sheep’s back.”
This is not just a story of wool. It’s the story of a woman who walked Europe, crossed oceans, and changed the destiny of Australian agriculture.
FOX HUNTERS RETURN, now The Book Cellar
Convict Cellars, Bookstore, Heritage.
The Book Cellar in Campbell Town, Tasmania, offers an exceptional bookstore experience within the convict cellars of an 1830s coaching inn. These historically significant cellars once housed the convicts who constructed the iconic Red Bridge over the nearby Elizabeth River. Honored as one of “150 Bookstores You Need to Visit Before You Die” by Elizabeth Stamp in 2023, The Book Cellar combines literary charm with a unique heritage setting, making it a must-visit for book and history lovers alike.
BRICKHILL MEMORIAL CHURCH - Now Haven On High Airbnb
Formerly known as the Brickhill Memorial Church, the heritage-listed property owes both its original name and its roots to patron Joseph Brickhill. Originally arriving in Tasmania as a convict, through hard work Brickhill established himself as a prominent businessman in Campbell Town during the mid 19th century. Brickhill bequested his amassed fortune to the Methodist church, which allowed for the construction of this and two other church buildings in Tasmania.
Constructed from bluestone with sandstone front and dressings, the church’s foundation stone was laid on the 30th July, 1879. A marble tablet was placed in the church in memory of Joseph Brickhill and in recognition of his generous gift, and it is still there for guests to see today.
Original features have been carefully maintained throughout the church’s 150-year history, including the slate roof, arched doors with antique mortice entry key, decorative moulding, hardwood floors, soaring 12-metre high vaulted ceilings, ornate woodwork, and strikingly beautiful stained glass windows. There are 16 lancet leadlight windows, twelve of which were installed in 1879 by renowned makers Ferguson & Uri. Two additional intricate mosaic windows titled ‘The Light of the World’ and ‘Sower of Seeds’ were manufactured by Brooks, Robinson & Co.
Deconsecrated in 1964, the Brickhill Memorial Church has served the community in many ways since ceasing to be a place of worship: as an art gallery, coworking space, cafe, and even a wool museum.
In December 2023 the church was purchased by new owners who, with help from the local community, renovated the church and its adjacent cottage to accentuate their unique historical features and open the boutique accommodation known as Haven on High. “We could tell the space is unique even amongst church conversions from our first walk-through,” said the owners. “It’s nearly impossible to find a building that retains so much history while also providing a restful, welcoming feel.”
SOLOMON'S STORE now Solomon's Cottage Airbnb
Fully renovated 1845 stone cottage
2 bedrooms (1 King , 1 Queen). New Kitchen with stove, 3/4 Fridge and espresso machine. Seperate lounge room/wood fire.
New Bathroom with wall heater. Washing Machine available. Continental Breakfast Provisions
Access our private vegetable garden, berry cage, poultry and orchard. Walk our 2.5 acre garden.
Great location, across road to IGA supermarket, cafes & bank. Ideal as a base for day trips. Off Street Parking.
