We pulled into Campbell Town and immediately felt that old-world charm that Tasmania does so well. It’s one of those places that makes you want to hop out and just wander, even if you’ve got nowhere in particular to be. The air was crisp, and the sky had that moody, dramatic look that really makes the colours of the town pop.
I took a stroll down toward the water to get a proper look at the famous Red Bridge. It is an impressive piece of work, with its three wide arches of red brickwork reflecting perfectly in the still surface of the Elizabeth River. Seeing it there, framed by the reeds and the heavy clouds, you really get a sense of how solid and permanent it is.
Lisa and I spent a good bit of time just admiring the different buildings along the main stretch. There is one particular spot that really stands out—a bright ochre-yellow building with a deep red corrugated roof. The front entrance is framed by a massive, dark circular arch that looks like it belongs in a much bigger city, yet it fits right in here. It’s got a lot of character, and the white trim around the windows really makes the whole place look sharp.
As we walked further, we came across a beautiful old stone church. It’s built from that dark, rugged stone you see throughout the state, with a tall, narrow bell tower reaching up toward the sky. It looks incredibly sturdy, like it’s been watching over the town for a century or two without breaking a sweat. There’s something very peaceful about the way it sits on the green lawn, surrounded by that simple wire fence.
The thing that really grabbed my attention, though, was the wood carvings near the park. Someone has taken these massive, old tree trunks and turned them into art. I spent a few minutes just looking at the detail—a man is sitting at a small table, a soldier standing at attention in the background, and even a little aeroplane and a ball perched high up on the branches. You can see the texture of the wood grain and the effort that went into every chisel mark. It’s a brilliant way to give those old trees a second life.
It was a grand morning for a walk. We both agreed that Campbell Town is much more than just a place to pull over; it’s a town that really wears its history on its sleeve.
🔒 Unlock the Full Gallery
Trip Gallery
