Historic Bridges of Tasmania: A Self-Drive Heritage Tour
Historic Bridges of Tasmania: A Self-Drive Heritage Tour
Tasmania is a place where history and nature blend beautifully—and one of the most striking ways this shows up is in its historic bridges. Built by hand, many by convicts in the 1800s, these bridges aren’t just charming—they’re engineering landmarks. A self-drive tour across the island gives you a front-row seat to Tasmania’s colonial past, and every stop comes with a view.
If you’re looking for a road trip that mixes scenery, heritage, and a bit of storytelling, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why Explore Tasmania’s Historic Bridges?
Tasmania’s bridges are more than old structures—they’re living history. Many were built using convict labour in the early 1800s and are still in use today. Each has a story: of craftsmanship, survival, and Tasmania’s journey from a penal colony to a modern state.
These bridges also happen to be in beautiful places. Most are nestled in peaceful towns or scenic countryside, making them great for slow drives, short walks, and scenic stops.
When to Go
Historic bridge touring is a year-round activity in Tasmania. Spring and autumn offer great light for photography and comfortable temperatures. Winter gives the trip a moody, misty charm, especially in the Midlands, and summer brings lively rural towns and green landscapes.
Suggested Self-Drive Route
You can start in either Hobart or Launceston and follow the Midlands Highway (National Highway 1), with side trips toward the east coast or northern towns. A 2–3 day trip allows time to enjoy the bridges, explore the towns, and stop for food, galleries, or walks.
Six Must-Visit Historic Bridges
1. Richmond Bridge (1825) – Richmond
Distance from Hobart: 25 min
Australia’s oldest surviving bridge still in use. Built by convicts using sandstone, it spans the Coal River and is a peaceful, picture-perfect spot. The village of Richmond is also full of colonial architecture, a great bakery, and a convict-era gaol.
2. Ross Bridge (1836) – Ross
Distance from Richmond: 1 hr 30 min
Famous for its intricate carvings and symmetry, Ross Bridge is a masterpiece. Each sandstone block is hand-carved, featuring animals, faces, and patterns—done by convicts under harsh conditions. The town itself is charming, known for its bakery and tree-lined streets.
3. Red Bridge (1838) – Campbell Town
Distance from Ross: 25 min
Named after its deep-red bricks—over a million of them—this bridge was also built by convicts and remains a key crossing of the Elizabeth River. It’s part of the Midlands Highway today, but there’s a safe place to park and view the bridge from below.
4. Spiky Bridge (1843) – Near Swansea
Detour from Campbell Town to the East Coast
Built with field stones and a dramatic spiked design along the sides, this is one of Tasmania’s quirkiest heritage structures. No one’s quite sure why the spikes exist—some say it was to stop cattle falling off. It’s a quick stop with great ocean views.
5. King’s Bridge (1864) – Launceston
In the city
This ornate cast-iron bridge spans the entrance to Cataract Gorge and connects Launceston to its lush parklands. It was shipped from Manchester and assembled in Tasmania. Walk it, drive it, and make time to explore the surrounding gorge trails.
6. Macquarie River Rail Bridge – Conara
Between Campbell Town and Launceston
This iron rail bridge is a hidden gem. While you can’t drive across it, it makes a stunning photo stop, especially at sunset. It tells the story of Tasmania’s 19th-century rail boom and remains active for trains today.
Tips for the Drive
Fuel up before leaving larger towns—rural areas may have limited stations.
Pack a picnic and stop near the bridges—many have grassy riverbanks.
Bring a camera—the texture and setting of these bridges are a photographer’s dream.
Check road conditions—especially around Spiky Bridge or in winter in the Midlands.
Allow time for town stops—Ross, Richmond, and Campbell Town are worth a proper wander.
Travel With YesDrive
Exploring Tasmania by car gives you the freedom to go beyond the main roads and into the heart of the island’s history. YesDrive makes it easy to hire a car in Hobart or Launceston, so you can hit the road with confidence—whether you want a compact car for quick town parking or an SUV for winding backroads.
Book your car with YesDrive and experience Tasmania’s heritage at your own pace—bridge by bridge.
