As the only major resting place on the Midland Highway, Campbell Town is perfect to stop for fuel, toilet breaks and to grab something to eat at one of the many food outlets that line the highway. It is 68kms (42 miles) south of Launceston and 134kms (83 miles) north of Hobart. The population in 2016 was 996.
The town is worth an extended stop. New South Wales Governor Lachlan Macquarie named the river after his wife Elizabeth way back in 1811. In 1821, on his second tour of Van Diemens Land, he named the town after his wife’s maiden name.
1. The Red Bridge
The Red Bridge spans the Elizabeth River and is the oldest bridge anywhere on the National Highway. This surviving brick arch bridge was completed in 1838. It was convict built and at its height it employed 220 men. An estimated 1.5 million bricks were laid here. As well as being practical it was built to be aesthetically and architecturally beautiful.
2. The Foxhunter Return and the Book Cellar
On the banks of the Elizabeth River and across the road from the Red Bridge is an outstanding colonial Georgian coaching inn, the Foxhunters Return.
Built by convicts around 1833 it is now in use as The Book Cellar. This is the same extensive cellars which it is said that convicts were housed overnight during the building of the bridge. It is definitely worth a visit to see the architecture of the cellars. The Book Cellar has both old and new books and an extensive collection of books on Tasmania.
3. Tree Carvings
Eddie Freeman, from the nearby town of Ross, carved three trees that stand near the Red Bridge. The carvings depict the history of the town. One depicts the wildlife found along the river.
Another depicts Dr Valentine who viewed the Transit of Venus here in 1874. The airplane and globe honour Harold Gatty (more about him later on), and the sheep and wool acknowledge the fact that Campbell Town Show is the longest running in the southern hemisphere.
The third tree depicts a British soldier supervising a convict building the bridge. These sculptures are amazing and created using only a chainsaw and a chisel.