Begin at the Red Bridge
Start at the Red Bridge, the brick and stone crossing over the Elizabeth River completed in 1838. The bridge contains more than 1.5 million handmade bricks produced by convicts and still carries the national highway. Footpaths and riverbank viewpoints give good angles for photos. Traffic on the bridge is regular, so remain on the signed footpaths and avoid stepping onto the carriageway.
Follow the Convict Brick Trail along High Street
The Convict Brick Trail starts outside the Fox Hunters Return, adjacent to the Red Bridge, and runs along the footpath of High Street. Each brick records a name or a ship and serves as a public memorial to people transported to Australia. The first brick was placed in a laying ceremony in August 2003. The project was organised privately and the bricks and inscriptions were supplied by purchasers or descendants.
What the bricks represent and how to treat inscriptions
Many bricks feature the names of ships that brought convicts to Van Diemen's Land. Because the trail was a privately run project, some inscriptions may be inaccurate. Northern Midlands Council keeps a record of reported corrections but did not manage the original placements and does not replace incorrect bricks. Treat the trail as an accessible prompt for further research rather than a definitive archive.
Streetscape: churches, inns and civic buildings
High Street and nearby lanes contain a compact concentration of colonial buildings that reflect Campbell Town's role as an early garrison and coaching stop. Buildings such as churches, former inns and civic premises are visible from public footpaths. Many are privately owned or in commercial use. Observe from public ways and avoid entering private property or business premises without permission.
Pause at Valentine Park and river reserves
Valentine Park and the Elizabeth River reserve provide a natural break in the walk. Benches and riverside paths are suitable for a short rest, birdwatching or a picnic. The town invites walkers to use the riverbank for relaxation and to combine the heritage route with outdoor recreation. Blackburn Park is identified locally as an RV friendly site with free overnight camping available by the river.
Facilities in town you may use
Campbell Town has basic visitor services clustered near High Street. The local library and a visitor or information point can help with historical queries. The town operates a public swimming pool with a 25 metre pool, a toddlers pool, shade areas, change rooms, toilets and a kiosk. Pool opening times and fees are subject to seasonal variation and weather; check with local contacts before relying on the pool for a planned visit.
Practical route, surfaces and suitability
The walk follows standard town footpaths and short riverbank tracks. Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for pavement and short unpaved sections. The route is compact and generally suitable for most fitness levels, but mobility limitations should be considered where the path approaches road crossings or the bridge approaches. Allow at least one hour to cover the primary route and allow more time if you plan to visit the museum, library or pool.
Checks to make before you go
Confirm museum and visitor-centre opening hours if you want to include indoor displays. Opening times can vary and affect the length of your visit. Expect regular traffic where the national highway crosses the Red Bridge and take care at road crossings. If you plan to study the brick inscriptions, note the Convict Brick Trail was managed privately; report suspected errors to council so they can be recorded. Keep to public footpaths and respect private property while photographing or observing buildings.
Research and follow up options
If a brick inscription prompts further interest, use the trail entry as a starting point for genealogy or convict history research. The trail includes bricks representing many convict ships and a local database exists for the project. Because the initial information came from private contributors, verify names through official records where possible and notify council of any confirmed discrepancies so the corrections record can be updated.
How long and how to combine the walk
Plan for a minimum of one hour to see the Red Bridge, a section of the Convict Brick Trail and the main heritage buildings along High Street. Add time for the museum, library or the pool. Campbell Town functions as a common stopping point between Launceston and Hobart, so the walk can be combined with a short refreshment or rest break during a longer drive.