places
things to do
blog
deals
Talk to an expert

Things to Do

Travel Ideas

Events

See all blogs

Popular Destinations

All Towns

Places to Stay

Camping
Heritage Stays
Hobart Hotels
See more...

Popular Destinations

All Towns

Latest Deals

View all deals

Wishlist

As you browse the site, add accommodation, tours, events and attractions to your personalised trip by clicking the heart icon. When you’re done, click the heart icon in the menu at the top of the website to view your wishlist.

Review your list, remove any items you no longer need, then select “View your itinerary” to see your trip on a map, or send it to a friend.

VIEW YOUR ITINERARY
EMAIL THIS WISHLIST
Close

Discover Tunbridge in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands

Home to Australia's oldest single-span wooden bridge.

  • Tunbridge Tasmania. Image Credit: mychairaffair

Step back in time and uncover the charm of Tunbridge, a quaint village in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands.

Established in 1809 and originally named Tunbridge Wells after its English counterpart, this historic town thrived as a bustling coaching stop along the route between Hobart and Launceston.

While the Midland Highway now bypasses Tunbridge, the town’s rich heritage remains beautifully preserved. Take a detour and wander through streets lined with 19th-century architecture, offering a glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial past. From the historic Tunbridge Convict Bridge to the stories etched into the buildings, Tunbridge is a treasure trove for history lovers and curious travellers alike.

Ready to explore? Discover our top picks for things to do and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this Southern Midlands gem.

Heritage Highway

Explore Tunbridge’s Coaching Heritage

In the heyday of horse-drawn carriages, Tunbridge thrived as a vital stopover for weary travellers journeying between Hobart and Launceston. The town was home to three prominent coaching inns: the Tunbridge Wells Inn (c. 1825), the Victoria Inn and coaching stables (c. 1843), and the York Inn. Each inn played a crucial role in providing respite for both travellers and their horses during long, arduous journeys.

The Tunbridge Wells Inn, now Heritage-listed, stands as an enduring example of early Tasmanian architecture. Its simple yet elegant Old Colonial Georgian style reflects the practicality and charm of 19th-century coaching inns. This single-storey inn and farmhouse offers a fascinating window into Tasmania’s colonial past.

For a closer look at the era’s transport history, visit the park where an original Samuel Page coach is proudly displayed. These iconic vehicles were the lifeblood of Tasmania’s coaching days, ferrying passengers and mail across the island. Standing before this beautifully preserved coach, it’s easy to imagine the clatter of hooves and the bustle of Tunbridge during its heyday.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Tasmania’s past, Tunbridge’s coaching heritage offers a compelling journey back in time.

Tunbridge Community Park
Tunbridge Community Park

Admire Tunbridge’s Historic Architecture

Take a step back in time as you explore the historic buildings that define Tunbridge’s 19th-century charm. Many of these structures, now private residences, offer a glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial heritage.

One standout is Tunbridge Manor (c. 1840s), originally built as a bustling staging post during the early days of transport. This significant building provided accommodation, hearty meals, drinks, and stabling for horses—a vital service for travellers and their steeds along the Hobart to Launceston route. Its storied past adds to its undeniable charm.

Another highlight is Bowerman’s General Store, an elegant two-storey Georgian building with a striking five-bay façade and graceful slim columns. It’s a fine example of the architectural sophistication that once graced rural Tasmania.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy admiring beautifully preserved heritage, Tunbridge’s historic architecture is sure to captivate.

Other buildings include the Colonial Homestead (c. 1820) and the Blind Chapel, which is now the Masonic Hall. The Blind Chapel was built with no windows on one side so the parishioners couldn’t see across to the pub (better not tempt them).

An old church at Tunbridge. Image Credit: Dean Ahern
An old church at Tunbridge. Image Credit: Dean Ahern
Bowerman’s General Store, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @johnhoneywill
Bowerman’s General Store, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @johnhoneywill

Discover the Historic Tunbridge Convict Bridge

The Tunbridge Convict Bridge, built in 1848 by convict labour, is a rare and historically significant landmark. This sandstone bridge, originally with timber decking is considered the oldest single-span bridge in Australia, showcasing the ingenuity of early colonial engineering.

Located at the northern end of town, the bridge spans the Blackman River. Its intricate design and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for photography and a quiet stroll. A visit to the Tunbridge Convict Bridge offers a unique glimpse into Tasmania’s convict past and is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Tunbridge Convict Bridge. Image Credit: Steven Penton
Tunbridge Convict Bridge. Image Credit: Steven Penton

Discover the Allure of Abandoned Buildings

Step into the past as you explore the fascinating abandoned buildings scattered throughout Tunbridge. These weathered cottages and churches hold a quiet charm, their walls whispering of untold stories from days gone by.

With their crumbling façades and faded features, these buildings spark the imagination. Picture the cottages in their prime—chimneys smoking, children playing in the gardens, and families gathering around the hearth.

Each structure is a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called them home. Take a moment to stand before these relics of the past, admire their enduring character, and daydream about the lives they sheltered and the memories they hold.

Abandoned Building, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @skyetenille
Abandoned Building, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @skyetenille
Abandoned Building, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @skyetenille
Abandoned Building, Tunbridge. Image Credit: @skyetenille

Explore the Unique Flora and Fauna of Tunbridge

Just east of town, the Township Lagoon Nature Reserve offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s natural heritage. This highly protected area is a rare remnant of pre-settlement native grassland, showcasing what the landscape looked like before European arrival.

The reserve is a botanical treasure trove, boasting the highest concentration of threatened plant species in Tasmania. Among its unique flora are the endemic Tunbridge buttercup and the Tunbridge leek orchid, species found nowhere else in the world. These delicate plants add to the significance of this special habitat.

Adding to its uniqueness is the salt-pan lagoon, home to the endangered salt lake slater, a tiny crustacean that relies on this rare environment to survive. The lagoon’s distinctive ecosystem offers a haven for specialised flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts.

Township Lagoon Nature Reserve Tunbridge. Image Credit: @berondi
Township Lagoon Nature Reserve Tunbridge. Image Credit: @berondi
Shadows of the Past. Image Credit: @photography_by_nikki
Shadows of the Past. Image Credit: @photography_by_nikki

Discover the Tasmanian Emu Sculpture and the Shadows of the Past

Just south of Tunbridge, you’ll find the striking Tasmanian emu sculpture, a poignant reminder of a species that once thrived across Tasmania’s Midlands. These emus roamed freely through the open “parkland” of the region until the mid-1800s, when they were hunted to extinction by early settlers.

The sculpture is part of the Shadows of the Past Silhouette Trail, a fascinating collection of 16 steel artworks that reflect the region’s colonial history. Stretching between Tunbridge and Kempton, each sculpture tells a story, shedding light on the people, wildlife, and events that shaped the Midlands.

Keep an eye out for these captivating silhouettes as you journey through the area—they offer a unique way to connect with Tasmania’s past and contemplate its enduring legacy.

Shadows of the Past

Discover the Heritage Highway

The picturesque stretch between Hobart and Launceston that beckons travelers to slow down and savor the delights of this historically rich region.

Heritage Highway

Download Touring Maps

Stay in touch with what’s happening in Hobart & Beyond

Sign up for our mailing list

We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.

sign up for our newsletter
Talk to an Expert

Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre
16-20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000

(03) 6238 4222
bookings@hobarttravelcentre.com.au
hobarttravelcentre.com.au

Popular links

Places
Things to Do
What’s On
Blog
Deals
Touring Maps
Newsletter

Visitor information

Visitor Information
Contact Us
Contribute Images

Hobart & Beyond is managed by
Destination Southern Tasmania

southerntasmania.com.au 
List your business & events

  • Hobart & Beyond 2025

Sign up for our mailing list

Subscribe for updates on what's happening in hobart and beyond

Skip to content