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.
Home > Places > Heritage Highway > Ross Bridge: A Historic Gem in Tasmania
Built in 1836 by convict labor, this sandstone bridge is not only a functional piece of infrastructure but also an enduring work of art, adorned with intricate carvings that tell a unique story of the past.
Designed by Colonial Architect John Lee Archer, Ross Bridge was constructed to replace an earlier timber bridge that could not withstand the region’s conditions. The structure was built using local sandstone, and its design reflected the Georgian style typical of the era. However, what truly sets Ross Bridge apart is the exceptional artistry of the convict stonemasons who carved its surface with more than 180 intricate designs.
Two key figures in this extraordinary effort were Daniel Herbert and James Colbeck, both highly skilled convict stonemasons. Herbert, who was granted a pardon for his work on the bridge, is believed to have personally crafted many of the detailed carvings. These intricate reliefs depict a mix of motifs, including faces, animals, and symbolic figures—some thought to be representations of political figures, personal portraits, and even satirical images mocking authority.
The bridge’s carvings are a source of fascination for historians and visitors alike. Some reliefs feature classical motifs, while others appear to contain hidden messages. Among them are depictions of lions, birds, and religious symbols, interwoven with images of convicts, soldiers, and colonial officials. Theories abound about their meanings, with some suggesting they reflect the tensions between convicts and their overseers, while others interpret them as expressions of hope and defiance.
What makes Ross Bridge even more remarkable is that such detailed ornamentation was not a standard feature of early Australian infrastructure. Most bridges of the time were purely functional, but Ross Bridge stands out as an example of artistic expression within forced labor.
Nearly two centuries after its completion, Ross Bridge remains in use, serving both locals and tourists who come to admire its craftsmanship and historical significance. The bridge is a key feature of the town of Ross, which itself is a well-preserved colonial settlement with a rich history. Visitors to the area often explore the nearby Ross Female Factory Historic Site, another significant landmark tied to Tasmania’s convict past.
Ross Bridge is now recognized as a heritage-listed site, preserved as part of Tasmania’s colonial legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder of the skill and resilience of the convicts who built it and offers insight into the artistic and social narratives of the time.
Ross Bridge is more than just a crossing over the Macquarie River; it is a historical monument and a testament to the craftsmanship and perseverance of Tasmania’s convict past. Whether you visit for its history, its architecture, or the mystery behind its carvings, this iconic structure continues to capture the imagination of all who see it.
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.
Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre
16-20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000
(03) 6238 4222
bookings@hobarttravelcentre.com.au
hobarttravelcentre.com.au
