Campbell Town Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Campbell Town, one of the most charming towns in Tasmania.


Campbell Town is a charming historical town located in Eastern Tasmania’s Midlands region. The town is situated alongside the Midland Highway between Hobart and Launceston. Campbell Town is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural attractions, and unique food and drink scene. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Campbell Town.

Introduction to Campbell Town

Campbell Town is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the early nineteenth century. The town was originally established as a garrison town by Governor Macquarie in 1821. Campbell Town is known for its well-preserved heritage buildings and landmarks such as the Red Bridge, The Foxhunters Return, and the High Street Precinct.

List of Places to Visit in Campbell Town

Campbell Town offers visitors numerous places to visit, ranging from cultural and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Convict Brick Trail: This historical trail takes you through the town’s history with its brick streets and buildings, built by convicts in the early 19th century.
  2. Campbell Town Visitor Information Centre: This visitor center provides a range of information on the town’s history and tourist spots.
  3. The Grange: The National Trust-owned property houses a small museum, heritage gardens, and a café.
  4. Red Bridge: Known as one of the oldest remaining bridges from the colonial era, this beautiful sandstone bridge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Campbell Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Elizabeth River: A beautiful river running through the town which is great for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
  2. St Patricks Head: A prominent mountain peak providing enchanting views of the nearby surroundings.
  3. Lake Leake: A famous Lake situated in Tasmania’s central highlands providing fantastic surroundings for picnics, fly fishing, and bushwalking.
  4. South Sister: Located within the Freycinet National Park, the mountain provides spectacular views of Tasmania’s East Coast.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Campbell Town

Campbell Town is an ideal place for hiking and biking aficionados. The nearby St. Patricks Head Historical Reserve offers a great hiking trail, while the Convict Brick Trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Campbell Town: Activities and Tours

Campbell Town offers tourists a variety of activities, including heritage walks, historical tours, and wildlife tours to view Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna. During your visit, you can chill at the beautiful Lake Leake or explore the surrounding St. Patrick’s Head reserve and experience Tasmania’s wild beauty. Art lovers can also visit The Oak Shop on Bridge Street, which houses the works of local artists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Campbell Town

Here’s an itinerary for a one-week-long visit to Campbell Town:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and explore the history-rich town center
Day 2 Visit the local Museum and The Grange
Day 3 Kayaking and swimming at Elizabeth River
Day 4 Explore Lake Leake and its surroundings
Day 5 Visit nearby historic towns of Longford and Ross
Day 6 Hiking on the St. Patricks Head trail
Day 7 Departure from Campbell Town

Food and Drink Scene of Campbell Town

Campbell Town is a food lover’s paradise with a range of dining options available. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Steak and Ale Pie from the Fox Hunter’s Return: An enticing pie made with local produce and served with delicious sides.
  2. Seafood Chowder from Zeps: The creamy soup made with locally caught seafood is a must-try.
  3. Grange Venison Sausage Roll: A unique take on the classic sausage roll, made with locally sourced venison.

Local Beverages

  1. Tasmanian Whisky: Tasmania produces world-class whisky that is a must-try for any whisky aficionado.
  2. Tasmanian Wines: Tasmania’s cool climate produces excellent wines with unique flavors.

Where to Stay in Campbell Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Campbell Town has a range of accommodation options suitable for every traveler, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. The following are some of the town’s best accommodations:

  1. The Foxhunter’s Return: A cozy guesthouse with modern amenities and excellent food
  2. Campbell Town Motel: A budget-friendly yet comfortable option for budget travelers.
  3. The Lodge at Tarraleah: A luxurious retreat located near the town that offers stunning hill views.

What to Buy in Campbell Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Campbell Town has a range of unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. The following are some of the town’s best shops:

  1. The Campbell Town Emporium: This shop houses a range of unique souvenirs and local products.
  2. The Oak Shop: Houses unique handmade crafts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Campbell Town

Campbell Town has a rich cultural heritage strongly ingrained in the town’s historical landmarks, buildings, and festivals. The town’s culture is best seen during events like The Lantern Parade and the annual Campbell Town Show.

Best Time to Visit Campbell Town

The best time to visit Campbell Town is between December and February when the weather is warm and dry, and most events take place during this time of year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Campbell Town

Do:

  1. Do experience local history and culture.
  2. Do try out the local food and drink scene.
  3. Do take advantage of the town’s outdoor adventures.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t leave local garbage behind while visiting and maintain the environment’s cleanliness.
  2. Don’t disrespect the local culture and traditions.
  3. Don’t underestimate the hiking and outdoor adventure risks.

Safety and Health in Campbell Town

Safety in Campbell Town

Campbell Town is a safe town for visitors, with a low crime rate and good medical services available.

Health in Campbell Town

Visitors to Campbell Town should take precautions against insect bites since the town lies in a region that’s known for tick-borne diseases.

Getting to Campbell Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Campbell Town is easy as the town is located along the Midland Highway, which links Tasmania’s major cities, Hobart and Launceston.

Airports Near Campbell Town

The nearest airport to Campbell Town is Launceston Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometres away.

Bus Stations Near Campbell Town

There are no bus stations in Campbell Town, but buses ply the Hobart-Launceston route regularly, making it easy to reach the town.

Other Options

Visitors can opt for car rental or use private tour operators to reach Campbell Town

How to Get Around Campbell Town

Campbell Town is best explored by foot or bicycles which gives the opportunity for tourists to explore the places more intimately. However, tourists can also drive around the town.

Where to Go Next from Campbell Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Ross: Ross is a historical town located in the Tasmanian Midlands and is well-known for its restored convict-built sandstone buildings and Gothic churches.
  2. Launceston: Launceston is a lively city and Tasmania’s second-largest city which is renowned for its natural beauty and James Boag’s Brewery tours.
  3. Freycinet National Park: A paradise for natural and adventure enthusiasts with beautiful nature reserves, beaches and adventurous hiking trails.

Conclusion

Campbell Town is one of the most charming towns in Tasmania, offering a perfect combination of history, natural beauty, outdoor adventures, food, and drink. Planning a visit to Campbell Town would indeed be a great idea for anyone seeking a unique Australian experience.

''The Grange'', the former residence of Dr William Valentine, is now the town meeting center and function hall. ''The Grange'', the former residence of Dr William Valentine, is now the town meeting center and function hall.