Running from the north of the state to the south, the Midland Highway is the gateway to an assortment of towns and landmarks just off the main road.
CAMPBELL TOWN
Your first stop on your journey south has to be historical Campbell Town, located less than an hour out of Launceston. Campbell Town is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs and relax before the drive ahead. Pop into Zeps Cafe on the main street for a coffee and a bite to eat, or stop in for dinner if you’re returning to Launceston.
The centrepiece of Campbell Town is the Red Bridge, which unsurprisingly is named for its distinctive red bricks. The Red Bridge is over 150 years old and has been the gateway to the south of Tasmania since the 19th century.
OATLANDS
Take a detour off the Midland Highway and experience one of Tasmania’s untouched colonial towns. Oatlands has a population of 600 people, but what it lacks in residents it makes up for in history and culture.
Walking down the main street in town, you’ll be instantly transported back to the 19th century. There are over 100 original sandstone buildings in Oatlands that are in perfect condition, with 87 of those buildings located on the main street alone.
RICHMOND
You’re almost there – Hobart is in sight! But before you reach Tasmania’s capital, it would be a tragedy to not stop in another iconic Tasmanian town just half an hour out of Hobart.
Richmond has everything you could want in a colonial town. An abundance of history? Check. Pristine scenery? Check. A fantastic wine region? Check.
Cross the historical Richmond Bridge, which was once the gateway to the east coast of Tasmania from the south, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills and colonial sandstone buildings.
BERRIEDALE
What do vagina sculptures, an ancient Egyptian mummy, Madonna fanatics and a machine that produces faeces have in common? They can all be found at one of Tasmania’s most iconic tourist attractions: the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
Heralded as one of Australia’s most controversial contemporary art institutions, MONA is located in the unassuming suburb of Berriedale (20 minutes north of Hobart), and boasts a mix of historical artefacts and the crème de la crème of contemporary art from across the globe.
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