Brighton Council: Colonial History and Foreshore Trails

Pontville is a significant colonial-era village within the Brighton municipality. Its colonial architecture includes sandstone churches, a convict-built bridge, hotels, grand residences and workers’ cottages. This range gives you several ways to explore Pontville from an architectural perspective, rather than focusing on just one building.

Pontville: Colonial Architecture and History

One specific landmark is St Mark’s Church in Pontville: the Romanesque sandstone church was designed by convict architect James Blackburn and completed in 1841. An augmented reality experience at the former Brighton Army Camp offers another perspective on the area’s history. It brings stories of the site to life, including Tasmania’s first commercial flights, trade between Aboriginal groups and training for the Second World War. Other topics include the accommodation of Italian prisoners of war and Eastern European refugees, the temporary sheltering of Tasmanians after the 1967 bushfires, and refuge for Kosovars during the Balkan War. Alongside the colonial architecture, these stories bring other aspects of history into focus.

Foreshore Trails, River Landscapes and Birdlife

The Bridgewater Foreshore Trail follows the banks of the Derwent River around Bridgewater and Green Point to the East Derwent Highway Bridge. The shallow wetlands along the foreshore are home to a variety of birdlife, including black swans, cormorants, pelicans and white-faced herons. The Jordan River Trail is an easy walking trail along the Jordan River, with a detour into Pontville’s historic precinct. The two trails can be distinguished by their different features: at Bridgewater, the route along the Derwent and its birdlife set the scene; at Jordan River, it is the easy walk and detour to Pontville.

The Old Beach Foreshore Trail offers a different landscape: it runs along a picturesque foreshore with extensive salt marshes and birdlife. A small waterside park at the foot of the heritage-listed Bridgewater Bridge also offers scenic views over the River Derwent. Check local advice before setting out on the Bridgewater Foreshore Trail and the Jordan River Trail.

Wildlife Encounters, Motorsport and Golf

At Zoodoo Zoo, visitors can get close to a wide variety of exotic animals. Check the current name and access options before you go. Bonorong offers a different kind of wildlife experience: its conservation-focused tour lasts 2.5 hours, takes place in a small group and introduces Tasmania’s wildlife, rescue service and wildlife hospital. Check the booking conditions in advance, as they may change.

Baskerville Raceway in Old Beach is set in a natural amphitheatre. The racetrack opened in February 1958. Founded in 1929, Tea Tree Golf Club offers a 9-hole course in a scenic, semi-rural setting. Visitor access may vary; check in advance if you would like to play there.

A large sports complex on the outskirts of Pontville hosts the annual Brighton Show. If your visit depends on the event, check the latest dates and programme, as both may vary.

Wine Around Tea Tree

The Coal River Valley in and around Tea Tree is home to vineyards and wineries, particularly those producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Local wine trails and vineyards are also part of the wine scene in Brighton and beyond. Wine offerings and visitor options may change, so check what is currently available before planning a visit.

Practical Information

Pontville RV Park offers parking for up to 48 hours. Check the current conditions before using it.

Discover more destinations: Old Beach, Southern Grampians Shire, Northern Midlands Council, Kentish Council, Colac Otway Shire, West Tamar Council, Corangamite Shire, Kingston City.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.