The oft-photographed 1836 Ross Bridge is the third-oldest bridge in Australia. Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer, it was built by two convict stonemasons, James Colbeck and Daniel Herbert, who were granted pardons for their efforts. Herbert chiselled the 184 intricate carvings decorating the arches, including Celtic symbols, animals and notable people (including Governor Arthur and Anglo-Danish convict Jorgen Jorgensen, the farcical ex-king of Iceland). At night the bridge is lit up – the carvings shimmer with spooky shadows.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.55 MILES
This 1838 mansion on the banks of the South Esk River, built for wealthy wool grower and merchant James Cox, is a Georgian gem that looks like it’s…
19.4 MILES
Spinning above the Oatlands rooftops, the Callington Mill was built in 1837 and ground flour until 1891. After decades of neglect, with the innards…
0.27 MILES
This barren site was once one of Tasmania’s five female-convict prisons (the others were in Hobart, Launceston, George Town and Cascades in South Hobart)…
19.38 MILES
Behind Oatlands' main street, discover this large lake crossed by a couple of weirs and dotted with Mary's Island in its centre. If it's been wet the lake…
7.17 MILES
This curio-strewn, volunteer-run museum features histories of characters such as John Batman, the founder of Melbourne, and local bushranger Martin Cash…
6.75 MILES
The Midland Hwy trundles right over this 1838 convict-built bridge – Australia’s oldest brick bridge – across the Elizabeth River. Locals call it the Red…
0.12 MILES
This place houses a sheep-centric museum, the town visitor centre and a shop of woollen wares. The museum focuses on convict times and the Australian wool…
0.13 MILES
The crossroads in the middle of town is known as the Four Corners of Ross, potentially leading your soul in one of four directions: temptation (the Ross…
Nearby attractions
0.08 MILES
The 1830 barracks near the bridge – recently restored by the National Trust and now a private residence – is one of the many notable historic edifices…
0.12 MILES
This place houses a sheep-centric museum, the town visitor centre and a shop of woollen wares. The museum focuses on convict times and the Australian wool…
0.13 MILES
The crossroads in the middle of town is known as the Four Corners of Ross, potentially leading your soul in one of four directions: temptation (the Ross…
0.14 MILES
A prominent hilltop beacon on an eponymous street, the Uniting Church is one of Ross' notable historic buildings. Formerly the Methodist Church, it opened…
0.17 MILES
The Scotch Thistle Inn was built in the early 1830s but is a pub no more (it's now an accommodation business). It's still worth a look as you wander along…
0.27 MILES
This barren site was once one of Tasmania’s five female-convict prisons (the others were in Hobart, Launceston, George Town and Cascades in South Hobart)…
0.32 MILES
The 1868 St John’s Anglican Church has a 100-year-old organ and a 15m-high spire.
6.75 MILES
The Midland Hwy trundles right over this 1838 convict-built bridge – Australia’s oldest brick bridge – across the Elizabeth River. Locals call it the Red…