Brighton Council: Colonial History, River Trails and Nature

From Pontville’s colonial architecture and riverside trails to wildlife encounters, motorsport and wine, Brighton Council offers a variety of experiences for a trip. Historic sites, river landscapes and wetlands each give these activities their own character.

Pontville: Colonial Architecture and History

Pontville is a significant colonial-era village within the Brighton Council area. Its colonial architecture includes sandstone churches, a convict-built bridge, hotels, grand residences and workers’ cottages. The range therefore spans churches and bridges to different types of residential buildings.

St Mark’s Church in Pontville is a Romanesque sandstone building. Convict architect James Blackburn designed the church; it was completed in 1841. The Jordan River Trail also connects with the area’s history: this easy walking trail follows the Jordan River and includes a detour through Pontville’s historic district.

Riverside, Wetlands and Trails

The Bridgewater Foreshore Trail follows the banks of the Derwent River around Bridgewater and Green Point to the East Derwent Highway Bridge. A variety of birdlife can be seen in the shallow wetlands along the shore, including black swans, cormorants, pelicans and white-faced herons. Check local trail information before setting out.

The Old Beach Foreshore Trail is defined by a scenic shoreline, extensive saltmarsh areas and birdlife. The three routes each have different highlights: the Derwent riverside route, the saltmarshes at Old Beach, or the easy walk along the Jordan River with its detour into historic Pontville. You should also check local information before setting out on the Jordan River Trail.

Experiences Across Culture, Wildlife and Motorsport

The former Brighton Army Camp offers an augmented reality experience that brings the site’s stories to life. These include Tasmania’s first commercial flights, trade between Aboriginal groups and training for the Second World War. The stories also cover 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.

Founded in 1929, Tea Tree Golf Club offers a 9-hole course in a scenic, semi-rural setting. Visitor access may vary; check current options before your visit. In Old Beach, Baskerville Raceway is set in a natural amphitheatre. It opened in February 1958.

The annual Brighton Show takes place on a large sports complex on the outskirts of Pontville. Dates and the program may change; check the event details for your travel dates. At Zoodoo Zoo, visitors can encounter a wide variety of exotic animals up close. Check the current operating name and access options before your trip.

Bonorong offers a 2.5-hour, conservation-focused tour in a small group. It introduces visitors to Tasmanian wildlife, the rescue service and the wildlife hospital. Booking requirements may change; confirm them before planning your visit.

Wine and Accommodation in Brighton Council

The Coal River Valley in and around Tea Tree is home to vineyards and wineries, particularly for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Local wine trails and vineyards in the Brighton area and beyond are also highlighted. Visitor arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the conditions before visiting.

Pontville RV Park offers parking for up to 48 hours. As conditions may change, confirm them before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Stonnington City, Central Coast Council, Colac Otway Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, Sorell Council, Clarence City Council, Kingborough Council.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.