Fishing vessels at low tide in the Brid River

Bridport
Pleasant holiday destination on Anderson Bay
Located 91 km north east from Launceston via the Tasman Highway, the attractive holiday town of Bridport is situated at the southern end of Anderson Bay. With a population of around 1000 (which expands dramatically in summer) it is in an area noted for its excellent sea and river fishing, its swimming and beach facilities, and its holiday atmosphere.

The first European to travel through the area was the surveyor Thomas Lewis who explored the district in 1830. The first settlers moved in the mid 1830s. These included Andrew and Janet Anderson (they arrived in 1833), who gave their name to Anderson Bay, and Peter Brewer (arrived 1835) who built the impressive 'Bowood'.

Remnants of the old jetty at Bridport

Today Bridport mixes tourism with fishing. Historically its tourism has been mainly caravanners but more recently guest house, holiday units and host farm accommodation have broadened the appeal of the town. It is also the centre of major scallop, trout (there is a freshwater trout farm) and lobster industries.

Things to see:  

Bowood
'Bowood', a fine Georgian stone, brick and pit-sawn timber dwelling, was built in 1838. Located 12 km north of the town, it is the oldest building in the district. It was built by an ex-convict carpenter and an American stonemason who had deserted from his sealing ship. The house is not open to the public.

Waterhouse
To the west of Bridport, surrounded by extensive sand dunes, is the near-ghost village of Waterhouse which had a brief moment of glory when gold was discovered their in 1869. At the time it boasted four hotels, a gold commissioner and police station. Off the coast is Waterhouse Island, complete with a lighthouse, which was named by Bass and Flinders in 1798.

	Motels
	Bridport Bay Inn 105 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1238 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Bridport Hotel 79 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1114
	Resorts
	Bridport Resort & Convention Centre 35 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1789 Rating: ****
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Bridairre Modern Bed & Breakfast Frances St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1438 Rating: ***
	Apartments
	Bridport Indra Holiday Apts 53 Westwood St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1196 Facsimile: (03) 6356 1332 Rating: ***
	Bridport Motor Inn Apts 105 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1238 Rating: ***
	Platypus Park Farm Chalets Ada St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1873 Facsimile: (03) 6356 0173 Email: platypuspark.com.au Rating: ****
	Farm & Eco Holidays
	Platypus Park Farm Chalets Ada St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1873 Facsimile: (03) 6356 0173 Email: platypuspark.com.au Rating: ****
	Lodges & Chalets
	Bridport Seaside Lodge 47 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1585 Rating: ***
	Caravan Parks
	Bridport Caravan & Tourist Park Bentley St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1227 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Bridport Motor Inn Restaurant 105 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1238
	Bridport Pizza House Shop 4 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1883
	Bridport Resort & Convention Centre 35 Main St Bridport TAS 7262 Telephone: (03) 6356 1789