Spiky Bridge, Swansea, Tasmania
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Andrex228
S 42° 11.173 E 148° 03.899
55G E 587941 N 5328998
Built by convicts in 1843, the bridge was made from field stones laid without mortar or cement and the parapet features field stones laid vertically, giving the spiky appearance.
Waymark Code: WM164DK
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Date Posted: 05/02/2022
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member razalas
Views: 1

It's claimed that the spikes were designed to prevent cattle falling over the sides of the bridge, though it turns out the real reason is to help the bridge weather harsh winds. There are also the remains of the governor's cottage on the hill overlooking the unusual bridge.

The bridge is 7.5 kilometres south of Swansea on Tasmania's east coast, on the western side of the highway opposite the beaches of Great Oyster Bay. Across the bay are stunning views to the mountains of Freycinet National Park.
(visit link)
Physical Location (city, county, etc.): Swansea, Tasmania, Australia

Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Tasman Highway, 7.5 kms south of Swansea

Water or other terrain spanned: Some water and a wide gulch

Architect/Builder: Convict built

Construction Date: 1843

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Recent Visits/Logs:
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run26.2 visited Spiky Bridge, Swansea, Tasmania 11/06/2023 run26.2 visited it
Andrex228 visited Spiky Bridge, Swansea, Tasmania 05/11/2022 Andrex228 visited it

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