Red Bridge Cafe

The Red Bridge Cafe in Campbell Town, can be found on the main road (Midlands Highway). It is one of the first of the shops/cafes that you come to as you enter Campbell Town on your way from Hobart. There is parking right outside, but at busier times, you may need to turn in to the car park behind. FYI if you park behind, you have to do a quick lap around the block in order to re-join the main road as it is a one way access from the main road.

Whilst looking rather unassuming on the outside, the Red Bridge Cafe and Providore is much more than it seems. When you enter you have a huge coffee bar to your left, and an extensive providore to your right. Straight ahead, looking over the pies, cakes and the counter, you will see a large area where you can site to eat or drink.

This place has character, lots of it and signs and pictures that adorn the walls of the seating area make it clear that this place has been used in lots of guises. An information board details the history of the building and its uses, some of which include being a brewery (several times), a scout hut, a boxing club, a masonic hall and war office. There is lots of charm to take in from the old building and I for one take delight in having a wander around while I'm sipping on my coffee. The building's history is very interesting.

The coffee tastes excellent and by the size of the bar and the equipment behind it, it should (although I like mine a little hotter). There is quite a selection of Tasmanian red and white wine available from here and advice can be sought on this if you are inclined to ask.

The provedore essentially stocks mainly 'sweet treats', yogurt coated this and that, dried fruits and nuts, chips etc. There are a range of cheeses, crackers, small savories such as pickles, oils and marinades too. Overall the selection is good but a lot of it is the sort of thing that I'd feel guilty about buying as it might have too many calories for a casual purchase. Then again, being in Campbell Town, for most people means a trip to somewhere, therefore these might just be the 'holiday' type of treats you are looking for.


If you are heading through Campbell Town, its definitely worth a quick coffee/tea refuel as well as grabbing some delicious snacks to take with you. It's probably the best coffee in Campbell Town, although Zeps is good too.

Huggables

Huggables are a stall on Salamanca on Saturdays that sells soft toys and gifts for kids, or adults alike! We love this stall and my wife would have one of everything there if she had the chance. We first met Rhonda Fibbens at the Autumn festival at New Norfolk, she was selling a few toys that she'd made herself at home in Geeveston. We got chatting and we let her know that we thought they were cute, awesome and all of the other superlatives that we could think of. As a matter of fact we didn't buy anything this time, but we did take a card. When we next had an occasion we were going to get one!

It wasn't too long until there was a baby in the family, in fact three at the same time! We immediately got in touch with Rhonda and went to her home where we could see a hive of sewing activity. She had all sorts of amazing designs and ideas that were yet to come out, needless to say we bought 4 Huggables there and then. She invited us to join her for a cup of coffee around her kitchen table and we enjoyed chatting about the business and where she wanted it to go.

A little later on we were at Salamanca and there she was, this time with even more amazing toys, designs and ideas. She was inundated with customers and was doing very well indeed. The items Rhonda makes are generally suitable for babies and are cut from a massive range of patterns and fabrics. They are hand stitched, stuffed and made with love. The stall is colourful and cheerful and Rhonda is really happy to talk about what is best suited/popular for different kids.

Its an amazing small Tasmanian business that is full of hard work, love and enterprise. Support local businesses - Huggables!

Shopping Tasmania

Tasmania is quite well forgotten, and generally, that's just how Tasmanian's seem to like it. Tasmania will never be a hustling bustling place with overcrowded highstreets. Being from England, if you want to go shopping, seriously shopping, then pick another city, probably Melbourne or Sydney on your way over. Hobart does have shops but many of them cater for pastimes such as surf brands, hiking, camping and less so your mega-names of high fashion. Still, you can generally get what you're after.

The majority of the shopping areas are centered around the Elizabeth St Mall shown here but also extends into the Cat & Fiddle arcade and Centrepoint Shopping Centre but of course things tend to sprawl a bit too. There are likely more smaller boutique-y independent shops in Hobart than chain stores which is great for small businesses and there are unique things to be picked up all over town. Things tend to cost a bit more in Hobart than on the mainland as many things have to be shipped over Bass Straight to get to Tasmania but thats where local produce steps in to fill the void. Many local Tassie only things are made and sold in and around Hobart and for many, myself included, is a great chance to be part of the independent, local economy whilst at the same time purchasing something that is often handmade or quaint.