Convict Trail & Spiky Bridge
The East Coast wears its convict past quietly — the mortar-free Spiky Bridge near Swansea, its curious upright stones, and the ruins at Darlington on Maria Island.
The Convict Trail & Spiky Bridge
The East Coast wears its convict past quietly. Just south of Swansea, the little Spiky Bridge was built by convicts from local fieldstone laid without mortar, its sides topped with rows of curious upright stones — the “spikes” that give it its name. Nearby stands the convict-built Three Arch Bridge, while offshore, the ruins at Darlington on Maria Island tell a fuller story. It’s an easy, free stop on the Great Eastern Drive. Here’s what to see.
What to See & Do
Spiky Bridge
A mortar-free convict bridge topped with rows of upright stones.
The Curious Spikes
Why the upright stones? Possibly to stop cattle falling — no one is sure.
Three Arch Bridge
Another convict-built bridge close by on the old coast road.
Darlington Ruins
A convict probation station preserved on car-free Maria Island.
Convict Trail Tips
- Spiky Bridge is free, with roadside parking just south of Swansea
- Pair it with the nearby convict-built Three Arch Bridge
- Combine with Swansea’s oysters and wine on Great Oyster Bay
- See more convict history at Darlington on Maria Island
- Heading south? The major convict site is Port Arthur
Convict Trail — FAQ
What is Spiky Bridge?
Spiky Bridge is a small convict-built bridge just south of Swansea, made from local fieldstone laid without mortar. Its curious “spikes” — rows of stones set upright along the sides — give it its name. It’s free to visit, right by the old coast road.
Why does Spiky Bridge have spikes?
No one knows for certain. The most repeated theory is that the upright stones were meant to stop cattle from falling over the low sides, but the true reason has never been confirmed — part of the bridge’s quirky charm.
Where is Spiky Bridge?
It’s a few minutes south of Swansea on the Great Eastern Drive, easy to reach with roadside parking. Pair it with the nearby convict-built Three Arch Bridge and the wineries around Swansea.
Where else can you see convict history on the East Coast?
The best-preserved site is Darlington on Maria Island, a former convict probation station. For Tasmania’s major convict story, the Port Arthur historic site is a short drive south — see Port Arthur.
Is Spiky Bridge worth stopping for?
Yes — it’s a quick, free and characterful stop that breaks up the drive, and it sits handily close to Swansea’s cellar doors and Great Oyster Bay.
East Coast, Planned Around You
The Great Eastern Drive, the Bay of Fires and Maria Island, penguins at Bicheno and oysters by the water — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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