BRIDPORT Bridport is a destination town. (resort really). There was a time not that long back that Bridport was an exclusive for Launcestonians. Not anymore. That said Bridport is a young town. 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'. Commercial fishing operates from Bridport as well as sporting fishing from the rocks or small boats. Streets in the northern half of Bridport have male person names and those in the southern half have female names. 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 there 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. (regrettably not visited). The Anglican is an old somewhat historic church. The others modern. The Bridport War Memorial is located at the eastern end of the town. The Bridport Hotel is party central. There is also the tavern. There is a lot to enjoy at this resort type of town. Bridport does have an element of magic. Plan to have a holiday.