A three-lane roundabout in central Hobart, anchored by a mid-century fountain and notorious as Tasmania’s most accident-prone intersection.
At a glance
Railway Roundabout sits on the Brooker Highway where Liverpool Street crests in downtown Hobart. Originally engineered to serve the city’s main railway station, it has evolved into a prominent traffic junction. The roundabout’s centrepiece—a fountain erected in 1963—was restored to working order in 2013 after twelve years of dormancy.
History
The roundabout was built to facilitate traffic flow around Hobart’s railway infrastructure during the mid-twentieth century. Its 1963 fountain represented a period of civic investment in public amenities. The fountain fell into disrepair over subsequent decades before restoration efforts in 2013 brought it back to life.
What you see
The roundabout comprises three lanes designed for vehicle circulation. At its centre stands the restored fountain, a functional sculptural element that punctuates the traffic landscape. The structure anchors this significant junction where major arterial roads converge.
Cultural significance
Railway Roundabout has acquired distinction—not always welcome. It holds the unenviable status of Tasmania’s worst accident blackspot, making it a notable point of reference in discussions of traffic safety. In 2015, the Roundabout Appreciation Society unexpectedly honoured it with their “one-way gyratory accolade,” adding an element of quirky local recognition.
Key facts
- Country: Australia
- City: Hobart, Tasmania
- Coordinates: −42.878, 147.331
- Fountain constructed: 1963
- Fountain restored: 2013
Practical information & getting there
Railway Roundabout is located on the Brooker Highway at the junction with Liverpool Street in central Hobart, easily accessible by vehicle or public transport. Exercise caution when navigating this busy intersection.
Sources & resources
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