Richmond

What’s special about Richmond?

• Home to Australia’s oldest bridge.
• More than 50 19th-century Georgian buildings, many now offering high-quality accommodation.

Walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, built by convict labour between 1823 and 1825. Stand in the cell of the Richmond Gaol (1825), Australia’s oldest jail, for an eerie insight into the hardships of early Van Diemen's Land convict life. Or wander in the cemetery of Australia's oldest remaining Catholic Church, St Johns, built in 1836. Richmond is a perfect place to learn about Tasmania's rich heritage. At Grannie Rhodes' Cottage, watch a live performance, Turn the Key of Time, telling the story of the cottage's original occupant.

Step back in time with a ghost tour by lantern light or a look at original 1820s Hobart Town at the Hobart Town Historical Model Village. Then relax on the banks of the Coal River with a picnic, while feeding the local ducks, or test your sense of direction in the Richmond mazes.

You'll get the most out of Richmond by wandering its streets. Artists and craftspeople have been drawn to the town for generations, and you’ll find examples of their work in galleries and cafes. On the way to or from Hobart, visit some of the excellent vineyards in the region - sip wine at the cellar door or enjoy an a la carte meal of fresh Tasmanian produce in a stylish winery restaurant.

Its maximum average daily temperature is 22.5 degrees Celsius (72.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 13 degrees Celsius (55.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

More things to do:

The 1825 courthouse
Walking tours

The story of Richmond:

Richmond was proclaimed a town by Lieutenant Governor Sorell in 1824. It played an important role as a convict station and military outpost in the early days of the colony. For much of its history it was the main gateway to the east coast and the Tasman Peninsula. If you are travelling to these destinations from Hobart, consider visiting Richmond on your way.

Travel directions:

Richmond is 30-minutes’ drive (24 kilometres/15 miles) east of Hobart along the B31.