Photo: Stuart Smith. / CC BY-SA 2.0
Richmond is a perfectly preserved Georgian village just 25 minutes from Hobart, offering a vivid step back into Tasmania's colonial past. With its sandstone bridges, historic cottages, and convict-built church, this is one of Australia's most photogenic historic towns. The lazy Coal River meanders past, and the surrounding wine region adds a modern gourmet twist to the heritage setting.
Highlights & What to See
- Richmond Bridge – Australia's oldest surviving stone arch bridge (1823–25), still open to traffic. Walk across it and admire the graceful arches and river views.
- St John's Catholic Church – The striking Gothic Revival church built by convicts, with a lovely cemetery and views over the village.
- Richmond Gaol – One of Australia's oldest jails, offering a fascinating glimpse into convict life with original cells and punishment rooms.
- Coal River Valley Wineries – Just minutes away, cellar doors like Frogmore Creek and Puddleduck Vineyard serve cool-climate wines alongside local cheeses and produce.
- Zoodoo Wildlife Park – A family-friendly spot to meet Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and other native animals in a natural bush setting.
- Old Hobart Town Model Village – A charming miniature replica of 1820s Hobart, perfect for understanding the city's early layout.
Suggested Time to Spend
You can comfortably explore Richmond's main historic sites and enjoy a wine tasting in half a day. For a more relaxed visit, allow a full day to wander the village, have lunch at a riverside café, and visit a couple of wineries. Many visitors combine Richmond with a wine tour of the Coal River Valley or as a stop on the way to Port Arthur.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Hobart – Tasmania's capital, with Salamanca Market, MONA, and Mount Wellington, is just 25 minutes away.
- Coal River Valley – A scenic wine region with cellar doors, farm gates, and the historic homesteads of Cambridge and Tea Tree.
- Port Arthur – The iconic convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, about 1 hour 15 minutes south-east, easily combined for a day trip.
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – A conservation-focused sanctuary near Brighton, about 15 minutes north, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and see wombats.
- Mount Field National Park – Tasmania's oldest national park, with towering eucalypts, waterfalls, and alpine walks, about 1 hour north-west.
- Tasman Peninsula – Dramatic coastline with the Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, and the Three Capes Track, a stunning multi-day walk.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Hobart — File:Franklin Wharf 2015.jpg : Michael fromholtz derivative work: Georgfotoart / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coal River Valley — Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Port Arthur — Martybugs at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary — JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mount Field National Park — Noodle snacks / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Tasman Peninsula — JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0