Richmond, TAS
Located 25km northeast of Hobart, Richmond is an idyllic town that homes a community of just over 880 people. Despite the small size, Richmond is vibrant and represent the dynamic core of the picture-perfect Coal River Valley wine region.
While the smooth hills and peaceful landscape calls in visitors looking to relax and bathe in the sunshine, the town has a deep historical heritage that is bound to captivate any sort of traveller.
Historical Attractions
Build during 1825, the foundations of the town make it one of the oldest settlements in Tasmania. Today, most of its historical characters are maintained and shown by the over 50 Georgian original and restored buildings sprinkled around the city centre. While these might be only a secondary attraction for tourist, actively contribute to making the Richmond utterly unique.
On the other hand, what truly captivates travellers is the Richmond Bridge. The first landmark of the city is surrounded by a cloud of tales and legends that make it one of the most fascinating points of interest in Tasmania. Still in use, the colonial sandstone bridge has been introduced in the Australian National Heritage List in 2005
After crossing the bridge, leave some space in your camera for your next stop, the Richmond Gaol, the oldest jail in Australia. This perfectly-preserved convict prison was used to hold British criminals shipped to Tasmania from England and then employed to build the town of Richmond. While here, you can get a glimpse of the daily life of prisoners by getting locked in one of the unsettling cells. Only for a few minutes, of course!
Natural attractions
Being at the core of the shimmering Coal River Valley wine region, no visit to Richmond is complete without taking a walk among the flourishing vines. If you are a nature lover, this is the best way to explore the picturesque surroundings of Richmond.
As you find yourself crossing the Richmond Bridge, cast an eye to the peaceful riverbanks. You have just found the perfect picnic spot! Populated by ducks and other species of birds, the riverbank is perfect to enjoy the peaceful nature that hugs the town.
Activities and Experiences
A short 18 minutes-long drive from Richmond will take you at the gates of the inspiring Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have only a limited time in Tasmania but you can’t miss out on the chance of discovering the rich wildlife of the area, this sanctuary should be on your itinerary. Here you can get face-to-face with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and if you are a fan of Taz, the endemic Tasmanian Devil.
If you get captured by the beauty of the city but still excited about the idea of meeting unique species, the nearby Zoodoo offer the best interactive experience in town!
Eat and Drink
A food and drink tour of Richmond will take you through vineyards, bakeries, and cheese factories. What’s better than wine, cheese, and freshly made bread to enjoy a picnic outdoors on a sunny day?
Start off your day in the best way by visiting the fragrant Richmond Bakery. Pick up a croissant for breakfast, a fruit-and-cream-filled pastry for your afternoon snack, and enjoy your coffee in the sun. From here, move on to The Wicked Cheese Co, the most exciting boutique cheese maker in town. To end your day, head to Frogmore Creek. Here you can taste some the finest wines of the region, get lost in the endless cellars, and have a sophisticated dining experience in the high-end restaurant.
Art and Culture
If you are on a tight tour of Tasmania and you are trying to understand the most about the convict era, head to the Hobart Town Historical Model Village. Here you can visualise what the life looked like in that period and examine the highly-detailed design.
Alternatively, located at the heart of Richmond, you can find St John’s Church and St Luke’s Church. These religious sites still represent an important role for the community and are much-loved gathering points. Look up at their impressive belfries to take in the beauty of the architecture.
Shopping
Richmond Village Farmers and Makers Market is the place to be on a Saturday morning if you like shopping – any type of shopping! Here you can find local, seasonal products, fruit, vegetables, arts and crafts, and, of course, wine! While here, don’t forget to try the juicy strawberries and apricots sold by the local farmers.
If you feel like you have been a little too healthy recently, the historic and utterly picturesque Sweets & Treats in town will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Accommodation
Being in the most renowned wine region of Tasmania, you can’t miss out on the chance to stay at the idyllic Charles Reuben Estate Distillery, Vineyard, Lavender Farm, and Accommodation. Thanks to the extensive flourishing grounds, state-of-the-art restaurant, wine shop, and dreamy lavender fields, you won’t need to leave the hotel to explore the beauty of Richmond.
If you prefer to stay right in the city centre, the traditional Richmond Arms Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with delicious pub food and a chirpy atmosphere. Lastly, if you are not intimidated by the possibility that the ghost of George Grover could visit your room at night, book a room at the Bridge Cottage. The hotel offers a unique and traditional experience of the town, a step away from the world-famous Richmond Bridge.
Where to stay?
Experiences
- Active
- Romance
- Rural/Country
- Cultural
- Environmental
- Historic/Heritage
- Honeymoon
- Relaxation
Popular Activities
- Bird Watching
- Bush Walking
- Sightseeing
- National Park
- World Heritage
- Food and Wine
About Richmond
- Locality: Urban locality
- Richmond Postcode: 7025
- State: Tasmania
- Region: Hobart and South
- Latitude: -42.73505
- Longitude: 147.43839
- Elevation: 21m
- Population: 1464
- Median Income: $34320
- Area (Sq/km): 90.208
- Timezone: Australia/Hobart
Accommodation In Richmond
Discover some of the accommodation in and around Richmond
Tours In Richmond
Discover some of the tours options around Richmond