The 9 Best Things to do in Richmond

Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most fascinating towns. Only a 25-minute drive from Hobart, this tiny town is bursting with colonial history and photogenic sites. Richmond features over fifty historic buildings, mainly from the 1820s. There are several things to do in Richmond, and easy to spend a day doing them.

Updated: July 2, 2023

Taylor
I was born and raised in Tasmania. I enjoy exploring and writing about the state.

Richmond Gaol

Bathurst St, Richmond

The Richmond Gaol is the oldest standing gaol in Australia.

It was completed the same year as the Richmond Bridge in 1825; however, by the early 1830s, it was overcrowded, and prisoners were forced to sleep in the hallways.

The gaol was expanded and included a separate female wing with a cookhouse and bake oven. A stone wall around the gaol was completed in 1840 to prevent escapees.

The goal is well-preserved, and you can wander through and enjoy a self-guided tour. You’ll visit the solitary cells and the flagellation yard.

Wicked Cheese

Richmond Road, Richmond

This boutique cheesemaker has won several awards, including best brie in Australia.

Visit the cheese shop and sample a selection of their cheeses. Try pairing it with a wine or two.

Richmond Bridge

Bridge St, Richmond

Free

What’s so special about this bridge? The Richmond Bridge was erected in 1825 using convict labour, making it the oldest stone arch bridge in Australia.

It spans 41 metres and was the longest bridge in the country at the time of construction.

The government built the bridge to help transport convicts from Hobart Town to the East Coast and Port Arthur.

Originally made with wheat carts in mind, it now supports cars and buses easily, although there is a 30kph speed limit.

Old Hobart Town

Bridge St, Richmond

Old Hobart town is a model village that depicts life in Hobart in the 1920s.

It has been built from historical plans on a scale of 1:16.

Hobart Town was painstakingly created over three years by Andrew and John Quick. It features over sixty miniature buildings and tiny ‘people’ going about their everyday life.

Upon entering, you are given a gorgeous hand-drawn map, illustrated by Andrew, and allowed to wander around at your leisure.

Pooley Wines

Richmond Road, Richmond

In 1985, Denis and Margaret Pooley planted vines on the banks of the Coal River; this was their retirement plan. Soon it flourished into a renowned vineyard.

Pooley Wines has grown since then, but it remains a family-run endeavour. Visit their cellar door and enjoy a tasting while learning about the Pooley family history.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Briggs Road, Brighton

Bonorong is a wildlife sanctuary to help preserve Tasmania’s unique animals. It is not a zoo; they aim to rehabilitate the animals and return them to the wild.

There’s a selection of experiences you can enjoy. From daily tours to short animal encounters, night tours, and even feeding time.

Their survivors include wombats, devils, quolls, native birds, lizards, snakes and emus.

All ticket costs go towards helping preserve these animal species.

St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

St Johns Cir, Richmond

Built in 1836, St John’s Catholic Church is considered the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia. It still operates today and provides a beautiful place of worship.

The Pooseum

Bridge St, Richmond

Pooseum is a museum dedicated to poo. Ok, stick with us!

This quirky science museum is the only one of its kind in Australia.

The Pooseum was created by Karin Koch. She was looking for a new project when she read about a, “small caterpillar being able to launch its poo up to 1.5 m away.” This ignited her exploration into the world of poo.

Visit Pooseum to learn why joeys eat their mother’s droppings, how bats avoid soiling themselves and which animals are responsible for poo showers.

It’s a fun experience for kids, and adults will get a kick out of it.

The Richmond Arms

Bridge St, Richmond

This pub is a grand sandstone building established in 1827. A fire destroyed the original building in 1888. The Commercial Hotel was built in its place and was renamed The Richmond Arms in 1972.

Come here to enjoy a cold beer on tap and a meal from their bistro. They also have accommodation in The Stables, the only remaining section of the original hotel.

Taylor was born and raised in Tasmania. He moved to Melbourne to study Film & television, and went on to start a marketing agency for hospitality.

He has a love for rock ‘n’ roll bars & New York-style pizza. In 2020 he was amongst the top 1% of Frank Sinatra listeners on Spotify.

FAQs

What is special about the Richmond Bridge?

The Richmond Bridge was constructed in 1823 and is Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge. For ten years was the longest spanning bridge in Australia.

It was built by convict labor, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship of the convicts who were instrumental in constructing many of Tasmania’s early structures.

Is Richmond a good place to visit as a day trip from Hobart?

Yes, Richmond is a popular day trip destination from Hobart. Its close proximity to the city makes it easily accessible. There are plenty of activities to fill a full day.

Can I explore Richmond on foot?

Yes, Richmond is a compact town that can easily be explored on foot. The main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

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