Things to do in Richmond
Richmond Bridge
The oldest bridgeThis may be the reason you travelled to Richmond or even Tasmania in the first place. You saw the pictures of the giant sandstone pillars and the luscious green riverbanks and wanted to see it in person. The Richmond Bridge is the oldest sandstone bridge still in use in Australia. It’s a well-preserved timepiece of Australia’s history, being constructed by convicts who were sent to Australia from England. Unlike many historic remains, you can actually get close and walk over or underneath it. There’s not even an admission fee!
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
The oldest catholic churchWhile admiring the Richmond bridge you’ll notice a stunning church sitting high on a small hill in the distance. This is St John the Evangelist Catholic Church – the oldest Catholic church in Australia. The first mass was held here way back in 1837, in a time when over one thousand Catholics (not counting convicts) from Richmond and the surrounding region regularly attended. Still used by the local Catholic population today, you’re welcome to attend a mass or simply to admire the church’s elegant architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
Richmond Gaol
Early prison lifeTake a step back in time and the oldest gaol in Australia! Richmond Gaol was built in 1825 and is Australia’s oldest and best preserved Gaol giving a visitors a glimpse of the past. Located within the township of Richmond, the Gaol is beautifully preserved and self-guided tours are available. See where prisoners were locked in solitary confinement. Visit the cookhouse and the flogging yard and more. There are special sound effects that set the scene for life in its day as a working gaol. Souvenir and craft shop on-site. The Gaol is open 7 days, 9am-5pm.
Old Hobart Town
Historical model villageOld Hobart Town is Australia’s only and Tasmania’s original historical model village which accurately replicates in miniature the life and history of Hobart in 1820. Situated in the main street of Richmond (Tasmania’s finest Georgian village), this attraction has been built from original plans (over three years) and set out in streets. As visitors walk the streets of old Hobart, the informative signage really captures interest and makes for a unique and fascinating tour. There are photos of today’s scenes in Hobart within the model making comparisons easy…