Richmond is steeped in history, the kind that’s a little sad, a little eerie and endlessly fascinating. For a tiny town, there’s lots to explore. Heritage cottages line the streets, the pub welcomes you in with open arms, the gaol museum gives you a glimpse into its dark convict past and local wineries provide the perfect place to sit and ponder it all after a day of exploring.
This historic Georgian village, just 25 kilometres northeast of Hobart, makes for the perfect day trip. Start at the banks of Richmond Bridge, constructed between 1823 and 1825 using local sandstone and convict labour. It’s Australia’s oldest standing stone-arch bridge and is listed on the National Heritage List, making it well worth a visit (and a selfie). The riverbanks are also home to some particularly charismatic local ducks, plus lovely views across the Coal River.
Step inside Richmond’s darker past
From the bridge, it’s an easy stroll into the village, where the pretty sandstone buildings tell a rather more complicated story than their charming facades might suggest.
Make your way to Richmond Gaol, built in 1825 and considered Australia’s oldest intact colonial gaol. It’s one of those places that feels a little unsettling before you’ve even stepped inside. The self-guided tour takes you through the original cells, courtyards, punishment rooms and solitary confinement spaces, offering a sobering glimpse into the lives of the men and women imprisoned here.
One of its most infamous inmates was English convict Isaac “Ikey” Solomon, whose story is often linked to the character of Fagin in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the stories hiding beneath Richmond’s postcard-worthy exterior, it’s worth setting aside 30 to 60 minutes to explore.
And if you find yourself feeling rather grateful for modern-day creature comforts by the end of it, well, that’s entirely understandable.
A church with a remarkable story
Continue your wander towards St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, perched on a rise overlooking the surrounding landscape. Consecrated in 1837, it is recognised as the oldest Catholic church still standing in Australia.
The sandstone building is understated rather than grand, with a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the gaol’s cramped cells. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and the views, then look back towards the village. It’s a lovely reminder that Richmond’s history isn’t confined to museums. It’s woven into the streetscape, from the buildings that have survived nearly two centuries to the everyday places that continue to serve the community.
For a little more context, the Richmond Heritage Walk connects several of the town’s historic landmarks, including the old courthouse and St Luke’s Anglican Church. You can follow the trail at your own pace, or simply let curiosity lead you down whichever street catches your eye.
Wander the village, one little shop at a time
One of Richmond’s greatest pleasures is that there’s no real need for a strict itinerary. The main streets are made for a leisurely wander, with heritage shopfronts housing galleries, boutiques, antique stores and independent retailers.
Browse The WoodCraft Shop for beautifully crafted pieces made from Tasmanian timbers, including blackwood and Huon pine. It’s the sort of place where a practical shopping trip can quickly turn into an appreciation of the Tasmania’s remarkable natural materials and craftsmanship.
For something sweet, Sweets and Treats is a nostalgic stop filled with traditional lollies, chocolates and old-fashioned milk bar favourites. It’s hard to leave empty-handed, particularly if you have a soft spot for the sort of sweets you haven’t thought about since childhood.
Chocolate lovers should also pop into Chocolate Trading Co., while those with an eye for a good find can keep watch for antiques, locally made gifts and curiosities tucked into the village’s smaller stores.
Then there’s Pooseum, a wonderfully unexpected little attraction dedicated to animal droppings. Yes, really. It’s an unapologetically quirky addition to a town better known for its colonial architecture, and a reminder that Richmond doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Stop for a proper Tasmanian lunch
By now, you’ll have earned something to eat. Fortunately, Richmond makes a compelling case for a long lunch, a bakery stop or simply settling in with a coffee while the world wanders past.
The Richmond Bakery is a popular first port of call, particularly if you’re keen to try its curried scallop pie, a Tasmanian classic with a loyal following. There are handmade pies, cakes, sandwiches and good coffee, too, making it an easy option whether you’re after a quick bite or a more leisurely break.
If you prefer your lunch with a side of old-world pub charm, head to the Richmond Arms Hotel on Bridge Street. The historic hotel offers a traditional country-pub setting. Pull up a chair, order something satisfying and take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasure of being somewhere that doesn’t demand much of you beyond showing up and tucking in.
For a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, there are also cafes around the village where you can linger over coffee and cake before setting off for another lap of the shops. Richmond is small enough that you can easily wander back to somewhere you spotted earlier, which is handy if you’ve spent the past hour trying to decide whether you really need that handmade souvenir.
Make time for a little more history
If you have time up your sleeve, Old Hobart Town Model Village offers a miniature recreation of Hobart as it appeared in the 1820s. It’s a fascinating way to picture the colonial settlement as it once was, particularly after spending the morning exploring Richmond’s own surviving buildings.
Back in the village, keep an eye out for the old courthouse and the Georgian cottages lining the streets. Some are now home to businesses, while others remain quietly residential, their gardens and sandstone facades adding to Richmond’s particular charm.
The trick is not to rush. Richmond rewards the kind of wandering where you turn down a side street simply because it looks interesting, stop to admire an old doorway or find yourself reading a plaque you hadn’t intended to look at.
Finish with a taste of the Coal River Valley
Before heading off, consider extending your day into the surrounding Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s notable wine-producing regions. The landscape shifts from village streets to open farmland, orchards and vineyards, with cellar doors offering a different way to appreciate the region.
Depending on your plans, you could finish with a tasting at a nearby winery (definitely check out Pooley Wines – photo above), pick up local produce or simply take the scenic route through the countryside.
Richmond is easy to visit in a few hours, but there’s enough here to comfortably fill a day. Come for the bridge and the beautiful old buildings, stay for the stories, the shops and a very good pie. You’ll leave with a better sense of Tasmania’s past, a few treats for the road and, quite possibly, a camera roll full of sandstone cottages and ducks.
Not a bad day out, really.
