Touring Tasmania – Hobart to Richmond and Beyond on the ‘Convict Trail’

Richmond Bridge

Today we say goodbye to Hobart, and start heading east on our tour around Tasmania. There are many great places which we’d like to visit, but time might not allow us to see everything! For the next few days we’re going to be following what’s called the ‘Convict Trail’, heading south from Richmond down onto the Tasman Peninsula with its stunning coastal scenery.

Hobart to Richmond is only a short drive of about 25 kilometres, along country roads. You could take your time and amble along, enjoying the relative peace and quiet you’ll find in this part of the world.

What to See in Richmond
Richmond is a colonial village, established as a convict outpost around 1823, and is a fascinating step back in time. The village used to be on the main route between Hobart and Port Arthur but when the Sorell Causeway was constructed to allow the road to cross Orielton Lagoon much further south, Richmond was essentially bypassed. This may have been a blow to the village at the time (1872), but Richmond really benefits now from the fact that the village is pretty much the same as it was back then, and attracts many visitors because of this. There are several sites you should definitely see whilst in Richmond…

Richmond Bridge
Richmond Bridge is the village’s most famous landmark, built to cross the Coal River it opened in 1825, making it the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. In recognition of this fact, the bridge was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2005.

Richmond Gaol
For those who don’t know, ‘gaol’ is commonly used in place of the word ‘jail’, and Richmond Gaol is Australia’s oldest, operating from 1825 right through to 1945. There are several buildings you can view as well as a handful of historical documents and artefacts.

Richmond Village
Once you’ve seen the main sites, take a stroll around the village as there are many historical and heritage buildings to see, as well as some great places to grab a coffee and a bite to eat before getting on the road again!

If you are intending to stay in Richmond, Book it Now has some great options for Richmond accommodation.

Our next entry follows our journey south, down towards the Tasman Peninsula, taking in the towns of Sorrell and Dunalley before reaching Eaglehawk Neck.

“Hobart to Richmond and Beyond on the Convict Trail” by Claire Bolgil