Georgian Building Archives - Destination's Journey

Richmond Tasmania

Established as an important military staging post and convict station linking Hobart with Port Arthur, Richmond is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. With over 50 historic buildings, most dating from the 1820s it’s a stark reminder of Tasmania’s convict past.

Located only 20 minutes from Hobart Airport, we chose to visit on our last day, because our flight didn’t leave until the afternoon. This gave us the morning to walk around and explore the village. First stop was the bakery, where we had a great breakfast and coffee.

Richmond Bridge

Built in 1825 to enable the military, police and convicts easier movement to Port Arthur the historic Richmond Bridge is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. Parking nearby we must have been the first visitors for the day, because the local ducks gathered around us expecting food. Unfortunately for them, we did not come prepared to feed ducks.

Richmond Gaol

Built in 1825, the gaol is the oldest in Australia and this well preserved site is interesting to walk around. With the interior s of the buildings still intact, it shows how the gaol operated until its closure in 1928.

Information boards in each room describe its function and how guards and convicts were treated. In one room, a mantrap used to catch escaped convicts shows how brutal the times were.

Man Trap Used to Catch Escaped Prisoners — Gaol Courtyard

Other Buildings in Town

Walking around the village took us past many old Georgian sandstone buildings. Many of them have been converted to cafés, craft boutiques and museums, giving them new life.

Sandstone Georgian Building — The Mill House Cottage

What Did We Think

Finding such a well preserved village dating from the 1920s is rare, because many old buildings end up being replaced. We loved Richmond and it was a great place to finish our Tasmanian hiliday.

To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

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Oatlands

Only one hour north a Hobart, or 90 minutes south of Launceston, Oatlands has an almost untouched Georgian townscape. We drove through on our way to Bruny Island from Ross early in the morning, so not much was open. After getting our morning coffee, we walked along the main street admiring the old sandstone buildings and taking some photos.

Many old buildings have been re-purposed into cafes, restaurants, galleries, and gift shops, so they are maintained in good condition. The main reason we stopped was the Callington Mill, built in 1837 and still operating. As the only windmill of its type still operating in the southern hemisphere, it attracts visitors from all over Australia.

This was a quick stop to see some of the old buildings and the mill. With 138 sandstone buildings in town, we would have stayed longer to see more, but had to be on Bruny Island later that day. Being able to see the mill was great and was where we spent most of our time. If you are travelling with children, a playground next to the mill is a good place to let them run around.