Richmond at a glance
Richmond is a short drive from Hobart and one of the easiest day trips on the island. Two sights anchor a visit: the Richmond Bridge over the Coal River and Richmond Gaol on Bathurst Street. The two are close enough to walk between.
The bridge is a sandstone arch bridge built by convicts. Work began in 1823 and the bridge has stood since 1825. The Australian Government's heritage listing describes it as the oldest surviving large stone arch bridge in the country. That makes it a good stop for anyone interested in the colonial past of Tasmania.
The two main sights
Most visitors spend between one and two hours in town.
Richmond Bridge
The bridge crosses the Coal River in the middle of the town. Convicts built it from sandstone, starting in 1823. You can look at it from the bank and walk across it. It is a short walk from the gaol.
Richmond Gaol
The gaol is at 37 Bathurst Street. Building began in 1825 and further buildings were added later. Plan 30 to 60 minutes inside. General entry needs no advance reservation, so you can turn up on the day.
The walk between them
The bridge is within walking distance of the gaol, so you do not need to move the car once you have parked. Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather before you set out.
Our picks: Richmond
Day trips from Hobart that include a stop in Richmond.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Port Arthur, Tasmanian devils, Richmond and Tasman National Park
Ten hours with an eco-certified guide and up to 18 people. Park fees, the Port Arthur Historic Site, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo with devil feeding and a harbor cruise are included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →
Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond day trip
Nine hours with a local guide and transport, with pickup from selected Hobart hotels. Entry to Russell Falls and Bonorong is included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →Wineglass Bay, Freycinet and Richmond day trip
A local guide, the national park pass, and pickup and return at selected Hobart hotels; airport drop-off is available on request.
Check availability →Day trips and tours from Hobart
Guided day trips from Hobart, including options that visit Richmond, with live prices and availability.
Richmond Gaol tickets and opening hours
Prices for 2026, per ticket.
| Ticket | Price in 2026 | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | A$12 | One adult |
| Child | A$6 | One child |
| Family | A$30 | 2 adults plus children aged 5 to 16 |
The gaol is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and is closed on Christmas Day. Do not assume that the family ticket covers any number of children, and do not assume that other discounts exist. Ask at the entrance if your group is large. Groups and schools should contact the gaol before they come.
Getting there from Hobart
The drive from Hobart takes about 25 minutes. From Hobart Airport it is about 15 minutes by car, so Richmond also works as a first stop if you land in the morning. See the Hobart Airport page for ways to reach the city.
A car is the simplest option. If you do not want to drive, a guided day trip is the other choice. Check the current timetable if you plan to use public transport, and allow for the walk from any stop.
Richmond is a half-day trip. You can pair it with a morning in the city, for example the Salamanca Market on a Saturday, or an afternoon at MONA.
Richmond compared with other day trips
Drive times are rough guides without stops or traffic.
| Trip | Drive from Hobart | Adult entry, 2026 | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Gaol | About 25 minutes | A$12 | Half a day |
| Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary | About 30 minutes | A$37 | Half a day |
| Mount Field National Park | Just over 1 hour | Parks Pass | Most of a day |
| Port Arthur Historic Site | About 90 minutes | A$55 | Full day |
Richmond is the shortest drive of the four. If your time in Tasmania is limited, it fits around a flight or a late start. For longer excursions, see the tours and day trips page.
Dates to keep straight
Two dates are easy to mix up. For the bridge, 1823 is when building began, and 1825 is when it was complete and standing. It is wrong to say the bridge opened in 1823. For the gaol, building began in 1825, which is the same year the bridge was finished but not the same project.
If you write a caption or plan a quiz question, use those two years carefully. The gaol and the bridge belong to the same convict period of the colony, but they are separate sites with separate histories.
More to plan around Richmond
Other pages for your Hobart trip.
Things to do in Hobart
A list of 15 experiences in and around the city, with day trips marked.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Tickets, keeper talks and the night tour, about 30 minutes north of Hobart.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Tickets, the Ghost Tour and the drive of about 90 minutes.
Richmond, Tasmania: frequently asked questions
How far is Richmond from Hobart?
It is about 25 minutes by car from Hobart to Richmond Gaol and about 15 minutes from the airport. These are rough times without stops.
How much does Richmond Gaol cost?
In 2026 an adult ticket is A$12 and a child ticket is A$6. The family ticket costs A$30 and covers 2 adults plus children aged 5 to 16.
Do I need to book the gaol in advance?
General entry does not need a reservation. Groups and schools should contact the gaol first.
When was the Richmond Bridge built?
Construction began in 1823 and the bridge has stood since 1825. It is the oldest surviving large stone arch bridge in Australia according to the government heritage listing.
How long should I spend in Richmond?
Allow 30 to 60 minutes in the gaol, plus time to look at the bridge and walk between the two. Most visitors plan half a day.
What are the gaol's opening hours?
It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, except Christmas Day.