I’ve been to the village of Richmond more times than I can count.
Just a short drive from Hobart (the city that I grew up in), Richmond is a cute and historic small town with plenty of attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages.
Our family would often head out to Richmond on weekends. I have fond memories of stopping in at The Maze (loads of fun for us as kids), feeding the ducks by the river under the bridge, loading up on sugar at the lolly shop, and munching on hot pies from the bakery.
As an adult, I’ve gone back many times with a different agenda — sipping wine with friends at the local vineyards and appreciating the town’s heritage buildings and fascinating convict history.
Richmond really is one of Tasmania’s most charming destinations, and it makes for an easy and scenic day trip from Hobart. Here’s how to plan your Richmond adventure — plus my favourite things to see, eat, and do while you’re there.
Quick summary:
Only 25 minutes from Hobart, Richmond is a picturesque village filled with heritage buildings, family-friendly attractions, and quaint shops and cafés. Combine your visit with nearby Coal River Valley wineries and gourmet stops for a full and flavourful day trip from the city.
Recommended tours:
🦘 Richmond & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour – See Tasmanian devils, wombats, and kangaroos before exploring Richmond’s historic village.
🚌 Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond Day Trip – Take in panoramic views over Hobart, then explore Richmond and meet native wildlife at Bonorong.
🍷 Richmond and Wine Tour – Explore historic Richmond and enjoy tastings at Coal River Valley wineries on this relaxed small-group day trip from Hobart.
How to get to Richmond from Hobart
Hobart to Richmond Tours
The most convenient option for visitors without a car is to book a guided day tour. These are great for those who are staying in Hobart and want to combine Richmond with nearby attractions for a half day or full day of sightseeing around southern Tasmania.
🦘 Half-day tour: Richmond and Bonorong Afternoon Tour from Hobart
See Tasmanian devils, wombats, and kangaroos at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary before exploring Richmond’s historic streets and bridge.
🚌 Full-day tour: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond Day Trip
Start your day with panoramic views over Hobart from Mt Wellington, then head out to Mount Field, Richmond and Bonorong for a full Tasmanian experience.
Driving from Hobart to Richmond
Driving is the easiest way to get from Hobart to Richmond if you will have a rental car. Take the Tasman Highway (A3) east from Hobart, then turn onto the B31 through Cambridge and the Coal River Valley. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way, and there’s free parking in the village centre.
Bus from Hobart to Richmond
If you won’t have access to a car, you can reach Richmond on a public bus from Hobart Interchange (Elizabeth Street) in the city centre. Services are limited with only a handful of bus departures throughout the day, and the journey can be slow at around 45 minutes. If you’re planning on travelling to Richmond this way, be sure to check timetables in advance and plan out your return trip.
Best things to do in Richmond Tasmania
Richmond Bridge
Richmond Bridge is Australia’s oldest stone bridge, built by convicts in 1825. I love strolling down through Richmond Riverbank Park for the perfect photo angle — and even as an adult, I can’t help but stop to watch the ducks that gather along the water’s edge.
Richmond Gaol
Step back into Tasmania’s convict past at the Richmond Gaol, one of the oldest intact colonial prisons in Australia. It’s kind of like a mini version of Port Arthur! Wander through the old cells and learn about daily life for the convicts who were housed there.
St John’s Catholic Church
Perched on a hill overlooking the village, St John’s Catholic Church is the oldest still-operating Catholic church in the country. It’s an easy walk from the bridge and makes a beautiful photo stop.
Old Hobart Town Model Village
This miniature replica of 1820s Hobart is one of the quirkiest Richmond Tasmania attractions. Built to scale using historical records, the Old Hobart Town model village gives a fun and educational peek into early colonial life.
Amaze Richmond
Formerly known simply as “The Maze,” this is a place I adored visiting as a child — and it’s still one of the best family-friendly Richmond activities. Amaze Richmond features a classic wooden fence maze and a dense hedge maze that keeps kids (and adults!) entertained as they try to find their way out. The onsite cafe has recently been upgraded to a modern restaurant serving a classic Aussie menu, making it an easy spot to grab a meal or a drink.
Richmond Village highlights
Richmond Village is full of quaint cottages, boutique shops, and cafés tucked into heritage buildings. You’ll also find art galleries, antiques, and plenty of sunny courtyards to stop for a coffee as you wander. Here are a few of the best Richmond attractions to take in the village’s old-world charm.
Coffee
Czegs’ Café is a top choice for a morning or afternoon tea. Inside the cosy house, you can grab a traditional Devonshire Tea or a slice of cake to have with your coffee. I recently took my toddler in there to grab a soy latte (me) and a babyccino (him) before we wandered the town, and I can confirm that the cottage-core vibes inside are 100% adorable!
Sweets
Pop into Sweets & Treats Richmond, also known as the ‘Richmond Lolly Shop’ (a childhood favourite of mine!) for nostalgic lollies or to try some Tasmanian Valhalla ice cream. You can also browse the Richmond Chocolate Shop for handmade Tasmanian chocolates, or Tasmanian Gingerbread for some locally-made biscuits.
Lunch
If you’re wondering where to eat in Richmond Tasmania, Richmond Bakery is a long-time local favourite for a casual bite — their hot pies were a staple of my childhood! It’s the perfect place to grab a takeaway lunch to enjoy in the nearby park.
Beer
If you’re craving something a little more pubby, Richmond Arms Hotel is a great spot to stop in for a beer. This heritage pub has a relaxed country atmosphere and a big outdoor area that’s perfect on sunny days. It’s an easy place to settle in for a drink after exploring the village.
Shops
The Tasmanian Lavender Company shop is also worth adding to your Richmond itinerary, with locally made lavender gifts and products that make beautiful souvenirs.
Wineries near Richmond Tasmania (Coal River Valley)
The Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania’s premier cool-climate wine regions, and Richmond sits right at the heart of it. As an adult, this has become one of my favourite reasons to visit — long, lazy afternoons sipping wine in the sunshine with friends or family is pretty hard to beat.
Pooley Wines is the closest option, located right in Richmond village. I visited Pooley on my last visit to Richmond and very much enjoyed their woodfired pizza menu, which is available for lunch from Fridays to Sundays. This vineyard is set on a beautiful heritage property, and you can taste their award-winning wines inside the rustic stone barn or in the outdoor garden overlooking the vines.
A short drive away is Puddleduck Vineyard, one of my personal favourites. They have a full onsite restaurant that showcases Tasmanian produce, and the vineyard views from the deck are really gorgeous. Puddleduck is also one of the most family-friendly wineries, with alfresco dining and a dedicated kids area that makes it easy for parents to relax with a glass of wine while little ones stay entertained.
And then there’s Frogmore Creek, which offers a cellar door for tastings plus a more elevated dining experience with a restaurant showcasing Tasmanian produce. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little bit fancy or a long, leisurely lunch with sweeping valley views.
🍷 Want to combine Richmond and the wineries in one day? Jump on a Richmond Wine Tour to discover one of Tasmania’s hidden wine regions and explore historic Richmond on this relaxed small-group day trip from Hobart.
On this Hobart wine tour, you’ll check off the village’s major sights plus enjoy wine tastings at some of the Coal River Valley vineyards. Round-trip transport from the city lets you focus on having fun instead of navigating or choosing a designated driver — an ideal option for visitors wanting a carefree day out.
Gourmet highlights of the Coal River Valley
Just a few minutes outside Richmond, you’ll find some of the Coal River Valley’s most delicious artisan food stops — perfect additions to your day trip if you want to taste more of Tasmania’s local produce.
Wicked Cheese Co. is a boutique cheesemaker offering free tastings of their award-winning cheeses, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars. Their café serves simple lunches and generous cheese platters, making it an easy and tasty stop on your way to or from Richmond.
A little further along the valley, Coal River Farm is a foodie destination in itself. I stopped in at the café here a few years back for a cheese-inspired brunch, and it was divine! Known for its handcrafted chocolates, local cheeses, and beautiful hillside views, it’s a great place to sample Tasmanian produce.
Both of these stops pair beautifully with a Richmond day trip — especially if you’re already exploring the wineries or looking to sample more of Tasmania’s small-batch food scene.
Richmond Tasmania FAQs
Is Richmond Tasmania worth visiting?
Absolutely. Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most charming historic villages, offering easy access from Hobart, a relaxed country atmosphere, unique heritage sites, great food, and some of the state’s best cool-climate wineries. It’s an ideal addition to any Hobart itinerary.
How far is Richmond from Hobart?
Richmond is just 25 minutes’ drive (about 25 km) from Hobart via the Tasman Highway and Cambridge Road. It’s a quick and scenic journey through the Coal River Valley.
Can you visit Richmond Tasmania by public transport?
Yes. Public buses run between Hobart and Richmond, though services are limited. Guided day tours are a more convenient option for visitors without a car.
What is Richmond Tasmania famous for?
Richmond is known for its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture, Australia’s oldest stone bridge and gaol, and nearby vineyards in the Coal River Valley.
How long should I spend in Richmond?
Half a day is plenty of time to explore the top Richmond attractions, or you can extend to a full day if you’d like to enjoy a long winery lunch or add on a stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
When is the best time to visit Richmond?
Richmond is a year-round destination, though spring and autumn are particularly beautiful seasons to visit. Weekdays tend to be quieter, while weekends bring more visitors and open cellar doors.
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