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Tag: Gaol

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Historic Richmond Tasmania

Richmond Bridge

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 Bridge
    Richmond Bridge
  • Richmond Bridge
    The Richmond Bridge

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.

  • Gaol Courtyard
    Gaol Courtyard
  • Man Trap Used to Catch Escaped Prisoners
    Man Trap Used to Catch Escaped Prisoners
  • Cells at the Gaol
    Cells at the Gaol
  • Richmond Gaol
    Richmond Gaol
  • Cells at the Richmond Gaol
    Cells at the Gaol
  • Display at the Gaol
    Display at the Gaol
  • Artefacts Discovered During an Archaeological Dig
    Artefacts Discovered During an Archaeological Dig

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.

  • The Mill House Cottage
    The Mill House Cottage
  • Sandstone Georgian Building
    Sandstone Georgian Building
  • Sandstone Georgian Building
    Sandstone Courthouse
  • St John the Evangelist Catholic Church
    St John the Evangelist Catholic Church

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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Old Dubbo Gaol

Infirmary Building

Old Dubbo Gaol

Located in the centre of the Dubbo CBD, Old Dubbo Gaol which operated from 1847 to 1966 is now a tourist attraction. As it is heritage listed , it is one of the more popular places to visit in Dubbo.

Not only are the buildings preserved in excellent condition, but displays and information boards give an insight into the gaols operations and how prisoners were treated.

  • Entrance to Dubbo Gaol
    Entrance to Old Dubbo Gaol
  • Controller General's Office Plaque
    Controller General’s Office Plaque
  • Buildings inside the Prison Complex
    Buildings inside the Prison Complex

Male Prison

The section of the gaol used to house male prisoners is the first building you see on entering. A long dark corridor with heavy metal doors along the walls greets you as you walk through the main door.

Looking through the doors reveals how spartan the cells were, containing only a basic bed and little else. Several cells contain displays of manacles restraints used on the prisoners. Others display manikins dressed as inmates, with explanations of their crimes.

  • Male Prison Building at Old Dubbo Gaol
    Male Prison Building
  • Gaol Cell
    Gaol Cell
  • Male Prison Building Interior at Old Dubbo Gaol
    Male Prison Building Interior

Female Prison

A section used for female prisoners located at the rear of the gaol, shows that their conditions were no better than the men. Concrete floors and wooden beds were all that furnished the rooms.

  • Women's' Cell
    Women’s’ Cell
  • Women's Exercise Yard at
    Women’s Exercise Yard at

Watchtower Overlooking Old Dubbo Gaol

The watch tower, located near the female prisoners’ cells, can be accessed via a modern stairway. The short climb is worth it because you get great views over this part of the gaol. An audio recording plays inside the tower explaining its use to visitors.

  • View From the Watchtower
    View From the Watchtower
  • Watchtower
    Watchtower

Washing Area

The area where prisoners washed and did laundry now contains an exhibit of prisoner information forms. Printed on bed sheets and laid out as drying laundry they give a great insight into the people imprisoned here.

  • Prisoner Information Sheets
    Prisoner Information Sheets

Infirmary

Condon’s at the infirmary were better than the general prison, with wooden floors and better beds, but still primitive. Built from sandstone blocks like several other buildings at the prison, the infirmary is a very solid building.

  • Infirmary Building
    Infirmary Building
  • The Infirmary at Old Dubbo Gaol
    The Infirmary

Gallows

Standing near the exercise yard, the gallows remind you that prisoners were executed here. Interesting to look at but a grisly reminder of the past.

  • The Gallows
    The Gallows

What Did We Think of Old Dubbo Gaol?

As one of Dubbo’s main tourist attractions, this is a must see for visitors. We found it a fun place to visit, mainly for the history. Situated in the middle of town it is easy to get to, making it an easy place to see. Whilst we were there maintenance going on at the end of the female prison, so this little part was out of bounds.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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The Lock-Up Old Newcastle Police Station

In the Exercise Yard

The Lock-Up

You will find The Lock-Up at 90 Hunter Street in the heart of the Newcastle CBD, making it very accessible. We walked from a carpark on Wharf Rd, but if you use public transport, the closest light rail stop is Newcastle Beach, making it only a five-minute walk away.

The Building

Built in 1861 as an addition to the adjacent Police Station, the Lock-Up is one of several important historical buildings in the area. Walking through the building with no exhibition on, gives you a feel for how austere the building was, because the rooms are small and dark. With strong wooden are metal doors the cells are very dark as there is little natural light.

Even the exercise yard is bleak because it is exposed to the weather. This would have made it hot in summer and cold in winter.

  • The Cell Doors in The Lock-Up
    The Cell Doors
  • The Old Gaol Cell in The Lock-Up
    The Old Gaol Cell in The Lock-Up
  • Old Gaol Cell
    Old Gaol Cell
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace in The Lock-Up
  • In the Exercise Yard in The Lock-Up
    In the Exercise Yard

Art Exhibition

The Lockup describe themselves as: “The Lock-Up’s innovatively curated program promotes current, experimental and diverse practices from local, national and international creatives.”

Before visiting, check to see if something different is on display, because Exhibitions are constantly renewed. When we visited contemporary display by Rosie Deacon was present, adding interest to the visit.

  • Art Exhibition
    Art Exhibition
  • Art Exhibition
    Art Exhibition
  • In the Exercise Yard
    In the Exercise Yard
  • In the Exercise Yard in The Lockup
    In the Exercise Yard in The Lock-Up

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.