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
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
Man Trap Used to Catch Escaped Prisoners
Cells at the Gaol
Richmond Gaol
Cells at the Gaol
Display at the Gaol
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
Sandstone Georgian Building
Sandstone Courthouse
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.
The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise leaves from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. On arrival, park your car in the large carpark and make your way to the large building, where you check in and wait for the tour to start. From here, the guides will walk you to the boats tied up at a nearby pier.
What to Wear and Take
The weather in this part of Tasmania is very changeable, meaning that although it may be warm before you start, it may be cold or raining later. The tour recommends warm clothing, as the temperature out on the water may be cold. A waterproof jacket is provided, which is ankle length, but you may still get wet. We wore woollen jumpers and jackets, but still used the jackets provided. Gloves and something warm for your head, like a beanie and a scarf are also recommended.
There is room in the overhead nets for bags and backpacks to keep them dry, but anything on the floor will get wet. To avoid water damage photos are best taken when the boat stops. We kept cameras inside our jackets when not being used and they did not get wet.
Prior to the boat leaving the dock, the crew provide a safety briefing and distributed ginger seasick tablets. Fortunately, no one became sick during our cruise.
The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat
The Coastline
One of the main attractions for the cruise is the rugged coastline which provides a fantastic backdrop throughout the three hours you are on the water. Whether it is towering cliffs, blow holes, sea caves or arches, there was always something to look at. The boat stopped regularly, which allowed us to take pictures. Taking pictures while moving was impossible, as we moved too fast, and it was too bumpy and wet.
Cliffs
The towering dolerite cliffs dominate the coastline, throughout the trip, reminding you of how rugged the coastline is. One of the best sights is the monument, an eroded spire standing out of the sea watching over the coast.
Dolerite Cliff Face
Opening to a Sea Cave
The Monument
The Monument
Sea Caves and Blow Holes
Wave action has cut caves and fissures into the cliffs in many places, producing caves and blow holes. As the water enters the fissures and is forced out by air pressure, huge spouts of water erupt into the air. The boat got close enough so that we were often covered by the spray.
Blow Hole on a Cliff Face
Arches
Over time erosion around the sea caves turns them into arches. These look magnificent standing above the sea, with waves crashing around their base.
Arch in the Cliff Face
Arch in the Cliff Face
Islands
The Friars, several small islands are home to seals and sea birds. The tour takes you out to them, but they also look good by themselves.
The Friars
Wildlife to See on The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
Although a major highlight of the tour, there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen during the cruise. We were lucky, because seals and seabirds were basking on the rocks and dolphins put on a show for the return journey.
Birds
During the cruise we were able to see many sea birds, most of which were drying their feathers on rocks off the coast. We managed to see a sea eagle, but it was too far away for a good photo.
Black-faced Cormorants
White Faced Heron and Black-faced Cormorants
Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
Seals
New Zealand and Australian fur seals were basking on rock ledges when we were there, making for great photo opportunities. At the Friars, the boat was able to get close inshore where we saw them up close. This was very special and a highlight of the trip, although the smell was overpowering.
Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
Australian Fur Seal
New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
Dolphins
During the return trip dolphins swam next to the boat, putting on a great show.
Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat
Whales
Sometime during trips whales are visible as they migrate to and from the Antarctic. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but the other wildlife we saw was great.
Back on Shore
After returning our wet weather jackets and thanking the crew, we made our way to the restaurant where we had a hot meal and a drink from the bar.
Post Cruise Refreshment
What Did We Think of The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
This was the highlight of our visit to Bruny Island with the coastline and wildlife being amazing to see. Remember to wear warm waterproof clothing and don’t forget your camera.
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.
