Located in the quaint, historic town of Richmond, and just a 20 minute drive from Hobart, the Richmond Gaol Tasmania is one of the best preserved convict structures.
Visitors to the site are greeted with beautifully intact stone buildings, constructed between 1825 and 1840, using convict labour. Wander through the site and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the hundreds of prisoners once housed within these walls.
The Story of Richmond Gaol
Richmond Gaol, as we see it today, was built over a period of 15 years, between 1825 and 1840. The oldest part of the complex is the 1825 building which not only provided night and day quarters for the prisoners, but also housed the Gaoler.
From all accounts, it was invariably overcrowded. The building was constructed of local sandstone from a nearby quarry and built by convict labour.
Over the years more buildings were added; the Gaoler’s house in 1834, the cookhouse, solitary confinement cells and women’s quarters in 1835 and the surrounding wall in 1840.
From 1877 until 1928 Richmond Gaol was utilised as the local lock-up and was then closed down. It opened again in the 1940s as an historic site and visitor attraction.
Tour Details
While exploring Australia’s oldest and best preserved convict gaol, let the kids & kids at heart take on the “Richmond Gaol Eye Spy Challenge” to find all the hidden historic items. For those who can find them all, a prize awaits!
Opening Hours
The Richmond Gaol is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
History of Richmond
In 1803, the first settlers arrived in the Coal River Valley area. Lieutenant John Bowen and surveyor James Meehan led the exploration of the Richmond area.
The river was named ‘Coal River’ after James found coal in the area, he also discovered fertile land suitable for growing crops such as wheat. The Richmond Bridge was built to aid in crossing the river and with construction completed the bridge opened in 1825. The area was considered a suitable place for a town, due to the bridge and agricultural operations.
Governor Sorell named this area the town of Richmond in 1824. The name is thought to have come from the property Richmond Park which is nearby.
The stone buildings now house galleries, tea shops, craft boutiques and museums, offering every convenience and luxury to the modern visitor.
Things to Do in Richmond Tasmania
In addition to visiting the gaol, there are plenty of other things to do in Richmond. Considered as a “must see” when visiting Tasmania, the town of Richmond is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, including the Richmond Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Australia.
Richmond has many other historic and iconic places like the Richmond Court House, the Richmond Gaol Chapel, and the Old Hobart Town Model Village.
