Richmond - TAS

In 1803 a hunting party discovered coal and named the Coal River. In 1823 the Richmond Bridge was built. With increased traffic flows a small settlement began to grow around the bridge and then town of Richmond was named in 1824. During the 1820's, Richmond a police district was established based on Richmond. The jail, court house, barracks and a watch house were built. The existence of the convict jail and military establishment caused Richmond to continue to grow.

Continuing settlement brought the creation of roads to other towns. Richmond became a natural stopping place on the way to newly settled areas. The town quickly developed the services required by the colony and became a natural stopping place.

In the 1830's, Richmond's position on the routes east and south made it a natural overnight stop. By the 1830's, several roads led in and out of the town. Inns increased in number. Businesses were established. There were eventually blacksmiths, wheelwrights, saddlers, stockyards, tanneries, a market place, a pound, brick and lime kilns, as well as general stores and other services.

With more than 50 19th century buildings, many of them now providing high-quality accommodation, Richmond, with a population of around 800, is a perfect place to learn about Tasmania’s rich heritage.

The town is still a service centre to the surrounding agricultural activities which include small crops, grain, grazing and wineries, many with cellar doors aimed at the flow of tourists.