Top 5 Places Of Tasmania With Intriguing History For the Whole Family

1. The oldest convict-built bridge in Australia - Richmond Bridge

Lying about 25 km north-east of Hobart, between the Midland Highway and Tasman Highway, is a town called Richmond, with a population of 880 as at the 2006 population census. Richmond is a town of historical significance in Tasmania’s history because it was initially part of the route that connected Hobart the capital to other parts of southeast Tasmania until the Sorell Causeway was constructed in 1872. Prior to the Sorell Causeway’s completion, the first convict-built bridge, known as the Richmond Bridge in this town, had been the primary crossing point of the Coal River on the road from Hobart to Sorell and beyond to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.

As the oldest and rarest large stone arch bridge in Australia that is still in use, Richmond Bridge has outstanding heritage value that has survived few significant changes since its completion in 1825. It was built by convicts from sandstone quarried from Butchers Hill and hauled by hand carts to the bridge site. Therefore, it is little wonder why this seemingly ordinary bridge can attract nearly 200,000 visitors annually to the town to learn about an important part of Tasmania’s convict heritage.

2. The oldest existing gaol Down Under - Richmond Gaol

Port Arthur may be the most famous penal colony in Tasmania, but do you know that the oldest penal institution is actually located in Richmond, at Richmond Gaol? Built in 1825, Richmond Gaol is a historic site worth visiting for the original gaol buildings and rooms that were used as the local prison till 1928. Tour the solitary confinement and punishment cells to experience how the convicts felt in isolated cells back in the old days. There are also special sound effects to create a solemn ambience and enhance the “imprisonment” feeling. You should also visit the oldest part of the complex that not only provided night and day quarters for the prisoners, but was also home of the gaoler. At the same time, you can admire the beautiful Georgian architecture at the site. The gaol is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and charges a reasonable admission fee of 9 AUD (6.40 USD) per adult, 4 AUD (2.80 USD) per child under the age of 17, and 22 AUD (15.60 USD) for a family with 2 adults and 2 children.

3. An old Tasmanian church that still retains its original self - St Luke’s Anglican Church

Designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer, the construction of St Luke’s Anglican Church in Richmond started with Governor Arthur laying its foundation stone in 1834 and it was completed a year later in 1835 using convict labour. The walls and tower of the church remain the same as when it was first erected, only the current iron roof has been changed. It is rare that such an old church in Tasmania can still retain most parts of its original construction when most of the older churches have either been rebuilt or altered till very little of the original building is left. So don’t miss this chance to explore the well-preserved Georgian Gothic-style church with the made-in-London Richmond Town Clock installed at St Luke’s since 1922.

4. The oldest Roman Catholic church in Australia - St John’s Church

Located beside the Coal River and across the bridge from Richmond, St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church was designed by the ex-convict architect Frederick Thomas, completed in 1836, and opened on 31 December 1837. As Richmond town had the largest Catholic population in Tasmania outside Hobart and Launceston, St John’s expanded to a large extent in 1859 and the spire was added in the early 20th century. This is also the oldest Roman Catholic church that is still functioning in Australia, with weekly mass services on Sundays. As you open the doors to enter the church, imagine the happiness of the numerous couples that have walked down this aisle hand in hand, to receive blessings for a blissful married life. Take some time to sit on a pew and immerse yourself in the holy feel here while you appreciate the well-preserved building with your family.

5. Down Under's most significant heritage area - Port Arthur Historic Site

As a small town and former convict settlement in Tasmania, Port Arthur is the most well-known and intact historic convict site that is reminiscent of the convict life in the 19th century. The 40-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Port Arthur Historic Site houses more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored epoch homes, a large area with lots of history for you to unravel. Given that there is so much to see at this site of national and international significance, you will be pleased to know that the site entry ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days and costs 37 AUD (26.20 USD) per adult, 17 AUD (12 USD) per child, or only 90 AUD (63.70 USD) for the Family Pass including 2 adults and up to 6 children. It’s a great opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge of the rich Tasmanian convict history at Port Arthur without burning a big hole in your wallet, isn’t it?

You can look forward to fun and interactive games for all ages at the Convict Study Centre and Lottery of Life, so your children may not even realize they are actually learning about Tasmania’s history! In addition, you can also check out the Commandant’s House, erected on high ground on the fringe of the settlement in 1833 to reflect the social status of the 5 commandants who lived there. Other significant landmarks at Port Arthur include the Convict Church, which played an important role in convict reform with compulsory Sunday services. Other landmarks worth visiting are the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue and the Separate Prison, where convicts were punished through isolation and contemplation. With so much to learn at Port Arthur, bet you will need plenty of time to finish touring all the significant landmarks!