Richmond is a beautiful town to simply stroll through and admire, but a tour really adds a sense of excitement and intrigue.
Instead of looking at the bridge, churches and buildings and simply admiring the architecture, you can appreciate and understand the how and why things ended up the way they were. Richmond was built in tough times by some interesting characters, many who came to Australia with nothing and some who arrived as convicts.
Richmond After Dark: Gossip, Ghosts and Graft
I guess you could call this a ghost tour, but more of a classy and informative ghost tour. No one jumping out under a bed sheet!
There have been numerous reportings of ghosts in Richmond; many of these sightings have been linked back to some of Richmond’s well-known and somewhat charismatic early inhabitants. You’ve probably heard about the ghost of Richmond Bridge which of course is covered in this tour. But you’ll also walk throughout the town where the guide will point out some of the key historic buildings and the fascinating history. Richmond village was built by entrepreneurs and farmers, as well as some dark and deceiving convicts. You’ll learn all about these interesting characters on this tour.
If there is no tour scheduled on the day that your staying in Richmond, give Time Tours a call and they may be able to schedule and extra tour for you. Also there is a minimum age of 15 years, as the tour does include stories of violence and murder and a trip to a cemetery.
Time Tours
Cost: Adult $38, Seniors $34, Children 15+ $25
Time: 8:00pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Website: https://timetours.com.au/bookings/details/149609/richmond-after-dark-gossip-ghosts-and-graft/
Phone number: 0448 461 958
Fly, Land and Lunch Tour
You may be seeking uninterrupted views of Richmond, or simply wish to do something a little different from the normal. If that’s the case, then this is for you!
Departing from the nearby Cambridge Airport, you’ll fly over Seven Mile Beach, Hobart, Mount Wellington and then Richmond and the Coal River Valley. The helicopter then stops at Frogmore Creek Winery. Here you can get out, explore the beautiful gardens and vineyard and stop in at the cellar door for a tasting or try the award-winning restaurant.
Fly, Land and Lunch
Cost: $325 per person
Website: https://frogmorecreek.com.au/flylandlunch/
Phone: 03 6274 5844
Tasmania’s History House
If your interested in heritage properties or history from the early days of white settlement in Tasmania, you’ll find Tasmania’s History House to be a fascinating place.
This 1820’s built Georgian style property has a fascinating stories and unique features to suit life in colonial times. There is a trapdoor in the front room, this was used to move barrels and bottles up from the cellar underneath when the room was originally used as a bar. There was also a narrow “embrasure” which protected the room from bushrangers. The house has also provided hospitality for high profile guests such as Gough Whitlam and his wife, during his reign as Prime Minister.
Tasmania’s History house offers guided tours during scheduled open days or by arrangement.
Tasmania’s History House
Address: 15 Wellington Street Richmond 7025
Website: https://www.tasmaniashistoryhouse.com.au/services/
Phone: 0418 181 843
Wine and Cheese Tour – Richmond & Coal River Valley
Terrior Wine Tours Tasmania host half day wine and cheese tours in Richmond and the Coal River Valley. These are on Thursday and Friday mornings only so book ahead and keep your schedule free! With Richmond and the Coal River Valley now full of high quality producers and numerous historic sites, it can confusing to know where to start, especially if you only have one day to spare on your holiday in Tasmania.
This tour gives you a well-rounded taste of what Richmond has to offer. The bus leaves from the Hobart waterfront and takes you to Richmond village. Here you will walk through the village, where the guides will share informal but interesting anecdotes on the history of Richmond and the harsh conditions many convicts and settlers endured.
Of course you’ll stop at the Richmond Bridge and take in the beautiful surroundings. Then you’ll stop at the Richmond Tasting House, but don’t fill up too much, the tour isn’t over yet!
Next you’ll visit two of the most acclaimed Coal River Valley Wineries, Pooley Wines and Frogmore Creek. You’ll spend 45 minutes at each vineyard, tasting up to 4 wines. Pooley Wines are well known for their Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir, which you’ll be able to enjoy in their beautiful sandstone tasting room.
The world-class experience provided at Pooley Wines led them to be awarded the best small cellar door in Tasmania in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.
Frogmore Creek also comes highly acclaimed. The beautiful facility has luscious gardens and views overlooking the water. Try the chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.
Frogmore Creek is the largest premium winery in southern Tasmania, with premium being the key word here! They are more than winemakers with a cellar door, they offer a complete wine, food and travel experience. From the moment you arrive at this expansive property you’ll be amazed by stunning water and vineyard views. The property features stunning architecture with a modern, yet rustic and charming area specially set up for cellar door tastings and separate from the restaurant.
You’ll then stop further up the hill at Coal River Farm. If you thought the view at Frogmore Creek was good, it’s even better up here! This place has something for sweet and savoury fans – it’s all high quality, made on site. As part of the tour you’ll get to try the handmade chocolate and artisan soft and hard cheeses. You can even see where the cheese is made, and here about the cheese making process.
Terrior Wine Tours Tasmania
Tour dates: Most Thursdays and Friday Mornings
Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Departure Point: Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf Hobart
Party size: 2 – 12 people
Children: Children under 15 not permitted, those aged 15-17 are allowed but not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages (the Australian legal minimum drinking age is 18)
Cost: $139 Adults, $79 15-17 years
Website: https://www.terroirwinetourstasmania.com.au/tasmanian-wine-tours
Phone: 0497 603 333
Hobart Food and Wine Tour
It’s funny how the Hobart Food and Wine Tour is based entirely in the Richmond and Coal River Valley area! This tour is great if you want to spend a day indulging on the finest food and wine and let someone else take care of the driving. There are six stops on this tour, so loosen your belt!
You’ll arrive at the first stop, Coal Valley Vineyard at approximately 11:30am. This venue is known for their Pinot Noir and Riesling. You can enjoy these and many other varieties in a wine tasting and a share plate style lunch with fine local seafood, cheeses, sourdough and salad.
Second stop is at Pooley Wines, the only third generation “wine family in Tasmania. This is a stunning venue on the edge of Richmond village, with a stunning 1830’s Georgian period property. You can enjoy tasting wines such as the “Matilda” Champenoise and some fresh Tasmanian oysters.
The third stop will include either Craigow Vineyard or Domaine A, depending on whether you take the tour on a weekday or weekend. Craigow Vineyard is one of the oldest estates in the Coal River Valley, being established in the 1820’s. They are fortunate enough to have French winemaker Alain Rousseau on board to craft their beautiful wines. Domaine A produce a unique “new world” style of wine with age and rich intensity.
The fourth stop is a visit to the Richmond Tasting House. Situated in the heart of Richmond village, you’ll be able to try some of the best small-batch whisky, gin, vodka and port that Tasmania has to offer. Those who prefer can visit the nearby Sweets and Treats or peruse the antique shops instead.
The fifth stop includes a trip to Wicked Cheese Co. This venue has produced numerous award-winning cheeses under the guidance of Ashley McCoy. Ashley has learned his craft in France, Italy, the UK and the famous Tasmania King Island Dairy. Fresh, high quality milk is critical for cheesemaking, and that’s why Tasmania’s clean environment enables some of the best cheese in the world to be produced.
The final destination (if your still able to move) is Littlewood Berry Farm. At this cute farmyard you’re able to wander at your own pace and pick your own strawberries. As these are not sprayed with chemicals, they won’t require washing. There are also some locally made jams, honey, ice cream and other seasonal produce.
Hobart Food and Wine Tour
Cost: $180 per person
Website: http://www.longlunchtourco.com.au/hobart-food-and-wine-tour/
Phone: 0409 225 841