Richmond Gaol Tours
21 Reviews

Australia is a nation that was founded by convicts, and the oldest prison in modern Australia is Tasmania’s Richmond Gaol. Constructed in 1825, it’s the only remaining jail in Tasmania where it’s still possible to tour the life of a 19th-century convict. Step inside a dark cell that was used for solitary confinement, and feel firsthand why the tiny space was known to trigger insanity. Stand inside the outdoor courtyard where morning floggings were held, and look at the infamous “cat-o-nine-tails” that was used to administer the lashings. According to some, the Richmond Gaol is still haunted by the ghosts of former convicts, and reports of moans and cold chills are much more common than you’d think. Despite the strength of its original design, the gaol was quickly overcrowded to the point of abject misery, and multiple phases to expand the jail were constructed over 15 years. As the shipments of convicts ceased from overseas, the gaol turned into a holding cell for citizens of petty crime, before eventually falling into disrepair in the middle of the 1920s. Today, as a restored and revitalized historic site that’s one of Tasmania’s best, visitors can not only witness the horrors that convicts had to endure, but also are given a dramatic reminder of why to stay out of jail.
Practical Info
The Richmond Gaol is open from 9am-5pm daily. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children, and the gaol is located 20 minutes outside of central Hobart.
Address: 37 Bathurst Street, Richmond TAS 7025, Australia
Admission: Adults: $9; Children: $4
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Richmond Gaol
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Small-Group tour from Hobart: Mt Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond
Admire the historic architecture of Salamanca Place and Battery Point; climb to the 4,167-foot (1,270-meter) peak of Mt Wellington for spectacular views over Hobart; then enjoy a close encounter with wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary on this half-day adventure from Hobart. Then, head to the historic town of Richmond along the Coal River to learn about Tasmania's convict history. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people.
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From
$72.37
From
$72.37
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cruise Ship Special ex Hobart: Mt Wellington, Richmond, Bonorong with free WiFi
When in Tasmania, journey across the Hobart shore on this 5-hour tour to see well-known landmarks and learn about the history of this area of Australia. Catch sight of the Tasman Bridge, Mt. Wellington, St. John’s Church, Granny Rhodes’ cottage, and Kangaroo Bluff. Plus drop by the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and koalas.
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From
$111.66
From
$111.66
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Small-group Tour from Hobart: Derwent River Valley and Coal River Valley
This small-group, 7-hour tour of the Derwent River Valley and Coal River Valley takes off from Hobart close to port. Along the way, catch sight of Russell Falls, Mt. Field National Park, and Salmon Ponds. Choose from a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary or the Zoodoo Wildlife Park, and end the day exploring the Richmond historical village, and see one of the oldest catholic churches on the continent.
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From
$161.29
From
$161.29
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Richmond Historical Village Sightseeing tour from Hobart
Let the Hobart Shuttle Bus Company take you back in time to the historical village of Richmond. Home to Australia's oldest bridge, catholic church and gaol. Just a leisurely 30-minute drive through the Coal River Valley (Southern Tasmania's premier wine region), takes you to this charming little village full of historical sites, antique and giftware shops and great cafes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✔ Fun and Informative live commentary
✔ Experienced local driver/guides
✔ Modern air-conditioned vehicles
✔ 2.5 hours in Richmond Village to explore at your own leisure
✔ Home to Australia’s oldest bridge, catholic church and gaol
✔Free discount coupons for some of Richmond’s best attractions, shops and cafes
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From
$24.81
From
$24.81

Cruise Ship Special from Hobart: Richmond Shuttle
Our shuttle will take you 30 minutes outside of Hobart through the Coal River Valley to the beautiful historic town of Richmond where you will spend 2 hours exploring (unescorted) on your own. Here you will be able to gain an insight into the early convict days, that preceded Port Arthur, by taking a tour of the oldest goal in Tasmania. If you present your tour bus identity card at the goal you will receive a discount on the admission charge.
Take a stroll down to the river to see the oldest convict constructed sandstone bridge still in use in Australia and the oldest Catholic Church in Australia, St. John’s. Wander around and explore the quaint little hamlet of Richmond with its numerous heritage-listed buildings, galleries, antique shops, café and restaurants. Also popular is the Old Hobart Town Model Village a garden model display of Hobart depicting life there in the 1820s. Once again your tour bus identity card will get you a discount.
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From
$29.86
From
$29.86
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Cruise Ship Special from Hobart: Richmond and Bonorong Wildlife Park Shuttle
After departing Hobart, you will journey out to the historic town of Richmond, in small buses, for 2-hours where you will gain an insight into the early convict days that preceded Port Arthur at the oldest goal in Tasmania and see the oldest convict constructed sandstone bridge still in use in Australia. You will get the opportunity to wander around (un-escorted) and explore the quaint little hamlet of Richmond with its numerous old and heritage-listed buildings, galleries, and antique shops.
You will then travel to Brighton to visit the iconic Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for a further 2-hours. Here you can get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s native wildlife, including its unique Tasmanian Devil, Wombats, Koalas, Quolls, Possums, Echidnas and a large range of bird species. Check Out their mob of Kangaroos and Wallabies and we recommend a conversation with Fred, the sulphur crested cockatoo, who is over 105 years old!
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From
$59.72
From
$59.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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