Richmond Bridge
Home | Richmond, TAS
All About
Richmond Bridge
Highlights
The Richmond Bridge can lay claim to being the oldest existing stone arch bridge in Australia. It was originally named Bigge’s Bridge after the Royal Commissioner John Thomas Bigge who proposed the erection of the Bridge in 1820.
Bigge recognised the need to improve transportation of convicts and early settlers from Hobart Town to other regions of Tasmania such as the east coast and as far down the Tasman Peninsula as the Port Arthur penal settlement. Traffic to all these areas passed through Richmond; there was no Midway Point or Sorell causeway at the time.
The two years of construction commenced in 1823. It was built by convict labour (prisoners from the nearby Richmond Gaol), a common trend at the time for developing major building and roads. These convicts were forced to perform the gruelling task of mining the sandstone from the nearby Butchers Hill and then transport it to the site using carts.
The craftsmanship was brilliant – with only minimal maintenance, the bridge has stood for close to 200 years. Constructed with wheat carts in mind, it’s still in use today, supporting automobiles and buses of far greater weight.
Activities
- Sight-seeing
- Photography
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
Photo credits: Tourism Australia | Richmond Tasmania
Location
Richmond Bridge
Address: Richmond Bridge, Bridge Street, Richmond TAS
Common Questions
Richmond Bridge
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Where is Richmond Bridge located?
Richmond Bridge is located at Richmond Bridge, Bridge Street, Richmond TAS. It is a well-known destination for visitors looking to enjoy local experiences or explore nature.
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What are the main attractions at Richmond Bridge?
Richmond Bridge offers a variety of attractions including sightseeing, guided tours, and beautiful scenery perfect for photos and nature lovers.
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Are there any entry fees for Richmond Bridge?
Entry to Richmond Bridge is usually free, although certain activities or guided tours may require a small fee.
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What amenities are available at Richmond Bridge?
Amenities at Richmond Bridge often include parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and sometimes food and beverage outlets.
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Is Richmond Bridge accessible by public transport?
Richmond Bridge can typically be accessed by car, and public transport may be available depending on the region. Check local schedules.
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How long should I plan to spend at Richmond Bridge?
Visitors usually spend between 1 to 3 hours at Richmond Bridge, depending on the activities they choose to do.
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Are pets allowed at Richmond Bridge?
Pets are often allowed at Richmond Bridge but should be kept on a leash. It's best to check local regulations beforehand.
Weather
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7°C - Partly cloudy
- Feels Like: 6°C
- Humidity: 81%
- Precipitation: 0 mm
- UV Index: 0 (Low)
- Cloud Cover: 75% (Mostly cloudy)
- Weather updated at: 01-05-2025 08:18