Richmond Bridge Tasmania



Bridge St, Richmond, Tasmania, Australia 7025



Open 24 / 7



1 hour



Free



Family friendly

Richmond Bridge Tasmania: Australia’s Oldest Bridge with a Haunted Past

Walking across Richmond Bridge in Tasmania, the oldest bridge in Australia, feels like stepping back into the early 1800s—a time when Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s Land) was a fledgling penal colony.

Built to improve transportation between Hobart and the growing farming communities along the east coast—including the historic site of Port Arthur—the bridge was a vital piece of colonial infrastructure. Its construction marked a major achievement in early Australian engineering and convict labour.

A Bridge Built by Convicts

Construction of Richmond Bridge began in 1823, when the first sandstone block was laid by convicts. It took two years to complete, with every block painstakingly quarried by hand from a nearby site and transported using wooden carts.

Upon completion, the bridge measured 41 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, making it the longest span of any bridge in Australia at the time. Originally built for horses and wooden carts, it remains structurally sound nearly 200 years later—and still carries modern vehicles and tourist coaches daily.

Haunted History of Richmond Bridge

Richmond Bridge is more than just a historical landmark—it’s also steeped in mystery. Over the years, it has become associated with several unexplained deaths and ghostly sightings. Locals and visitors alike whisper stories of eerie encounters, including sightings of a ghostly soldier thought to be one of the bridge’s earliest victims.

Visitor Info: Is There a Toll?

No need to worry about a Richmond Bridge toll—this historic structure is free to cross. It’s a must-see on any Tasmania road trip and a perfect stop for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone intrigued by haunted places.

Explore Richmond, Tasmania

While you’re in the area, take time to explore the quaint town of Richmond, known for its colonial buildings, boutique shops, and nearby wineries. And when you cross the bridge—keep your eyes (and camera) ready. You never know who—or what—you might see.

Best time for this activity

Anytime is a good time to visit Richmond village, Tasmania.

Driving distances

Hobart to Richmond, Tasmania – 25 min (27.6 km) via Tasman Hwy/A3 and B31
Launceston to Richmond, Tasmania – 1 h 58 min (173.7 km) via National Highway 1 and B31
Port Arthur to Richmond, Tasmania – 1 h 16 min (89.0 km) via Arthur Hwy/A9

Parking facilities

There is free on and off-street parking just near the bridge, though it can be busy on weekends and holidays.

Official website

Richmond Tasmania

What you should bring/wear

Just wear general street/travel clothes.

Wheelchair friendly?

Not really. There is a narrow gravel path that goes across the bridge but a steep incline as well as stairs to get down to the river.

More Information

The Richmond Bridge Road is appropriately called Bridge Street.

Make sure you pick up a Curried Scallop pie from the Richmond Bakery.

The grassy banks of the river near the bridge make a scenic spot to have a picnic.

Richmond, Tasmania map

Richmond (Tasmania) Accommodation

Hotels near Richmond:

Private accommodation / B&B, Richmond, Tasmania:

Things to do in Richmond, Tasmania :

Richmond Gaol – the Richmond Gaol Tasmania is Australia’s oldest surviving prison dating back to 1825.

Littlewood Berry Farm – head to the Littlewood Berry Farm for fresh strawberries, rhubarb, mulberries, blueberries and raspberries.

Wicked Cheese Company – visit Wicked Cheese (Richmond, Tasmania) for freshly made cow and goat’s milk cheeses, including Wicked Triple Cream Brie and Wicked Chilli Camembert.

Richmond Golf Club Tasmania – the Richmond Golf Club is a 9-hole country course.

Places to eat in Richmond, Tasmania :

Coal River Farm – A menu with modern Australia cuisine with a twist, including leatherwood honey and apricot muesli, fresh scones with jam and cream, tasting platters, smoked wallaby and port sausages.

Richmond Arms Hotel – The oldest Richmond pub in Tasmania, carries an extensive wine list including local vintages and serves a variety of meals from light bar snack through to four course meals.

Richmond Bakery Tasmania – Enjoy a range of light meals and a delicious variety of freshly cooked pies including their delicious curried scallop pie.