Richmond, a quaint town with an 800-person population, is a delightful surprise on my Royal Princess shore excursion in Tasmania. It’s what I like to call a hidden gem, often included as a fascinating stop on the way to the ‘main event.’
Richmond is renowned for its historic treasures, notably the Richmond Bridge and St. John’s Catholic Church. The bridge, a testament to the town’s early days, was constructed from 1823 to 1825 and remains Australia’s oldest bridge. The church, a spiritual cornerstone, was built in 1836 and is considered Australia’s oldest Roman Catholic church.
In addition, St Luke’s, built between 1834 and 1836, is the oldest Anglican Church in Australia. The clock mounted in the church tower chimes the hour and is manually wound by volunteers.
The coach driver made his way through the village, crossed the bridge, and returned to town. We have time, but not as much as I would have liked, to explore this quiet little town.
About 95% of the homes and businesses date to the village’s establishment. I first walked to the bridge to photograph it and take the view. I next walked along the main street to shop and admire the buildings. My only disappointment was not being able to photograph the two historic churches, but it was Sunday morning, and services were being held.
I always appreciate “bonus stops,” especially when they allow me to explore a destination’s historic areas. Thank you, Royal Princess excursion planners!
Click here for information on Royal Princess cruises and excursions.
