The Coal River Valley
The Coal River Valley is only a 20 minute drive from Hobart, our
Capital. The vineyards situated between Cambridge and the historic
village of Richmond, are accalimed for the quality of their cool-climate
wines. Pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling and sauvignon blanc are the
classic varieties that are done best. Many of the vineyards open their
doors for cellar-door tastings as well as sales, and there are several
very excellent vineyard resteraunts. The Coal River Valley Wine Route
makes an ideal half or full day tour, depending on your vineyard
experierences. Organised wine tours are available and allow you to
enjoy the fullnuss of each vineyard without comprimising your driving ability.
Richmond
Richmond is a quaint town, full of B&B's and little getaway's. It
is surrounded in 19th Century Georgian buildings, so well preserved that
you would think you have gone back in time. Richmond houses
Australia's oldest bridge, this bridge was built by the convict settlers
in 1825, and it marks a significant point in history of Tasmania's
convict heritage.
Hobart Model Village
The Old Hobart Town model village is right in the heart of the village
with hobart built in miniature as it would have been back then. You can
walk down the major roads, looking at the architecture of the buildings
and shops. If the kids are running wild, there is the Richmond maze.
This is an extraordinary feat of workmanship with approximately 27,000
nails used and hammered in by hand. Let the kids go through the maze
while you sit outside with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
The Pub's
Richmond used to be the town people stopped at when on their way from
Hobart up to Launceston, back in the day there were upwards of 7 pubs
which were a hive of activity especially on a Friday night. Nowadays
however most of them have been turned into houses and churches, with the
old pub on the high street being the only one left. If you do by
chance happen to come through this way, stop at the pub and ask for
chips and Dianne sauce, it is heavenly.
The Richmond Goal
The Richmond Goal (Jail) is the oldest intact goal in Australia. The
goal was built by convicts in 1825 and 1827 and predates the penal
colony at Port Arthur. An extra wing was erected in 1835 to accomodate
women prisoners.
Ghost tours are also taken from the Richmond goal, and timetables are available at the door.
Ghost tours are also taken from the Richmond goal, and timetables are available at the door.
Information with thanks from www.discovertasmania.com and images from google images
