Richmond Bridge

Richmond Bridge is Australia's oldest surviving large stone arch bridge, spanning the Coal River in the historic town of Richmond, about 25 km north-east of Hobart, Tasmania. Built between 1823 and 1825 by convict labour, the six-arch sandstone bridge remains in use as a road bridge. It is listed on the Australian National Heritage List and the Tasmanian Heritage Register and is a major visitor attraction in the Coal River Valley.

Visitors can expect a well-preserved sandstone arch bridge with six arches crossing the Coal River, set in the historic village of Richmond. The bridge can be viewed from the roadway, footpaths on the bridge, and from the grassy riverbanks and parkland on both sides. Interpretive signage explains its construction and convict history. The surrounding area includes the river, parkland, nearby heritage buildings, cafes and shops within short walking distance. It is an open-air, free-access site focused on sightseeing and photography.

Constructed between 1823 and 1825 using convict labour under the supervision of stonemason William Wilson, commissioned during the administration of Lieutenant-Governor William Sorell. It is the oldest stone span bridge still in use in Australia and demonstrates early colonial engineering and convict craftsmanship. The bridge was built to provide a crossing of the Coal River on the route between Hobart and the east coast and has remained in continuous use since completion.

Listed on the Australian National Heritage List and the Tasmanian Heritage Register as a nationally significant example of convict-built colonial infrastructure. It is a central landmark of the historic town of Richmond and contributes to the Coal River Valley's heritage precinct, reflecting Tasmania's convict history and early settlement.