Richmond Tasmania

Unfortunately the serenity of the camp was broken by some doof doof music being played until all hours of the night… pity. Anyway thank goodness for earplugs and that we had not planned to stay another night. So we happily drove out at 8am to start exploring more of this beautiful island. Apologies to any confusion that I imparted regarding the peninsula we are on. So to clarify, the southern section above Eaglehawk Neck is the Forestier Peninsula and the northern section is called the Tasman Peninsula. 

Not far out of camp was the Coal Mines Historic Site. Unfortunately we couldn’t visit all the area as they were closed due to the weather- the wind presumably. But we did manage to park on the side of the road and walk into see the remains of the Probation Camp that was here so the convicts could work on the mine during the 1800’s. 

Stone cut by convicts 

The underground solitary confinement cells.

From here we drove across to the east coast of the peninsular to see the Tasman Arch and spectacular coastal views.

We also had a look at the Blowhole.

We finally spotted some seals in the water from the Fossil Bay Lookout.

The house in Doo town like to include it in the name of their houses.

Along the ‘neck’ the joins the 2 peninsulas we took a photo of the Dog Line statue depicting the dogs that were chained up along here and even in platforms in the water to alert the soldiers if any convicts were trying to escape!

Our last stop was at the Tessellated Pavement where the flat rock below the cliffs have formed interesting patterns due to the geological process of ‘jointing’ and erosion from sea crystals along these joints. 

We drove back out of the peninsula via Dunalley and then along the coastal road that is mainly populated with homes for the locals ie not very touristy. We have a cuppa at Tiger Head Bay boat ramp in Dodges Ferry.

Next is a quick stop in Sorell to do some shopping and to use the dump point.

We head up to Richmond a charming town rich in history. We start at the bakery for a late lunch.

As the sign says there are plenty of old buildings here…

Of course we take a photo of Australia’s oldest bridge that is still in use. Built by convicts in 1825.

We also have a look at Australia’s oldest Catholic Church. St.John 1835.

It’s the hottest day so far and the wind is very gusty once again so we point Buster towards our stop for tonight at Hawksmere, a private camp near Campania for $10pn. 

Todays trip was 128km.