Richmond - the town time forgot

With the Amarok in for a service, we took the courtesy car on a trip to Richmond, a quant little town preserved in time when it was effectively bypassed in the 1890s.  Coming ourselves from a similar town - one that time forgot - we enjoyed Richmond more than we expected.

The weather was pretty ordinary as we stepped out of the car at the Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia still open to traffic.  We took shelter under the arches, and pondered the labour involved in carving the sandstone blocks around 190 years ago.  It is no where near the oldest bridge in the world, you'll need to travel to Istanbul to see that, but for Australia it is pretty impressive!

Richmond Bridge - Built 1823

And from another angle

We then decided a hot chocolate was in order, before visiting the old Richmond Gaol. The Gaol predates Port Arthur, and is preserved much as it was.  The boys took a moment to ponder how luxurious their accommodation in Matilda really is, compared to what the convicts had to endure.

Makes their swag on the floor of Matilda seem much more homely

And the little helper found himself manacled to a cell wall!

Looks like he belongs here!

Phew -they let us out!

Richmond's true beauty lies in the many homes and buildings that have been lovingly tended over the past hundred and fifty years or more.  It was as close as you'll get to an English village in Australia.  We took plenty of photos as we wandered around making the most of a break in the weather.  

Just like the day it was built

St Lukes Church

We wandered the streets for a couple of hours before finally returning to pick up a serviced and cleaned Rocky, all ready for our next adventures. Next stop: The End of the Road!