Day 9 (Afternoon)
Richmond

Next stop, historic Richmond. Much is often mentioned of its landmark bridge and Georgian charm. But we discovered an even better reason to visit... Good Food!

We headed down the A3 before turning onto the C351 for Richmond. Since we were still a little early for our check-in at Hatcher's Manor, we drove into town and had a quick look around.

With wide pavements, plenty of period architecture and numerous tearooms, Richmond is obviously a popular tourist destination that probably should have been thronged with visitors, but by this time, we were quite used to the "deserted" feel. In fact, it felt nice to "have the place to ourselves".

The famous bridge over the Coal River was built in 1823 with convict labour and is the oldest road bridge in Australia. From the grassy park area next to the bridge, Tim took photos of Yi Peng driving the RAV4 across the bridge. There were plenty of ducks casually sunning themselves here, totally oblivious to us humans.

The RAV4 on Richmond Bridge

Returning to Hatcher's Manor on the outskirts of Richmond, we checked-in and decided to relax and laze about for the rest of the afternoon. Set in Woodburn Farm, an apricot farm, the architecture, interior decor and furniture were amazing. Our hostess Jeanette explained that all of the ornate cornice and plaster work, painting and decorations in the rooms were done by themselves.

Still, the period decor and furniture was comfortable and the room came with all the modern convieniences of a luxury hotel suite, including a fridge, microwave and stove in the kitchenette, a gas-fired fireplace, jacuzzi bath, four poster bed and to top it off, a VCR hooked up to the TV! We were free to select VHS tapes of popular movies that were left in the hallway for guests.

And so we did. Watching a movie and even catching a short nap before dinner (we were just exhausted after so many days of non-stop touring!).

At Jeanette's recommendation, we decided to have dinner at the Richmond Food and Wine Centre, smack in the middle of town (Sometimes just referred to as Richmond Wine Centre for some reason or other).

Gorgeous food in a cheerful and friendly atmosphere

The first thing that got us salivating when we walked in the door was the huge display of desserts in the glass display chiller at the counter. Then everything on the menu sounded so good...

After much indecision, we finally ordered the Seafood Chowder for starters, and Tim had the Scotch Fillet marinated in Pinot Noir and served with Mushroom Sauce, while Yi Peng had the Spinach and Mushroom Strudle with dried tomato & pesto sauce. We shared a side order of Oven-baked Onions (in wine sauce?) with potatoes & salad. Despite being absolutely stuffed, we couldn't resist the dessert display and shared a Citron Grande Marnier Cheese Cake and finished with coffee lattes.

At this point, we must point out that the Seafood Chowder was very different from those we had tasted up till that point, but it was very, very good! It actually has a Thai-like flavour with coconut cream, but has a paradoxically very light texture. Everything we ordered went together so well, but the ultimate accolade must go to the sublime Scotch Fillet. It was beautiful. Ahhhh... what we wouldn't give to be able to have another one right here, right now!

At just 24km from Hobart, the Richmond Food & Wine Centre is reason enough to visit Richmond anytime you are in Tasmania. Period.

Day 10
Richmond and Bruny Island

Breakfast and ducks.

Richmond, Teddies on the Green

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Cape Bruny Lighthouse and reserve, second oldest in Australia (built 1836)

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The rugged coastline - Cape Bruny

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Day 11
Destination Hobart

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Go to Part 6 - Port Arthur & Hobart