Nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains, Richmond is a mountain holiday getaway with the scenic Hawkesbury River on its fringes. Settled in 1794, Richmond exudes a rich history through its Victorian-era buildings, but also features waterfront parks and a vibrant cafe culture.
Things to do in Richmond
You’d be amiss not diving headfirst into Richmond’s history with one of the self-guided walking tours around town. These typically take just over two hours and cover 30 buildings around town, including the Victorian Classical Revival Post Office, 19th-century St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the circa-1815 Bowman Cottage. Don’t miss seeing one of the region’s oldest homes, Price’s House, or the two-storey farmhouse called “Josieville”.
If you’re artistically inclined, take on the Hawkesbury Artists Trail, which covers 13 locations between Richmond and Pitt Town. These locations have all inspired some of Australia’s greatest landscape artists, including Charles Conder, Julian Ashton and Arthur Streeton. During the drive, stop in at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, which houses historical artefacts pertaining to the surrounding townships.
Avid golfers should check out Richmond Golf Club, home to 18 immaculate holes with challenging sand and water traps. It’s one of the oldest golf clubs in Australia, with the first game played in 1897. Afterwards, venture over to Pugh's Lagoon, where you can soak up the waterfront serenity while using the barbecue facilities.
If you’ve got time, drive up into the Blue Mountains National Park, where you can take immersive rainforest walks, see sprawling valleys from mountaintop lookouts and visit charming alpine towns. Head to Katoomba for a casual lunch or drink before checking out the cascading Katoomba Falls.
Getting around Richmond
Richmond is an easy one-hour drive from Sydney, which is easily accessible from major Australian cities and many international destinations. You can walk or catch public buses around Richmond, but will need a vehicle to explore further afield.