Richmond Village & Red Decker hop-on hop-off

Discover Tasmania’s Charm with the Richmond Village & Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Imagine strolling through a well-preserved Georgian-era town with charming shops, historic sites, and an iconic old bridge—that’s Richmond, Tasmania’s oldest settlement. Combined with a flexible, 48-hour hop-on hop-off city tour of Hobart, this experience offers a fantastic way to see the best of the area at your own pace. For just around $58 per person, you get to spend about 4 hours exploring Richmond at leisure and enjoy an up-close view of Hobart’s highlights from a top deck of a double-decker bus.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of history and scenery—Richmond’s beautifully preserved architecture and the panoramic 360-degree views from the open-top bus are hard to beat. Plus, the local commentary enhances understanding of each stop, making the trip both educational and entertaining. Another plus: the generous 48-hour city loop ticket means you can hop on and off as often as you like, giving you flexibility to explore without rushing.

A consideration to keep in mind is that this tour does not include hotel pickup or food—so you’ll want to plan your arrival at the starting point accordingly. Also, while the Richmond trip is quite relaxed, the full day’s experience is best suited for those wanting a leisurely paced, well-rounded introduction to Hobart and its surrounding sights. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic towns, scenic views, and flexible schedules.

This tour suits travelers looking for a cost-effective way to combine a historic visit with city sightseeing. If you enjoy guided commentary, scenic routes, and discovering local gems at your own pace, you’ll find this package offers great value and a memorable experience.

Key Points

• Historic Richmond offers beautifully preserved architecture, charming shops, and exclusive attraction discounts.
• The 48-hour city loop provides flexibility to hop on and off at various stops, including Hobart’s main attractions.
• The open-top double-decker bus offers stunning 360-degree views of Hobart, especially from the top deck.
• The guided commentary adds context and insights, enriching your understanding of the town and city.
• The tour is well-rated for value, with an overall 5-star rating based on six reviews.
• No hotel pickup; you’ll need to arrive at the designated starting points on your own.

In-Depth Review of the Richmond Village & Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

A Perfect Mix of Colonial Charm and City Views

This combined experience offers a balanced look at both Richmond’s historic charm and Hobart’s vibrant cityscape. For $57.70, you get a 4-hour guided tour of Richmond plus a 48-hour hop-on hop-off city tour. The Richmond part is particularly appealing because it’s a well-preserved town with classic Georgian architecture, a famous old bridge, and historic sites like the colonial goal and Catholic Church. What makes Richmond special is how it feels like stepping back in time—even more so with its quaint shops and galleries.

The guided commentary during the Richmond tour is described as interesting and informative by travelers, helping you connect with the town’s history and character. The leisurely 3-hour window allows ample time to explore shops, enjoy gourmet food, or just relax in the village’s atmospheric courtyards. One reviewer, Cheryl, highlighted the Christmas Shop as a standout—perfect for holiday enthusiasts or anyone wanting a cozy, festive stop.

The City Loop: Views, Attractions, and Flexibility

Once back in Hobart, the Red Decker open-top bus takes over, offering a comprehensive 90-minute tour with numerous stops. These include Brooke Street Pier, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The 360-degree views from the open-top are truly a highlight, especially from the top deck where you can see the harbor, city skyline, and surrounding hills.

What we appreciate is the flexibility—you can choose to stay on the bus for the full route or hop-off at sites like Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Sandy Bay, or South Hobart. This means you can tailor your day, combining sightseeing with leisurely exploration or shopping. Reviewers love the informative commentary and the value of the 48-hour ticket, which encourages a relaxed pace.

Transport, Comfort, and Extras

The bus is air-conditioned, with WiFi onboard, making the journey comfortable even on warm days. The group size is manageable, and the service animals are allowed—important details for travelers with pets. You’ll need to arrive at the starting points—such as Brooke Street Pier or the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre—on your own, as there’s no hotel pickup.

The included guidebook offers additional tips and discounts in Richmond, adding value to your visit. While food and drinks aren’t included, plenty of cafes and eateries line Richmond and Hobart’s stops, so refueling is easy.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

Many travelers comment on the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery—from the historic town streets to the panoramic city views. As Maria noted, the commentary was fantastic and informative, providing context that made the experience richer. Marion loved the relaxing atmosphere of Richmond, especially sitting in the courtyard listening to a harpist—a lovely detail that adds to the charm.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan your arrival at the start point in Hobart to match the 12:30 pm departure.
• To do both Richmond and the city tour on the same day, join the city tour at 10 am or 11 am before heading to Richmond at 12:30 pm.
• Since the tour does not include food, consider bringing snacks or planning to dine in Richmond or along the route.
• The 48-hour ticket offers great flexibility—use it to explore at your own pace and revisit favorite spots.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This combined Richmond and Hobart sightseeing tour offers a great value for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible introduction to Tasmania’s capital and its oldest town. The guided commentary, scenic routes, and authentic town ambiance make it perfect for history buffs, scenic lovers, and those who prefer a leisurely pace. It’s an especially good choice if you enjoy hop-on hop-off buses, as you can customize your day around your interests.

If your priority is enjoying local character, exploring historic architecture, and enjoying stunning views from a double-decker bus, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a cost-effective way to see a lot in one day, with the added bonus of discovering hidden gems like Richmond’s charming shops and relaxing courtyards.

However, if you’re looking for a guided tour with hotel pickup or a focus on specific attractions, you might want to consider other options. For those who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences combined with scenic views and flexible scheduling, this is a fine choice.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
No, this tour does not include hotel transportation. You’ll need to make your way to the designated starting points in Hobart.

Can I do both Richmond and the city tour in one day?
Yes. To do both on the same day, join the city tour at 10 am or 11 am, then head to Richmond at 12:30 pm for the 4-hour village tour.

How long is the Richmond tour?
The Richmond tour lasts about 4 hours, including 3 hours of free time to explore the town at your leisure.

What are the main stops on the Hobart city tour?
Stops include Brooke Street Pier, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Sandy Bay, and Victoria Dock Bridge, among others.

Is the bus comfortable and suitable for all travelers?
Yes, the buses are air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi. The open-top design offers great views, and most travelers can participate.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off city loop, the 4-hour Richmond tour, a sightseeing guide, exclusive attraction discounts in Richmond, and onboard amenities like WiFi.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations?
Service animals are allowed. You’ll need to arrive at the meeting points yourself, and food and beverages are not included.

Whether you’re after a taste of Tasmania’s historic past, stunning city vistas, or both, this tour offers a balanced, enjoyable experience. It’s an excellent way to see Hobart’s highlights and explore Richmond’s timeless charm—all at a reasonable price and with plenty of flexibility.