Organised bus tours run all the way to the top. The town was once a strategic military base and convict station, but in 1872 a new highway, which bypassed Richmond, was built, and the town has stood stuck in time ever since. The northern wing of Richmond Gaol was built in 1825, five years before the settlement at Port Arthur, and is the best-preserved convict jail in Australia. Richmond also has the oldest Catholic church in Australia - St John's Church . You'll never be short a place to stay here, but most lodgings will make a dent in your money bag.
Buses run during the week.
The park is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, alpine moorland, dense rainforest, lakes, abundant wildlife and spectacular waterfalls. In summer rangers guide nightly walks to the falls, where you'll see glow worms. There are magnificent walks on the plateau on top of the range, but be prepared for wet or cold weather. There is a campground just inside the park entrance and cabins on the plateau, as well as a hostel and a few hotels near the park. Buses run between Hobart and Mt Field, but they're a little sporadic.