Risdon Cove, Natural cove on the Derwent River in Tasmania, Australia.
Risdon Cove is a natural inlet along the eastern bank of the Derwent River, roughly 7 kilometers north of Hobart. Walking tracks loop around Risdon Brook Reservoir, covering about 4 kilometers through landscaped grounds where picnic areas are located near the water and hills.
In 1803, Lieutenant John Bowen established Tasmania's first British settlement here with 49 settlers, soldiers, and convicts. The location became central to the early European development of the island.
The cove holds deep meaning for the Moomairremener people, the original inhabitants of Tasmania, and is now managed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council. Visitors can sense this connection through how the land is cared for and used today.
Visit on clearer days when weather is calmer, as the area can be exposed to wind and rain. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and sun protection for the trails.
The cove was named after William Bellamy Risdon, a second officer, during a mapping expedition between 1792 and 1794. This naming reflects the personal connections made during the era of early Australian exploration.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
