Summary
Tasmania’s third city positions itself in contrast to Melbourne across the expansive Bass Strait.
The Spirit of Tasmania, the ferry service connecting the mainland, arrives at the mouth of the Mersey River in Devonport.
There are magnificent headlands and beaches along the rugged coastline, offering stunning views to the north, accompanied by a museum dedicated to the Bass Strait, covering its ecology and the history of shipwrecks.
Devonport serves as the closest major town to the breathtaking natural landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located just over an hour away—definitely a journey to undertake.
1. Bass Strait Maritime Centre
What better location than the mouth of the Mersey River to explore the natural and human history of the strait separating Tasmania from the Australian mainland?
Through a combination of interactive exhibits, informative displays, and artifacts, the center delves into subjects such as prehistory, European exploration, settlement, shipwrecks, shipbuilding, naval history, maritime industries, and the development of Devonport.
Among the interactive experiences, visitors can navigate a turn-of-the-century steamer into the Mersey River or toward Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.
The center also preserves the recently restored Julie Burgess ketch, which sails out into the Bass Strait from October through late June.
2. Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
From the Maritime Centre, you can follow the Devonport Cycle and Walking Track westward to Mersey Bluff, a peninsula extending into the sea.
Atop the rocky precipice at the northern tip stands the historic Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, erected in 1889 to replace a series of beacons previously placed at this location.
Upon completion, the lighthouse significantly decreased shipwreck occurrences in the area and was automated relatively early, transitioning to electricity in 1920.
What stands out about this structure is its vertical red bands rather than the more prevalent horizontal design.
A visit guarantees stunning coastal views and a refreshing sea breeze.
If lucky, you may spot a wallaby in the bush, and from here, you could continue along the trail west to Bluff Beach, dotted with rocky formations at low tide.
3. Don River Railway
The Melrose Line, which opened in 1916, connected Don Junction at the mouth of the Don River to Paloona, located approximately 20 kilometers to the south-west.
This line was decommissioned in 1963, but in 1976, a 3-kilometer stretch between Don Junction and Don Township was reopened as the Don River Railway.
This attraction typically operates from Wednesday to Sunday.
While enjoying views of the river and the picturesque suburb of Don, visitors will ride in a vintage 1940s carriage, pulled by either a steam or vintage diesel locomotive.
The railway is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are eager to answer any inquiries.
Additionally, guests can explore the workshop where historic vehicles are being restored, as well as a signal box, turntable, and a small museum.
4. Home Hill
Tasmania’s sole Australian Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons (1879-1939), resided in this charming weatherboard house in Devonport with his wife, Dame Enid Lyons, and their twelve children.
Commissioned by the family in 1916, Home Hill is now managed by the National Trust and has been preserved exactly as it was when Dame Enid resided there until her passing in 1981. She was the first woman elected to Australia’s House of Representatives, and the house reflects her preferences, featuring personal belongings and intriguing mementos.
A guided tour provides extensive insights into the political and personal lives of two significant figures in 20th-century Australian history.
5. Southern Wild Distillery
Northwest Tasmania’s exceptionally pure mountain streams and fertile soils contribute to the production of high-quality spirits.
At Southern Wild Distillery on Oldaker Street, the primary specialty is gin, crafted from this pure water and the freshest local ingredients.
Expertly distilled utilizing careful blends of native botanicals, the award-winning main range features the London-style Mountain Gin, Meadow Gin infused with herbs and citrus from local gardens, and Ocean Gin, which includes fresh rose petals and Takame seaweed sourced from the Tasman Sea.
The cellar door and lounge bar, located in Devonport, is open daily for tastings and sales, or simply to enjoy a drink.
Guided tours are available by appointment, and the venue offers food trucks and live music on weekends.
6. Tasmanian Trail
Devonport serves as the northern terminus for a 460-kilometre multi-use trail that winds its way down Tasmania’s spine to Dover in the southeast.
This trail traverses challenging yet exhilarating terrain and is divided into fifteen sections, each designed to be completed in a single day and typically concluding at a campsite or town.
Given that the route predominantly utilizes rural roads, it is especially suitable for cyclists and horseback riders.
The journey begins pleasantly along the banks of the Mersey River, leading to spectacular yet rugged scenery at locations such as the Cluan Tiers, the Great Western Tiers, the Central Highlands, the Derwent River, and the lower slopes of Hobart’s Mount Wellington.
7. Coles Beach
East of the Don River mouth, Coles Beach offers a tranquil and less-traveled coastal experience despite its accessibility via the Don River Railway.
The beach features a long, clean sandy bay that is well-protected by headlands.
The surf is lively, with rolling waves breaking far from shore, ensuring a vast shallow area perfect for children to play.
Should the weather deter swimming, a scenic walk along the beach is still a rewarding option.
Coles Beach is well-maintained and provides adequate facilities, including shaded picnic tables and easy access to the Don to Devonport cycleway.
8. Tasmanian Arboretum
A short distance from Devonport in Eugenana, a 66-hectare botanical park is situated alongside the Don River.
This arboretum showcases a variety of temperate climate species from around the globe and was established in the 1980s on former farmland and remnants of forest where Melrose Creek flows into the Don River.
The park also highlights Tasmania’s woody plants, along with other varieties such as southern beeches and Southern Hemisphere conifers, including wollemia.
Visitors can glimpse the kind of vegetation that flourished on the Gondwana supercontinent up until the Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago.
This setting supports local wildlife like platypuses, which are observable in Founders’ Lake, in addition to the flightless native Tasmanian hen that roams the area freely.
9. Spirit of the Sea
Guarding the mouth of the Mersey River and the port entrance is a bronze statue weighing 700 kg.
The Spirit of the Sea was installed in 2009, representing the state’s most costly piece of public art at that time, with a price tag of $250,000. Created by Aden and Karena McLeod, the work stands atop a concrete platform and symbolizes the “power and fascination of the sea.” From the lookout, visitors can admire the vast expanse of the Bass Strait.
This location also serves as an excellent vantage point for observing massive container ships and, of course, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry moving in and out of the port.
10. Devonport Regional Gallery
In 2018, the paranaple arts centre launched in Devonport’s central business district, incorporating the historic Town Hall Theatre, the Visitor Centre, and the Devonport Regional Gallery.
The site features an eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, anchored by the old Town Hall dating back to 1899 and the Courthouse founded in 1902. The gallery showcases the council’s permanent collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, textile art, ceramics, glass works, and works on paper.
The gallery also hosts a lively exhibition schedule with national touring displays and opportunities to view emerging Tasmanian artists’ work.
11. Spirit of Tasmania
The most efficient method of traveling to Devonport from the Australian mainland is via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry operator.
The namesake vessel was constructed at the Perno Shipyard in Turku, Finland, in the late 1990s. After several years operating in Greece, it has been servicing the Melbourne-Devonport route since 2002. During days with two sailings, the journey across the Bass Strait takes nine hours, which extends to eleven hours on days with a single sailing.
Clearly, the Spirit of Tasmania is ideal for those wishing to transport their vehicle, while choosing a deluxe cabin or a simple recliner chair offers a more refined and relaxing alternative to flying if time permits.
12. Cradle Mountain
Devonport is the most straightforward point of departure to reach a renowned natural icon in Tasmania and one of the island’s most photographed landmarks.
Rising to 1,545 meters above sea level, the jagged summit of Cradle Mountain towers over the glacially-formed Dove Lake, presenting a scene of unspoiled natural beauty.
For those wishing to fully experience this destination, the online tour platform GetYourGuide.com provides a guided tour that commences from the Cradle Mountain National Park visitor centre.
As you traverse around Dove Lake, you will learn about native plants and wildflowers in the area, before entering the ancient Ballroom forest, where myrtle beech trees are completely draped in moss.
13. Leven Canyon
While traveling to or from Cradle Mountain, consider making a detour to Tasmania’s deepest limestone ravine, situated southwest of Devonport in Nietta.
Here, one can observe the Leven River cascading between towering limestone cliffs, which are adorned with high-elevation alpine flora.
A variety of trails is available to explore this landscape, taking you to the breathtaking Cruikshanks and Leven Canyon Lookouts, along the canyon’s clifftops, or down to the canyon floor.
Be prepared to encounter many native Tasmanian wildlife species, magnificent ferns, vibrant lichens, and unusual fungi, much of which is explained through informative boards.
For a relaxing break, consider visiting the charming Kaydale Lodge Gardens nearby for high tea.
14. Don Reserve
Along the eastern bank of the tidal Don River, just before it merges with Bass Strait, lies a serene area of bushland rich in native vegetation.
Sawdust-covered trails meander through the bush and alongside the river, offering expansive views over the mudflats at low tide.
This makes Don Reserve an excellent venue for birdwatching, and it features various amenities for comfort, including a grassy area suitable for picnics and a shelter.
15. Devonport Visitor Centre
Returning to the paranaple arts centre, Devonport’s tourism resource is essential, especially for those planning to explore Tasmania’s wilderness.
At the center, you can obtain national park passes and gather information about tours and itineraries throughout the state.
There are shelves stocked with leaflets and informational brochures covering Devonport and the surrounding areas.
You may also pick up tickets for the Spirit of Tasmania, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and the center’s complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additionally, if you find yourself in need of inspiration, the center offers souvenirs, ensuring that friends and family back home will never know!
