Devonport

Devonport, Tasmania’s third-largest city, is a laid-back port town where the Mersey River meets Bass Strait. It’s the gateway to the state’s north-west coast, with a working harbour, heritage architecture, and a thriving food scene anchored by fresh seafood and local produce. The city’s flat, walkable centre and coastal trails make it an easy base for exploring the wilder landscapes of the Tarkine and Cradle Mountain.

Highlights & What to See

• Mersey Bluff & Bluff Lighthouse: Climb to the historic lighthouse for panoramic views over the Bass Strait and the mouth of the Mersey. The adjacent Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers insight into the region’s Indigenous heritage.
• Devonport Regional Gallery: Housed in a striking 1930s Art Deco building, this gallery showcases Tasmanian contemporary art and rotating exhibitions.
• Home Hill: The former residence of Joseph Lyons, Australia’s only Tasmanian-born Prime Minister, and his wife Dame Enid Lyons. This 1930s weatherboard home is preserved as a museum.
• Don River Railway: Ride a vintage train along the Don River through bushland and farmland, a hit with families and rail enthusiasts.
• Coastal Pathway: A 10km shared trail from Coles Beach to the Don Heads, perfect for walking or cycling with coastal views and interpretative panels.
• Spirit of Tasmania Terminal: Watch the daily ferry arrive from Melbourne – the town’s pulse – and grab a coffee at the adjacent waterfront cafés.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devonport is compact enough to explore in a day, but to truly soak up its atmosphere and use it as a launchpad, allow two nights. Spend your first day on the Mersey Bluff, gallery, and Home Hill; the second day head out to the Don River Railway and a walk along the Coastal Pathway. If you’re self-driving, Devonport works well as a rest stop before or after the Spirit of Tasmania crossing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Latrobe: A 15-minute drive south, this heritage village is famous for its antique shops and the annual Tasmanian International Raft Race on the Mersey.
• Penguin: A quirky coastal town 20 minutes west, named for the fairy penguins that nest along its foreshore – visit at dusk to see them come ashore.
• Table Cape: A dramatic volcanic headland with a lighthouse and stunning wildflower displays in spring, about 25 minutes west near Wynyard.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: A 90-minute drive south, this World Heritage-listed wilderness offers iconic hikes like the Dove Lake Circuit and Marion’s Lookout.
• Stanley & The Nut: A two-hour drive west, the tiny fishing village of Stanley is dominated by The Nut, an ancient volcanic plug you can climb or take a chairlift up for sweeping coastal views.

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