Devonport, at the mouth of the Mersey River, is one of three major
cities in Tasmania's north, the others being Launceston and Burnie. To
visitors to Tasmania, it is primarily known as the port for the Spirit
of Tasmania car and passenger ferries - Spirit I and II - which make
daily 10-hour trips between their terminals at East Devonport and
Station Pier, Melbourne.
Devonport is seen by many as a way station, not only for people
travelling between Tasmania and the mainland but for travellers on the
north west coast of Tasmania. It is an active seaport that handles most
of the movement of produce from the farms and fisheries of Tasmania.
With over 23,000 people, the City of Devonport is the largest
population centre on the northern coast of Tasmania.
Where Is it?
Devonport is 102 km north west of Launcestion via Bass Highway, 47 km east of Burnie and 277 km from Hobart. It is a sea port on Bass Strait.
Visitor Information Centre
Things To See And Do
Markets
DEVONPORT FARMERS MARKET
86a Gunn St, Devonport
Trading: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month - 8:30am - 12 Noon
Type: Art & Craft, Farmers, Produce, Organic, Handmade, Food
Phone: (03) 6424 2253 / 0419 885 473
DEVONPORT FORESHORE MARKET
Devonport
Trading: Every Saturday 8.00am - 2.30pm
Type: Art & Craft, Antique & Collectables, Artisans, Baby &
Kids/Children, Bric-a-Brac, Designers, General, Other, Farmers,
Produce, Organic, Fashion, Handmade, Music, Food, Preloved, Recycle,
Community. Phone: 0409306122
DON VILLAGE MARKET
Don Memorial Hall, Forth Rd, Don
Trading: Every Sunday, 9am - 3:30pm
Type: General. Phone: (03) 6492 1443
MORIARTY MARKET
Moriarty
Trading: Every Sunday 9am - 5pm
Type: General. Phone: (03) 6425 2957
Don River Railway
Located on the outskirts of Devonport at the village of Don, The Don River Railway is one of the most enjoyable railway museums in Australia. Its focus is Tasmania's trains of yesteryear, and its sizeable display includes steam and diesel engines and other rolling stock that have played an important part in Tasmania's rail history. The extensive workshop is open for visitors to wander around and see trains in various stages of restoration. Don't miss the leisurely tourist train ride along the banks of the Don River to Coles Beach.
Mersey Bluff
Mersey Bluff is an interesting coastal area featuring cliffs, seascapes, parkland and Aboriginal rock art. To the east of Mersy Bluff is Don Heads.
Tiagarra, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural and Arts Centre, has dioramas showing the lifestyle of the Tasmanian Aborigines from the region, and is close to Aboriginal rock carvings.
Devonport Maritime Museum
Devonport's maritime history is celebrated at the Devonport Maritime Museum, which features a large collection of model ships. Devonport's seafaring connection continues today through the Spirit of Tasmania, the only passenger ferry operating across Bass Strait.
Surrounding Area
Tasmanian Aboretum
Tasmanian Arboretum in Eugenana has some native animals such as platypus, however its major feature is the 47 ha collection of native trees.
Elizabeth Town
Elizabeth Town is a gourmet lover's delight, featuring a great bakery cafe, Ashgrove cheese factory and Christmas Hills Raspberry farm.
Great Western Tiers
A pleasant day trip from Devonport is a driving tour of the Great Western Tiers. These mountains are the northern face of the Tasmanian Central Plateau, which rises up to 1420m above sea level and is dominated by Cradle Mountain. In the foothills of the Great Western Tiers can be found a wide range of attractions both man made & natural which can be explored on this drive.
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is around a 1hour 30 minute drive south west of Devonport. Australia's most recognisable mountain, Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mtn. Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The familiar jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while abundant wildlife, icy streams, alpine heathlands, colourful deciduous beech and ancient pines reflected in still glacial lakes entice many visitors to stay and explore.
Walks: Local
Kelcey Tier Nature Walk
160 hectares of native bushland which abounds with many varieties of birds, skinks and wildflowers. Discover the sculpture 'Preeatenna', which means 'lizard' in the Tasmanian Aboriginal language, reinforcing the important Aboriginal cultural links to the area. Read the message on the Peace Pole, and take in the superb views of Devonport and the Mersey River Estuary. The circuit walk is 3.6km and takes 1.5 - 2hrs. Maps from the Devonport Visitor Centre. Location: top end of Durkins Rd, off Stony Rise Rd, Devonport
Walks: Regional
Dip Falls
152 steep steps descend to the bottom of the cubic-basalt formed Dip Falls (40 km south). These falls are very picturesque, particularly during the winter months. The track to the accessible viewing platform is beyond the falls.
Major Attractions
