What to do in Devonport Tasmania
Situated at the mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport city is the regional and cultural hub of northwestern Tasmania and with beautiful sea, river and mountain views you should make sure it’s part of your itinerary if you’re travelling through the region. Devonport town was originally formed in 1890 by the amalgamation of twin settlements, Formby and Torquay – which were both established in the 1850s. Since the 1870s Devonport has been a major shipping port for Tasmania and is home to Tasmania’s primary passenger ferries Spirit of Tasmania 1 & 2 which travel between Devonport and Melbourne on a daily basis.
Devonport is home to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service
Since the 1870s Devonport has been a major shipping port for Tasmania and is home to Tasmania’s primary passenger ferries Spirit of Tasmania 1 & 2 which travel between Devonport and Melbourne on a daily basis.
With a beautiful beach as well as picnic areas and public barbecues, The Bluff is the perfect place to stop in Devonport
The Bluff beach at Devonport is one of the city’s main attractions. With a beautiful beach as well as extensive picnic areas and public barbecues, The Bluff is a great place to spend a day or stop for lunch. There is also a caravan park located at The Bluff which provides beautiful views of the beach and the Bass Strait from your campsite.
Devonport is a great place to stop if you’re cruising Tasmania in one of our motorhomes or campervans as there’s a variety of major supermarkets, petrol stations and other retails outlets. If you need to stretch your legs after a long drive Devonport boasts a great range of scenic walking and cycling tracks located in and around the city including a walk to the Mersey Bluff (The Bluff) Lighthouse which became operational in 1889.
Devonport is also home to Tasmania’s third largest airport and is serviced by QantasLink who provide 4 daily flights to and from Melbourne. Devonport is also a great place for some retail therapy including boutique and antique shops and if you’re looking for some time-out there’s a lovely CMAX cinema in the heart of the city.
Things to do around Devonport Tasmania
The Tasmanian Arboretum
This is the home of the world’s largest selection of live Tasmanian woody plants, as well as southern hemisphere conifers and plants from northern hemisphere forests. Set amongst peaceful park landscape with regular sightings of Platypus on Founder’s lake. Located at 46 Old Tramway Rd, Eugenana. Open every day from 9am to sunset, admission is $5 per adult or by membership.
Devonport Regional Gallery
The Gallery is a great place to experience Tasmanian art, craft and design and The Little Gallery features works from emerging Tasmanian artists. There is an annual program of exhibitions, events and workshops and The Gallery participates in the Tasmanian Arts Guide. Located at 45 Stewart St, Devonport. Open Mon – Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 12pm – 5pm, Sun & Public Holidays 1pm to 5pm.
Bass Strait Maritime Centre Devonport
Learn about the infamous and treacherous Bass Strait and the maritime history that’s played a major role in the formation of Devonport city. Includes a steamboat simulator and also a two-hour sailing experience available on Wednesdays and Sundays (conditions apply). Located at 6 Gloucester Avenue, Devonport. Open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). Admission $10 Adults, $5 Children, $8 Student/Concession, $25 Family (five).
Don River Railway
Take a ride on a heritage passenger train then relax in the picnic area, bring your own lunch or bring something to cook on the one of the available BBQs. Trains depart on the hour between 10am and 4pm – ride is approximately 30 minutes. Located on Forth Road, Don. Open 7 days per week (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday) – Trains Operate Wed – Sun (check website for details). Admission – $19 Adults, $17 Seniors, $15 Pensioners, $14 Children, $40 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
Home Hill
Built in 1916 this is a look at the home and family life of Tasmania’s only Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. Guided tours operate at 2pm Wednesday to Sunday. Located at 77 Middle Road, Devonport. Admission $15 Adults, $12 Concession, $10 Children (16 and under), $40 Family (up to 3 children), $35 concession family.
Devonport Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
Mersey Bluff Caravan Park
Caravan, Camping and onsite Units/Vans available. Powered sites are available if you’ve rented a motorhome or campervan. Picturesque location with views of Bass Strait. Located at 41 Bluff Rd, Devonport.
Abel Tasman Caravan Park
Located on the mouth of the Mersey River with the beach next door. Cabins are available as well as powered sites for motorhomes, caravans and campers (including some drive-through) and unpowered sites for camping. Located at 6 Wright St, East Devonport. Office hours are 8am to 6pm.
Discovery Holiday Park
Powered and unpowered sites are available as well as cabin/villa accommodation. Ensuite powered sites are also available for private amenities. BBQs, camp kitchen and games available. Suitable for motorhomes, 5thwheelers and large caravans. Located at 13 – 19 Tarleton St, East Devonport.
Travel Times & Distances to Devonport Tasmania
From Hobart: app. 3 hours & 10 minutes – 279kms
Visitor Information & Booking Centre
Phone: 1800 649 514
Website: www.devonporttasmania.travel
Opening hours: Open 7 days a week from 7.30am. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.