Devonport, located on Tasmania’s northern coast, is known as the gateway to the Apple Isle, thanks to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry that connects it to mainland Australia. With its stunning coastal landscapes, rich maritime history, and access to some of Tasmania’s best food and wine, Devonport is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, foodies, and adventure seekers.
Whether you’re exploring the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, hiking Cradle Mountain, or indulging in Tasmania’s famous cheeses and seafood, Devonport offers an unforgettable island escape.
Top Attractions in Devonport
1. The Spirit of Tasmania & Devonport Waterfront ⛴️🌊
- The Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal is the main arrival point for travelers from Melbourne.
- The waterfront area features scenic parks, walking trails, and cafés.
- Great for a stroll or watching the sunset over the Mersey River.
2. Mersey Bluff Lighthouse & Lookout 🏝️⛯
- Iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse overlooking Bass Strait.
- Offers breathtaking coastal views and a great whale-watching spot (May–November).
- Nearby aboriginal petroglyphs (rock carvings) showcase Tasmania’s Indigenous history.
3. Bass Strait Maritime Centre ⚓🏛️
- A fascinating museum about Devonport’s maritime history.
- Features interactive shipwreck exhibits and historical artifacts.
- Try the ship simulator and navigate through stormy seas.
4. Coles Beach & Back Beach 🏖️🏄♂️
- Popular local beaches for swimming, surfing, and picnics.
- Coles Beach is great for families, while Back Beach is a favorite surf spot.
5. Don River Railway 🚂
- Heritage railway featuring restored steam and diesel trains.
- Take a scenic train ride along the Don River, passing through Tasmanian bushland.
6. Devonport Regional Gallery 🎨
- Showcases local and contemporary Tasmanian art.
- Features rotating exhibitions and community workshops.
7. Home Hill – Joseph Lyons’ House 🏡
- The historic home of Joseph Lyons, Australia’s only Tasmanian-born Prime Minister.
- A fascinating insight into early 20th-century life in Tasmania.
8. The Tasmanian Arboretum 🌿🦘
- A botanical park featuring over 4,800 trees from around the world.
- Best place in Tasmania to see platypuses in the wild.
Day Trips & Outdoor Adventures Near Devonport 🚗🏕️
1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park 🏔️🥾
- One of Tasmania’s most famous national parks, just 1.5 hours from Devonport.
- Highlights include:
- Dove Lake Circuit (6 km loop) – A stunning easy hike around the lake.
- Marion’s Lookout – A steep climb with spectacular views of Cradle Mountain.
- Spot wombats, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils in the wild.
2. Leven Canyon 🌄
- A hidden gem just 45 minutes from Devonport.
- Features clifftop lookouts over a dramatic 275m gorge.
- Great for bushwalking and birdwatching.
3. Narawntapu National Park 🦘🌅
- Known as “Tasmania’s Serengeti” due to its abundant wildlife.
- Spot kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies in their natural habitat.
- Features stunning beaches, lagoons, and hiking trails.
4. Mole Creek Karst National Park & Caves 🕳️
- Explore limestone caves with underground rivers and glow worms.
- Marakoopa Cave – Famous for its glow worm display.
- King Solomons Cave – Features stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations.
Devonport’s Food & Wine Scene 🍽️🍏🍷
1. Must-Try Local Specialties
- Tasmanian cheese and dairy – From Ashgrove Cheese and Elgaar Farm.
- Fresh seafood – Try Tasmanian salmon, scallops, and oysters.
- Tasmanian cherries, apples, and berries – The region is famous for fruit orchards.
- Craft beer and cider – Sample locally brewed Tasmanian ales and ciders.
2. Best Restaurants & Cafés ☕🍷
- Mrs Jones – A stylish oceanfront restaurant with fresh local produce.
- Drift Café – A beachfront café serving gourmet coffee and brunch.
- Laneway Café – A popular brunch spot with great coffee and homemade treats.
- Hill Street Grocer – A foodie paradise with local Tasmanian cheeses, wines, and gourmet products.
3. Best Wineries & Breweries Near Devonport 🍷🍺
- Ghost Rock Wines – One of Tasmania’s best boutique wineries, with stunning vineyard views.
- Seven Sheds Brewery – A craft brewery producing unique Tasmanian beers.
- Spreyton Cider Co. – A must-visit for Tasmanian apple cider tastings.
Where to Stay in Devonport 🏨
Luxury & Boutique Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Grand on Macfie – A charming heritage B&B with ocean views.
- Waterfront Apartments Devonport – Luxury self-contained accommodation near the beach.
Mid-Range & Family-Friendly Stays ⭐⭐⭐
- Gateway Hotel by Nightcap Plus – A comfortable stay in the heart of town.
- Barclay Motor Inn – A great option for families and road trippers.
Budget & Camping Options 💰🏕️
- Abel Tasman Caravan Park – Affordable cabins and camping near the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.
- Discovery Parks – Devonport – A family-friendly holiday park by the Mersey River.
Best Time to Visit Devonport ☀️🌊
- Summer (December–February) – Best for beach days, outdoor dining, and hiking.
- Autumn (March–May) – Perfect for vineyard visits, apple picking, and scenic drives.
- Winter (June–August) – Great for cozy stays, Cradle Mountain snow hikes, and whale watching.
- Spring (September–November) – Ideal for wildflower blooms, outdoor adventures, and fresh produce.
How to Get to Devonport ⛴️✈️🚗
- By Ferry ⛴️
- The Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne arrives daily.
- Takes 9-11 hours and offers car transport for road trips.
- By Air ✈️
- Devonport Airport (DPO) has direct flights from Melbourne (Rex Airlines).
- Alternatively, fly into Launceston Airport (1.5-hour drive from Devonport).
- By Car 🚗
- From Launceston: 1.5-hour drive via the Bass Highway (A1).
- From Hobart: 3.5-hour drive via Midland Highway (A1).
Why Visit Devonport?
Devonport is the perfect starting point for a Tasmanian adventure, offering stunning coastal scenery, delicious local food and wine, and easy access to world-famous natural wonders like Cradle Mountain. Whether you’re hiking, wine tasting, or road-tripping through Tasmania, Devonport is a must-visit destination