Devonport Travel Guide

Explore the best of Devonport with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring the top attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Devonport

Located in Western Tasmania, Devonport is a charming town with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Known for its maritime heritage and beautiful coastline, Devonport offers visitors a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to explore the town’s museums and historical sites, hike or bike through the countryside, or simply take in the breathtaking views, Devonport has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Devonport

Devonport is home to a variety of attractions that appeal to travelers of all interests. Here are just a few must-see places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Natural Attractions of Devonport: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mersey Bluff Reserve - a picturesque coastal park with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
  • Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park - a world-renowned wilderness area with hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning vistas.
  • Leven Canyon - a scenic reserve that offers hiking trails, breathtaking views of the canyon, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Devonport

Devonport is home to several scenic hiking and biking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the town’s stunning natural surroundings. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Don River Railway Trail - a 5.5km walking and cycling trail that follows the banks of the Don River from the city to Don Village, offering scenic river views and opportunities for bird spotting.
  • The Mersey Bluff Trail - a 3km coastal walk that takes visitors from the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse to the Don River mouth, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
  • The Cradle Mountain Summit Trail - a challenging but rewarding 6-hour hike to the summit of Cradle Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and mountain peaks.

Best Things to Do in Devonport: Activities and Tours

Devonport offers visitors a variety of exciting activities and tours that showcase the town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are just a few of the top options:

  • Cradle Mountain Canyons - offers thrilling canyoning adventures in the Cradle Mountain area, including abseiling, jumping, and swimming through picturesque waterfalls and pools.
  • Mersey River Cruise - a relaxing cruise along the Mersey River that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Ghost Tours Devonport - a spine-tingling tour of Devonport’s haunted sites, complete with ghost stories and paranormal investigations.

Week-Long Itinerary for Devonport

To make the most of your time in Devonport, consider this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the town’s museums and historical sites, including the Bass Strait Maritime Centre and Don River Railway.

Day 2: Hike or bike through the town’s scenic countryside, taking in the views from The Don River Railway Trail and Mersey Bluff Trail.

Day 3-4: Take a day trip to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where you can hike, bike, or kayak through the stunning wilderness area.

Day 5: Relax and unwind at the Leven Canyon Reserve, exploring the park’s hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Day 6: Take a Mersey River Cruise or try your hand at canyoning with Cradle Mountain Canyons.

Day 7: Sample the town’s food and drink scene, exploring local eateries and sampling Tasmania’s famous seafood and wine.

Food and Drink Scene of Devonport

Devonport is home to a variety of delicious eateries and local specialties that are not to be missed. Here are just a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Freshly caught seafood, such as Tasmanian salmon, oysters, and lobster.
  • Classic Australian pub fare, such as meat pies and sausage rolls.
  • Traditional Tasmanian dishes, such as pepperberry lamb and seafood chowder.

Local Beverages

  • Tasmanian wine, particularly the cool-climate varieties grown in the Tamar Valley.
  • Tasmanian whisky, made using local barley and pristine mountain water.
  • Local craft beer, such as the brews made by Devonport’s own Seven Sheds Brewery.

Where to Stay in Devonport: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Devonport offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget or travel style. Here are a few of the top choices:

What to Buy in Devonport: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Devonport is known for its locally-made crafts, gifts, and food products. Be sure to pick up a few of these must-have souvenirs:

  • Tasmanian whisky, particularly the varieties made by the Hellyers Road Distillery.
  • Handcrafted ceramics, glassware, and woodwork from local artists.
  • Freshly caught seafood from the town’s fish markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Devonport

Devonport has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and cuisine. Visitors should also be aware of the following customs and cultural practices:

  • Respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage is important to the local community.
  • Tipping is not a common practice in Australia, including Devonport.
  • English is the primary language spoken in Devonport.

Best Time to Visit Devonport

The best time to visit Devonport is between December and February when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy the town’s natural beauty year-round, with each season offering its unique charm and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Devonport

To make the most of your time in Devonport, consider these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Try the local seafood and Tasmanian wine.
  • Be respectful of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
  • Take advantage of the town’s outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the sun - even on overcast days, the Tasmanian sun can be strong.
  • Forget to bring comfortable hiking shoes, particularly if you plan to explore the town’s natural surroundings.
  • Leave without trying some local whisky or craft beer.

Safety and Health

Devonport offers visitors a safe and friendly environment, with well-maintained pathways and well-marked hiking trails. Visitors should still take normal safety precautions, such as locking car doors and being aware of their surroundings.

Safety in Devonport

In case of an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

Health in Devonport

Devonport has several medical facilities, including the North West Regional Hospital and the Mersey Community Hospital.

Getting to Devonport: Transportation Options and Logistics

Devonport is easily accessible from several major Australian cities, including Melbourne and Sydney. Visitors can arrive via airplane, ferry, or car.

Airports Near Devonport

The Devonport Airport is located approximately 7km from the town center and offers daily flights from Melbourne and other major Australian cities.

Bus Stations Near Devonport

Devonport is also served by several bus networks, including the Tasmanian Redline Coaches and the Greyhound Australia.

Other Options

Visitors can also arrive in Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which makes daily trips between Melbourne and Devonport.

How to Get Around in Devonport

Once in Devonport, visitors can easily get around the town on foot, bike, or car. Several local companies also offer guided tours and transportation services.

Where to Go Next from Devonport: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Devonport is an ideal home base for exploring nearby attractions and destinations. Some top options for day trips or longer excursions include:

  • Launceston - located approximately 98km northeast of Devonport, Launceston is Tasmania’s second-largest city and offers stunning architecture, gourmet food, and several cultural attractions.
  • Mount Field National Park - located approximately 200km southeast of Devonport, Mount Field National Park offers visitors a chance to explore Tasmania’s stunning wilderness and includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • The Tarkine Wilderness Area - located approximately 150km west of Devonport, the Tarkine Wilderness Area is one of Australia’s largest temperate rainforests, and offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

Conclusion

Devonport is a charming coastal town that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. From exploring the town’s museums and historical sites to hiking through its scenic countryside, there is much to enjoy and discover in Devonport. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your perfect Devonport itinerary and make the most of your time in this stunning part of Tasmania.

Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport Harbour Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport Harbour Back Beach Devonport Back Beach Devonport