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Devonport Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Apr 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Devonport - Tasmania
Devonport is a vibrant coastal city where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait, making it both a scenic riverside city and a gateway to Tasmania. It is perhaps best known as the home port of the Spirit of Tasmania, the ferry that connects the island with Melbourne, welcoming visitors and providing a key link for Tasmanians travelling to the mainland.
The city is conveniently located 98 kilometres from Launceston and 277 kilometres from Hobart, making it easily accessible for road trips across the state.
The heart of Devonport lies on the west side of the Mersey River, where the central business district offers a lively mix of shops, cafés, restaurants, and hotels, along with a modern shopping mall for all your needs. The city also hosts a variety of cultural attractions, including galleries, museums, and regular community events, giving visitors a taste of local life.
Mersey Bluff
Mersey Bluff is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Devonport’s coastline. Located on the western side of the Mersey River, this scenic headland offers stunning views of the Bass Strait, the river estuary, and the surrounding beaches. A walk along the bluff takes you past dramatic coastal cliffs, where seabirds soar overhead and the waves crash against the rocks below.
The area is also home to the iconic red and white striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers and a striking landmark that has guided ships safely along this coastline for decades. Along the walking paths, you’ll find picnic areas and spots to simply sit and take in the fresh sea air, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break.
Bass Strait Maritime Centre
The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is a must-visit on Devonport’s waterfront, it showcases the rich maritime history of Bass Strait and the North-West coast of Tasmania. Housed in a restored Harbour Master’s cottage, the museum features ship models, historic photographs, naval memorabilia, and interactive displays that bring the stories of local seafarers, fishermen, and pioneers to life.
Highlights include a ship simulator where visitors can “take the helm” and exhibitions on Tasmania’s Aboriginal maritime heritage, including traditional canoes and boat-building skills. Set in a scenic riverside location, the centre is perfect for history lovers, families, and travellers wanting to explore the region’s connection to the sea.
Devonport Waterfront Walk
The Devonport Waterfront Walk is a scenic riverside stroll that stretches along the Mersey River, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, public art, and maritime activity. As you wander along the path, you’ll come across the striking Spirit of the Sea Sculpture, a tribute to the region’s long connection with the sea and the seafarers who have called it home.
The walk also provides a front-row view of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry as it arrives from or departs to the mainland, giving a real sense of Devonport’s role as Tasmania’s maritime gateway. Along the way, you’ll pass open green spaces, picnic areas, and benches where you can pause to enjoy the river views or watch local wildlife and birds.
Foodie Experiences Near Devonport
Northern Tasmania around Devonport is a delicious playground for food lovers, with a range of farms, artisan producers, and boutique cafés where you can taste the best local berries, cheeses, chocolates, and honey. Here are some of our favourites:
Turners Beach Berry Patch is just 10 minutes from Devonport, and is a family‑friendly berry farm with plenty to delight all ages. In Summer you can pick your own strawberries and other berries, or grab freshly picked punnets, jams and treats from the farm shop. The café serves up berry‑inspired dishes, wood‑fired pizzas, and ice creams — and there’s a play area, hay maze and farm animals to keep kids entertained too. Click here for their website to check opening times.
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe is located approximately 40 minutes from Devonport along the Bass Highway, this beloved farm café is a sweet stop for berry lovers. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and lunches built around delicious fresh berries, sample their famous raspberry‑based desserts and ice creams, and relax by the lakeside with a coffee or wine in hand. The peaceful rural setting and abundant berry flavours make it a highlight of Tassie’s tasting trail.
Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door is approximately 30 minutes from Devonport in Elizabeth Town. This award‑winning farm gate destination celebrates Tasmania’s dairy heritage with farm‑to‑plate cheese experiences, tastings, and a menu that includes gourmet cheese toasties, tasting flights and gelato. You can even watch cheesemaking through glass panels and pick up artisan products to enjoy later.
Anvers Tasmania is located in Latrobe about 20 minutes from Devonport and is a must‑visit for chocolate lovers. This boutique chocolatier was founded by a Belgian master chocolatier and offers a sensory experience with handmade chocolates, fudges, pralines and truffles. Wander the shop, sip rich hot chocolate in the café, and bring home sweet gifts or artisan bars crafted on‑site.
Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh, around 35 minutes from Devonport is where honey takes centre stage. Sample a range of honey varieties, taste honey‑based nougats and ice creams, and learn about bees and beekeeping with displays that reveal life inside a hive. It’s a sweet, educational stop that’s lots of fun for families.
Things to do near Devonport
Tasmanian Arboretum
The Tasmanian Arboretum is a hidden gem, offering a stunning collection of native and exotic trees set within beautifully landscaped grounds. Spread over dozens of hectares, the arboretum provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life, with winding walking tracks that meander through forested areas, open lawns, and around tranquil lakes.
As you stroll along the pathways and lakes, take your time to observe the wildlife — with a little patience, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus or spot waterbirds gliding across the shimmering water. The arboretum also features informative signage about the diverse plant species, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts, families, and photographers.
Preston Falls is a beautiful waterfall set within the deep, forested gorge of the Forth River in northwest Tasmania. It is located just 15 minutes south of Ulverstone. The falls plunge dramatically into Preston Gorge, creating an impressive natural lookout and photo spot. Preston Falls is also commonly referred to as Delaney's Falls, although the signpost definitely says Preston Falls.
Preston Falls is a lovely waterfall formed where Preston Creek plunges 25 metres into a deep gorge. There is a small car parking area near the walkway to Preston Falls.
Castra Circuit
The Castra Circuit is a rewarding bushwalk that takes you through lush Tasmanian forest to discover three stunning waterfalls: Silver Falls, Castra Falls, and the dramatic Step Falls. The full circuit stretches about 6.5 kilometres and typically takes around two and a half hours to complete, making it a perfect half-day adventure for walkers who enjoy nature and a bit of exercise.
The trail winds through tall eucalypts, ferns, and moss-covered trees, offering plenty of opportunities to pause, breathe in the forest air, and take photos. Some sections of the track are steep or muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. Along the way, the soothing sounds of cascading water and the occasional glimpse of native wildlife make the Castra Circuit a truly immersive Tasmanian bushwalking experience.
Leven Canyon
Leven Canyon is a spectacular natural landmark in Tasmania’s north-west, and it can be admired from two lookout points along the walking track. From both vantage points, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views straight down into the deep canyon, where the Leven River winds its way through lush, steep forested cliffs.
The dramatic drop, dense greenery, and the sparkling river below create a truly awe-inspiring scene, perfect for photography or simply pausing to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape. The walk to the lookouts is relatively short and accessible, making it a fantastic option for families, casual walkers, or anyone wanting a memorable encounter with Tasmania’s rugged wilderness.
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