Conveniently located where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait, Devonport has so much to offer it can sometimes feel impossible to choose where to start.
Museums, hikes and cultural experiences are never in short supply, providing the perfect activities for any sort of holiday.
Originally built to transport timber from the River Don in 1854, the Don River Railway is now a not-for-profit museum and workshop. Visitors are encouraged to jump aboard a restored heritage train for a 30-minute return trip past the Don River and township, with incredible views on both sides. Volunteers run regular events such as dog-friendly days and murder mystery rides, meaning there’s always something new to experience.
The city of Devonport is an exercise-lovers paradise, with so many different cycling and walking trails to choose from, including the popular Don to Devonport Cycleway which winds its way along the Don River and through bushland to finish in the town centre. Popular walks include the hike to Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, known for its distinctive red and white vertical stripes. The lighthouse was first built in 1889, continuing to stand as a symbol of Devonport’s maritime heritage. Snap a photo in front of the colourful facade, with an impressive, sweeping ocean backdrop.
Devonport is also known as the gateway to some of the best agricultural land in Tasmania, which is renowned for its world-class produce and passionate producers. To experience some of the offerings, follow the Tasting Trail Tasmania, and discover restaurants, cafes, wineries, breweries, distilleries and producers selling everything from berries and honey, to bread and cheese. Island State Brewing kicks off the Devonport section of the map, a brewery and taphouse known for its Emperor Penguin IPA, King Penguin IPA, and classic larger. The beer garden is a popular hangout for locals and tourists, with heating to keep you warm during the colder months.
Nearby, Dasher and Fisher is an award-winning distillery crafting spirits inspired by the beautiful Tasmanian landscape and made using the best local ingredients. Its gins feature delicious native botanicals, such as the Ocean Gin with tangy wakame seaweed for a taste of the ocean in every sip.
A short 15 minute drive from Devonport, you will find the Tasmanian Arboretum. This 66 hectare botanical tree park and nature reserve is home to 81 species of birds, possums and echidnas. It is also the world’s largest collection of Tasmanian living wooded plants, and one of the best places to spot a platypus in the wild. When visiting, you can expect to find parklands, forests, limestone outcrops, creeks and lakes. It’s easy to lose hours exploring the park’s rich natural wonders.
A 15-minute drive south of Devonport is Lake Barrington, a great place for swimming, camping and fishing. It has been stocked by the Inland Fisheries Service with king sized fish for anglers, while rowing, water skiing and canoeing are also popular activities. In fact, it has been the host of the World Rowing Championships and other annual events, with a kiosk open on weekends and during major events for delicious drinks and snacks. Mount Rowland stands dramatically in the surrounding farmland, an impressive natural backdrop for your afternoon of water-based fun.
Families planning a trip should also check out the Spirit of Tasmania, an iconic ship taking passengers from Melbourne to Devonport on an 11-hour boat ride. On board, you can relax in a private cabin with ocean views and a comfortable bed, while the kids explore the game zone, jungle gym and cinema. Plus, there are several lounge and dining options to choose from for a relaxing evening drink after a long day.
To discover even more things to see and do in Devonport, click here.
Featured image: Don Heads © Jess Bonde
