Are you in the mood for an easy cruise to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations? Take a trip to Tasmania’s stunning northwestern coast, where the mountains meet the sea. Surrounded by spectacular forests and filled with history and culture, the riverside city of Devonport is the first port of call if you travel by ferry from Victoria. This is where you can savour handcrafted local ciders, explore walking trails with panoramic coastal views and uncover Tasmania’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.

Make the journey to Devonport part of the fun. The Spirit of Tasmania Devonport ferry crossing is one of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences. Departing from Geelong in Victoria, the overnight or daytime sailings offer beautiful sea views of Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait, and arriving by ferry gets your Tasmanian adventure off to an exhilarating start. The crossing takes between 8-11 hours, depending on the weather, but the comfortable facilities onboard, including a restaurant, cinemas and kids play zone make the trip enjoyable - you can even take your car along for a seamless travel experience.

With the Spirit of Tasmania docking right on Devonport’s doorstep, your adventure can begin as soon as you disembark. The town combines heritage sites with the natural beauty of the famous Tasmanian wilderness.

For a dose of nostalgia, hop aboard the Don River Railway. This heritage railway takes visitors on a scenic ride in vintage rail cars along the tranquil Don River to Coles Beach. Stepping onto the old steam and diesel trains is like travelling back in time to an era when railways were the lifeblood of Australia. While there are no longer commuter trains in Tasmania, a network of railways once covered the island. The railway’s museum is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, with exhibitions showcasing the evolution of railway technology, along with a collection of steam and diesel locomotives.

Often known as the Tasmanian Serengeti, the stunning Narawntapu National Park is a coastal haven half an hour from Devonport, with wonderful opportunities to see native wildlife in their natural habitat. Kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons roam the grasslands, while the wetlands, sand dunes, and lagoons are home to many bird species and coastal plants. Follow scenic trails to viewpoints with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, while the sandy stretches of Bakers Beach are ideal for relaxing or beachcombing.

If you’re looking for a fun day out on the water, Lake Barrington is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, and is one of the top free things to do in Devonport. This long, narrow lake is surrounded by forested hills and is a popular spot for kayaking, rowing, fishing, and picnicking. You’ll need a permit to fish here but casting a line is sure to be rewarded as the lake is kept stocked with king size fish for anglers. The pristine waters also make it popular for rowing competitions, but there are plenty of secluded spots to while away a peaceful afternoon.

Devonport’s connection to the sea runs deep. Since the 1850s, the city has been a major port connecting Tasmania and mainland Australia, on either side of the notoriously unpredictable Bass Strait. The Bass Strait Maritime Centre offers a fascinating insight into the region’s maritime history, from shipwreck tales to the iconic lighthouses that guided ships safely through the Strait. You can even take the helm in their world-class ship simulator, and experience what it was like to navigate these treacherous waters.

Another symbol of Devonport’s rich maritime history, and one of its most iconic sights, is the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Devonport. Standing proudly on the bluff in its distinctive red and white vertical stripes, the lighthouse brought an end to the history of shipwrecks in the area when it was built in 1889. Explore coastal walks in the Mersey Bluff Reserve, and enjoy stunning views of the Bass Strait and Devonport’s rugged coastal scenery - sunsets from the bluff are particularly breathtaking. You’ll also find a preserved Aboriginal rock art site close by, part of the deep cultural heritage of Tasmania’s Indigenous people. 

The historic family home of 19th-century political power duo Joseph Lyons and his wife Dame Enid, along with their 12 children, Home Hill is a fascinating time capsule of Australian political life. Joseph Lyons was Tasmania’s Premier in the 1920s and went on to become Australia’s 10th Prime Minister from 1932-39, while Dame Enid was the first woman elected to Federal Parliament. Built in 1916, Home Hill is now a National Trust house museum and memorial, preserving original furnishings and artefacts. Explore the house and gardens with an informative guided tour for an intimate look into the life and legacy of the Lyons family. 

Nature lovers will make a beeline for the Tasmanian Arboretum, a 66 hectare botanical tree park and nature reserve. Set in a peaceful valley near Devonport, the Arboretum is home to the largest collection of Tasmanian plants, showcasing an extraordinary array of native and exotic trees, plants and wildlife. Take the self-guided Limestone Heritage walk that explores the geological history alongside human endeavour, or join a guided tour to hear the story of the trees and the heritage of the site. Make sure to keep an eye out for elusive platypuses in Founders Lake. 

Known for its world-class local produce, Devonport is the gateway to the Tasting Trail Tasmania, a food and drink self-drive trail through rolling green hills and beautiful northwest coastal scenery. In town, you’ll find cosy wine bars, artisan coffee houses, craft distilleries and top Devonport restaurants. 

Sample Tasmania’s thriving gin culture with a visit to the Southern Wild Distillery. Sourcing hand-picked fruits and botanicals from local farmers, the distillery creates flavours that evoke the wild beauty of the region. Their award-winning gin range, Dasher + Fisher, is named after the two wild rivers that flow from Cradle Mountain. Drop by the cellar door and bar for a tasting of their renowned gin or a bespoke cocktail.

For a delicious breakfast, brunch or gourmet coffee, the Harbourmaster Cafe on the banks of the Mersey River is a standout. Known for serving up the best of Tasmania’s seasonal produce, the charming landmark cafe is set in a historic building that was once the original residence of the Devonport Harbour Master. Grab an outside table and enjoy waterfront dining at its best with spectacular riverside views of the Spirit of Tasmania.

Just a short drive from Devonport in the beautiful Mersey Valley, the award-winning Spreyton Cider Co. produces traditional and craft-style vintage ciders brewed from heritage apples. Stop by their cellar door to sample their refreshing ciders and apple juices, and stay for a meal that pairs perfectly with their brews. The family-owned company’s apple orchards are rich in history, dating back five generations to 1908, and are a testament to Tasmania’s renowned agricultural heritage.

An intimate setting with an impressive wine list, Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar is perfect for a cosy evening of wine tasting and unwinding after a day of exploring. Featuring an extensive collection of carefully curated New Zealand and international wines, knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through their offerings. Feast alfresco on tapas, warmed olives and charcuterie boards in their European-style hidden courtyard right in the heart of historic Devonport.

Where to stay

Enjoy quality, comfortable Devonport accommodation at Comfort Inn Devonport, ideally located near the beach and Mersey River, and only a 10 minute drive from the Spirit of Tasmania.