Devonport is the gateway to Tasmania for many visitors - the port where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry arrives from Melbourne. While many people pass through quickly, Devonport and the surrounding northwest coast offer enough to warrant a stay. The Mersey Bluff lighthouse and Aboriginal heritage site, the stunning Leven Canyon, and the charming towns of Sheffield and Latrobe are all within easy reach. It's also the closest major town to Cradle Mountain and a useful base for exploring the northwest.
Getting There
Devonport is the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania, which sails overnight from Melbourne (Port Melbourne). The crossing takes approximately 9-11 hours, arriving in Devonport early morning. The Spirit carries vehicles - driving on and off is seamless. Devonport Airport also has flights from Melbourne with Rex Airlines. Devonport is about 1.5 hours northwest of Launceston and 3.5 hours north of Hobart via the Midland Highway.
Mersey Bluff & Tiagarra
Mersey Bluff is the prominent headland at the mouth of the Mersey River, topped by a heritage lighthouse built in 1889. The views from the bluff across Bass Strait and along the coast are excellent, and the area is a popular walking and cycling spot.
Tiagarra, at the base of the bluff, is a Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural centre and heritage site. The area contains significant rock carvings (petroglyphs) created by Tasmania's Aboriginal people, thought to be thousands of years old. The outdoor trail is free to visit and provides insight into the deep history of this coastline.
Leven Canyon
About 45 minutes south of Devonport, the Leven Canyon is a spectacular gorge carved 275 metres deep through the forest. The lookout platform extends out over the canyon edge and offers vertigo-inducing views straight down to the Leven River below. A steep staircase (700 steps) descends to the canyon floor for those wanting a closer experience. The surrounding forest is lush, with tall trees, ferns, and birdlife.
Sheffield - Town of Murals
Sheffield, about 25 minutes south of Devonport, has reinvented itself as "the Town of Murals" with over 60 large-scale murals painted on buildings throughout the town, depicting the region's history, farming life, and landscapes. The murals were inspired by the Canadian town of Chemainus and have turned Sheffield into a popular tourist stop. The town is also the gateway to Mount Roland and Cradle Mountain.
Latrobe
The charming town of Latrobe, 10 minutes east of Devonport, has a vibrant main street with antique shops, cafes, and the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame. Latrobe is also home to House of Anvers - a chocolate factory and cafe producing Belgian-style chocolates and truffles, with tastings, a museum, and a cafe.
Don River Railway
A heritage railway operating vintage trains along the banks of the Don River. Short rides and a museum of historic locomotives and rolling stock. Open daily. A pleasant activity for families and rail enthusiasts.
Where to Eat
- Mrs Jones Restaurant: Devonport's best restaurant, set in a heritage building with modern Australian cuisine and local produce. Mains $30-44.
- House of Anvers (Latrobe): Belgian chocolate factory with a cafe serving chocolate-focused desserts and light meals.
- Laneway Cafe: Popular Devonport cafe with excellent coffee and brunch. Mains $14-22.
- Molly Malones: Irish pub with solid meals and a good atmosphere. Mains $18-30.
- Bam Wine Bar: Wine bar and tapas in the city centre. Plates $12-24.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Mersey Bluff Caravan Park (oceanfront camping and cabins with lighthouse views), Abel Tasman Caravan Park.
- Mid-Range: Quality Hotel Gateway (central hotel near the ferry terminal. From $120), Pedro's the Restaurant (motel and restaurant on the waterfront).
- Luxury: Glencoe Rural Retreat (boutique farm stay near Sheffield with mountain views. From $220), Banksia Boutique Hotel.
Practical Tips
- Spirit of Tasmania: The ferry is a great way to bring your car to Tasmania. Book well in advance for peak season (December-February) and school holidays. The overnight crossing has cabins, restaurants, and lounges. - Weather: Devonport has a mild, maritime climate. Summer averages 13-22°C. Winter is cool (5-13°C) and can be wet. The northwest coast is generally drier than the west coast. - Getting around: A car is essential for the surrounding attractions. Devonport town centre is compact and walkable. - Day trips: Cradle Mountain (1.5 hours south), Sheffield (25 minutes), Leven Canyon (45 minutes), the Tarkine rainforest (1.5 hours west).
AUBIS Tip
: Use Devonport as your launching pad for northern and western Tasmania. If arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania, use AUBIS to plan your first day - visit Mersey Bluff and Tiagarra in the morning, explore Sheffield's murals over lunch, and drive to Cradle Mountain for the afternoon. The platform will help you coordinate your ferry arrival with an efficient first-day itinerary.