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Welcome to Devonport.

Devonport was crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024 at the National Top Tourism Awards – and it’s easy to see why. Nestled where fertile farmlands meet sparkling sea, Devonport is a captivating coastal launchpad to the outdoor adventures, world-class Tasting Trails, fascinating heritage, famous landscapes and fresh air of Tasmania’s north west.

We’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Devonport, Tasmania’s third largest city, and its scenic surrounds. So jump off your flight, or the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, and straight into your island adventure.

Cultural and historical attractions 

History buffs can delve into Devonport’s rich maritime heritage, while culture and art take centre stage at the north-west region’s premier gallery.

Mersey Bluff Lighthouse

One of the best-known Devonport tourist attractions is the red and white candy striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse – it’s worth getting the camera out for. The Bluff area is also home to important palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) cultural living sites, rock art and the Tiagarra Cultural Centre.

Bass Strait Maritime Centre

Did the Spirit of Tasmania fuel your hunger for the high seas? Bass Strait Maritime Centre should definitely be on your list of things to see in Devonport. Dive into maritime history while you explore the Harbourmaster’s residence and take the helm of the steam ship simulator.

Home Hill

You could say the Lyons family were high achievers. Joseph Lyons was Australia’s Prime Minister from 1932–39. His wife Enid was the first woman to serve in Federal Parliament. Oh, and they also raised 11(!) children at Home Hill in Devonport. Step into the lives of the Lyons family on a guided tour of their remarkably preserved historic home and gardens.

Devonport Regional Gallery

While you’re in the mood for a culture fix, enjoy a visit to Devonport Regional Gallery. Here you’ll find a collection of contemporary art by Tasmanian and Australian artists. These modern works haven’t made the history books – yet – but the original town hall where they’re housed was built in 1899.

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Less than 1.5 hours from Devonport, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is recognised as one of the last great wildernesses on Earth and home to impressive examples of palawa hand stencil and rock art. It’s also considered one of the world’s great archaeological sites. So yeah. It’s kind of a big deal. Venture to Cradle Mountain for a taste of the wilderness.

Waterfront experiences 

With its tranquil riverside setting, quiet beach coves and rugged coastal cliffs, the waterfront is one of the prettiest places to go in Devonport.

Waterfront Park

Devonport’s Waterfront Park draws you to its riverside parkland, play areas and picnic facilities. It’s also a hub for events in the city. End the day with a sunset stroll on the elevated walkway hovering over the Mersey River – it’s the perfect spot to wave the Spirit of Tasmania out of port.

From Sky to Sea

After dark in Devonport: what to do? From Sky to Sea is Devonport’s new nightly light show,  illuminating the sky at Waterfront Park. This immersive sound and light experience takes you on a journey through the palawa creation story to the present day. It’s one worth letting the kids stay up late for.

On the water

Take to the water to see a different side of Devonport aboard the tall ship Julie Burgess. Catch the wind on the 2.5 hour Mersey Bluff Sails cruise along the coastline or a fair-weather full-day sailing.

Kid-friendly activities in nature

After the trip across Bass Strait the kiddos will be raring to use up some energy. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun and family-friendly attractions in Devonport.

The Tasmanian Arboretum

Let the kids run wild across 66 acres of nature reserve featuring trees of the temperate world. Over 80 species of birds have been spotted at the Tasmanian Arboretum. It’s also home to a platypus observatory and is honestly one of the best places to see one in the wild. Pack the snags for a BBQ lunch or early dinner. The arboretum is open 9am-8pm during daylight saving.

Bluff Beach Reserve

With speccy views over Bass Strait and the north-west coastline, Bluff Beach is a sheltered bay perfect for a family day out. Pack a picnic and enjoy a paddle. Mum and Dad can grab a coffee or bevvy from Drift cafe, then work off a tasty lunch of fish and chips on the short walk up to Mersey Bluff.

Don River Railway

Live out your train dreams at the historic Don River Railway. All-aboard the vintage red-and-yellow railcar or steam train for the ride running from Don River Village Station to Coles Beach, Thursday – Sunday. Coming this close and personal to a real-life tank engine is sure to blow your little ones’ minds. Toot toot!

Coles Beach

On the other side of Mersey Bluff is Coles Beach. One of Devonport’s most accessible beaches, the sealed walking and cycling tracks are wheelchair and pram friendly. There are also electric BBQs, picnic shelters, plenty of car parking and an outdoor shower to rise off those sandy feet.

Hive

For out of this world family fun head to Hive in Ulverstone, just 15min west of Devonport. Here you can travel through space and time at Tasmania’s largest planetarium and only science centre – it’s a great all-weather attraction.

Outdoor adventures

Explore nearby natural attractions on a hike, by bike, via paddle-power or guided tour.

Hiking

Sure, Devonport is the starting point for the 450km Tasmanian Trail down to Dover, but there are many lovely short walks around town. Explore by foot along the Devonport Cycle and Walking track, including the delightful Don River – Coles Beach loop which takes in beaches and bushland, rivers and rail.

Cave tours

Descend underground into the magical underworld of Gunns Plains Caves or tour the mesmerizing Mole Creek Caves around an hour from Devonport. Marvel at the sparkling crystals, delicate formations and lofty chambers. Marakoopa Cave offers the top glow worm display in Australia.

People-powered adventures

Keen to get out on the water without getting too wet? There are plenty of calm spots for kayaking or paddleboarding in the area. Or, get on your bike with Adventure Tasmania for a half-or-full-day mountain biking tour exploring local breweries and farms, or try their e-bike tour on the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails.

Scenic drives and day trips 

Basing yourself in Devonport? Scenic drives and day trips taking in mazes, murals and mother nature are just a few things to do around Devonport. Tasmania’s north west is at your doorstep.

Leven Canyon

Perch on the edge of a dramatic canyon with a river roaring 275m below you. With almost 2500 hectares of reserve, myriad nature walks and scenic lookouts, we recommend you plan at least 2hr to make the most of your Leven Canyon visit.

Sheffield

Half an hour from Devonport you’ll find Sheffield, the town of murals – we’re talking all 160 of them. Wander the mural trail to take in the arty vibe and dramatic backdrop of Mount Roland. Delight your inner child (or your actual children) in the crazy mazes and tiny town at Tasmazia and the village of Lower Crackpot. Nearby, quirky topiary town Railton and Wilmot, with its novelty letterboxes, are well worth a detour.

Narawntapu National Park

Less than 40min from Devonport is Narawntapu National Park with its many beaches, diverse landscapes and abundance of wildlife. Birdwatchers will rejoice with feathered friends aplenty. You’ll also likely spy Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and pademelons.

Wildlife

If you’re really keen to spot Tasmania’s charismatic creatures make a beeline for Wings Wildlife Park in Gunns Plains or Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary in Mole Creek. Both are less than an hour from Devonport and home to furry favourites including devils, quolls, wombats, wallabies and way more.

Further afield

Planning your Tasmanian adventure beyond Devonport?

Any one of these top 10 attractions in Tasmania is sure to knock your socks off.

Local events and festivals

Foodies and music lovers will want to time their Devonport visit around the local calendar of festivals and events.

TrailGraze

12–13 April 2025

TrailGraze tempts you to wind your way through the region sampling mouth-watering fare from 30 of the best local growers, makers and producers.

Devonport Jazz Festival

25–27 July 2025

Devonport Jazz Festival nears the top of the list of winter things to do in Devonport, as venues around town come to life with the magic of jazz.

Don Market

Saturdays

When a market has been operating over 48 years you know it’s good. Don Market offers a range of fresh produce, craft, bric-a-brac and more.

Looking top-down onto a delicious, stacked grazing platter on a picnic blanket. Three kids and two adults sit around it, reaching for something to eat.
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