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Start with the ferry to Devonport →
ARRIVE BY SEA OR AIR
Where the Spirit of Tasmania docks, at the mouth of the Mersey River, with a red-striped lighthouse on the headland.
Devonport Tasmania sits where the Mersey River meets Bass Strait, and where the Spirit of Tasmania arrives from Geelong. For many travellers it’s the first stop in the North West, and it sets the tone for the rest of the trip.
Mersey Bluff is the place to start. A red-striped lighthouse watches over the strait, and walking tracks cross an important Aboriginal cultural landscape. In the city there’s maritime and railway history, the regional gallery and dinner beside the river.
Stay overnight and you can visit Home Hill, where Joseph Lyons, Tasmania’s only Prime Minister of Australia, lived. The pace of the place starts to rub off.
In the city
From the elevated walkway, watch ships moving through Devonport’s working port. Back at ground level, Waterfront Park connects the river with the city centre, with cafés, shops and the paranaple arts centre a short walk away.
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse has guided vessels towards the Mersey River since 1889. Its vertical red stripes were added in 1929, creating an unusual daymark that makes it one of Australia’s most recognisable lighthouses.
Tracks loop around the headland with views across Bass Strait, the river entrance and Devonport’s coastline. The lighthouse is still operational and isn’t open to visitors, but you can walk around the outside and through the reserve.
The Bluff is also an important Aboriginal cultural landscape and home to Tiagarra, one of Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-operated cultural centres and keeping places. Tiagarra is owned by the Aboriginal community and opens for pre-booked group visits and selected community events, not regular daily visits.
Allow one to two hours for the lighthouse, lookouts and headland walk, longer if you stop at the beaches.
At Home Hill go behind the scenes of the public lives of Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and his wife Dame Enid Lyons. Joseph Lyons (1879-1939), a school…
From Sky to Sea is an uplifting journey that narrates the story of Devonport and its surrounds over the course of a day. Starting from the darkest hour…
Don River Railway offers an unforgettable journey into Tasmania’s rich rail heritage. Climb aboard a vintage train and enjoy a scenic ride along the Don River to Coles…
Discover the Bass Strait Maritime Museum - where history sets sail. Step into Devonport’s historic waterfront and explore the daring tales of the Bass Strait at the Bass…
Artisans are masters of their craft, using skill, patience, and specialised tools to create works that reflect a deep passion for their chosen material. For Simon, that material…
Their Mission is to preserve a unique piece of Australian maritime history as a working tall ship, powered by the spirit of community, to provide community services, education,…
The Devonport Regional Gallery is a vibrant, contemporary art space, housed in the paranaple arts centre, in the heart of Devonport city in the North West of Tasmania.…
Head inland to Eugenana for walking paths, lakes and a collection of trees from Tasmania and around the world.
Take your time beside the water and watch quietly for wild platypus. The Arboretum offers a slower outing away from the city, with room to enjoy the gardens and surrounding countryside.
Devonport makes an easy first food stop in the North West. Start with breakfast after the ferry, find something fresh from the surrounding farms or settle in beside the river for dinner.
FOOD AND DRINK
From early coffee and casual lunches to seafood and dinner beside the river, Devonport has…From early coffee and casual lunches to seafood and dinner beside the river, Devonport has a lot to choose from across the city and surrounding suburbs.
Find food and drink in Devonport →
SELF-DRIVE FOOD TRAIL
Turn the drive from Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain into a two or three-day…Turn the drive from Spirit of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain into a two or three-day food and drink journey. Starting in Devonport, the mini trail winds through the countryside towards Sheffield and Cradle Mountain, connecting chocolate, coffee, cool-climate wine, cider, truffles, honey and mead along the way.
Spirit to Cradle Trail →
EARLY BREAKFAST
Arriving on an overnight sailing? Start with coffee and breakfast before you look around Devonport…Arriving on an overnight sailing? Start with coffee and breakfast before you look around Devonport or continue your North West journey. Find early-opening options near the terminal and along the main routes from Devonport.
Early coffee stops after the Spirit of Tasmania →
Devonport has one of the broadest ranges of places to stay in North West Tasmania, from waterfront hotels and motels to farm stays and cottages in the countryside. It’s a good base for the coast, the lower Mersey Valley and the road towards Cradle Mountain.
Novotel Devonport is Devonport’s premium 4-star hotel boasting an unrivalled location in the heart of the city. With city, park and water views, they are perfectly positioned within…
The-Cove-Tasmania is a multi-award-winning Adults-Only retreat with a variety of 4-5 star options on the oceanfront on a 170-year-old family farm - close to Devonport, Spirit of Tasmania,…
Compass Hut is home to tiny house accommodation on Tasmania’s North West Coast; located 10 minutes from Devonport & Spirit of Tasmania, in the heart of the Tasting…
Arrive in Devonport by sea, air or road. Having your own vehicle or a booked hire car makes it easier to get around the city and surrounding countryside. If travelling without a vehicle, arrange your arrival transport before you leave and plan onward journeys around available services.
PlanArrive by Sea
Spirit of Tasmania operates overnight sailings between Geelong and Devonport, carrying passengers, bicycles, cars, motorhomes and caravans.
Arriving with your own vehicle makes it easy to see Devonport before continuing through the North West. The terminal is in East Devonport, a short drive from the city centre, Mersey Bluff, accommodation, cafés and essential services.
If arriving without a vehicle, book a taxi, hire car, accommodation transfer or onward transport before sailing. Public transport may not connect with your arrival.
Cyclists should plan their route from the terminal in advance and carry lights and suitable wet-weather gear.
Public transport options from the terminal are limited and may not connect with sailing arrivals. Foot passengers should arrange a taxi, hire car, accommodation transfer or onward transport before travelling.
Yes. Spirit of Tasmania carries caravans, campervans and motorhomes between Geelong and Devonport. Provide the complete length and height of your vehicle combination when booking and check the operator’s current requirements.
Devonport Airport is at Pardoe, approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre. Book a hire…Devonport Airport is at Pardoe, approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre. Book a hire car, taxi or transfer before arriving and confirm collection arrangements for your flight.
Devonport Airport →
Public transport connects Devonport with some nearby towns, but services are limited, particularly in the…Public transport connects Devonport with some nearby towns, but services are limited, particularly in the evenings, on weekends and on public holidays. Taxis and Uber availability are also limited. Check bus timetables and arrange taxis or transfers ahead, especially for ferry and airport arrivals.
Timetable →
Car Hire
Car hire is available from Devonport Airport, with rental desks inside the terminal and vehicles…Car hire is available from Devonport Airport, with rental desks inside the terminal and vehicles collected nearby. Foot passengers arriving on Spirit of Tasmania should book before travelling and confirm where their vehicle will be collected, as airport and city collection arrangements differ. Availability can be limited during summer, school holidays and major events. Confirm arrangements for early, late or after-hours collection directly with your provider.
Car Hire in Devonport →Arrive, restock and stay awhile
Devonport is a practical first or final stop for a Tasmanian road trip. There are caravan parks, council-managed short-stay areas and the fuel, groceries, repairs and everyday services needed before travelling further.
Stay for a night or two and take in the waterfront, Mersey Bluff and city attractions without towing between every stop.
The area
Plot your way around Devonport and the Mersey - pin by pin. Filter the map by where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
Check attraction opening days
Don River Railway, Home Hill, Tiagarra and Julie Burgess do not operate as daily walk-in attractions. Check before setting out.
Plan transport from the ferry
If you are arriving without a vehicle, organise your transfer or hire car before sailing.
Arrange airport transport
Devonport Airport is outside the city centre. Confirm a taxi, transfer or hire car before your flight.
Respect cultural places
Remain on established tracks around Tiagarra and Mersey Bluff, follow signs and leave cultural places undisturbed.
Check seasonal schedules
Tall-ship sailings, performances, events and some tours change throughout the year.
Book busy periods early
Accommodation and caravan sites can fill around events, holidays and busy ferry dates.
Yes. Devonport combines Mersey Bluff and its striped lighthouse with Aboriginal, maritime, railway and political history, a compact city centre, local food and nature experiences such as the Tasmanian Arboretum.
Devonport is best known as the Tasmanian home of Spirit of Tasmania. It is also known for Mersey Bluff, Tiagarra, the Don River Railway, its maritime history and its location at the mouth of the Mersey River.
Allow at least one full day for Mersey Bluff, the city and one major attraction. Two nights provide time for the Bluff, maritime or railway history, the Tasmanian Arboretum and an evening in the city without rushing.
Tiagarra offers pre-booked group visits rather than regular daily walk-in access. Contact the cultural centre directly to arrange a visit and confirm available tours.
The lighthouse remains operational and is not ordinarily open for public entry. Visitors can see its exterior and walk the surrounding headland and lookouts.
Allow approximately one to two hours for a relaxed visit with the lighthouse, lookouts and parts of the headland tracks. Your time will depend on the route chosen and how long you spend at each stop.
No. Operating days and train times vary. Check the current timetable before planning your visit.
Yes, when scheduled sailings are operating. Trips are weather dependent and places are limited, so check dates and book ahead.
Platypus live in the waterways at the Tasmanian Arboretum. They are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed, so watch quietly and allow time.
Devonport Airport is approximately 10 kilometres from central Devonport. Arrange a hire car, taxi or transfer before arriving.
Do not rely on a scheduled public bus meeting the ferry. Foot passengers should arrange a taxi, transfer, hire car or other onward transport before sailing.
Yes. Spirit of Tasmania carries caravans and motorhomes, and Devonport has caravan parks, designated short-stay areas and useful touring services. Booking an established site is recommended during busy periods.
Visit the Bass Strait Maritime Museum, Devonport Regional Gallery, shops and cafés, or check whether a Home Hill tour, theatre performance or another indoor experience is available.
Visitor information is available at paranaple arts centre in Market Square. Staff can help with local maps, bookings and current opening information.
Make it a trip
Tasting Trail Tasmania
Cheese, cider, whisky, berries and chocolate - straight from the makers. Plot your own self-drive food trail through the North West.
Explore the Tasting Trail
