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Start with the ferry to Devonport →
15 MINUTES FROM DEVONPORT
Heritage shopfronts, wild platypus in the Mersey and mountain bike trails out to Railton.
Latrobe Tasmania sits beside the Mersey River, around 15 minutes from Devonport. The town grew around its river port, and much of that history remains visible in the old buildings and shopfronts along Gilbert Street.
The river still shapes a visit today. It leads from Bells Parade into the forests around Warrawee, where platypus live and the Wild Mersey trails begin. From here, the network continues inland to Railton and Sheffield.
LATROBE’S MAIN STREET
Gilbert Street is the kind of main street where a quick walk takes longer than planned. Heritage shopfronts hold small independent businesses. One doorway leads to antiques or locally made gifts, the next to plants, homewares or something you weren’t expecting. Stop for coffee or lunch and see what you find.
House of Anvers is in historic Wyndarra Lodge beside the Bass Highway, just outside central Latrobe.
Founded by Belgian-born chocolatier Igor Van Gerwen, Anvers makes chocolate using traditional European techniques and Tasmanian ingredients. Browse the chocolate shop, stop at the café or visit the onsite museum to learn about cacao and chocolate making.
Allow around one to two hours if you’re including breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. It’s an easy first stop off the Spirit of Tasmania.
From a busy river port to the home of competitive woodchopping. Before roads and rail reshaped the region, vessels travelled along the Mersey River to Latrobe. Bells Parade marks the site of the town’s former port and is now a riverside reserve with picnic areas, mature trees and walking tracks.
Latrobe is also where the first formally regulated World Woodchopping Championship was held, in 1891, establishing rules and handicaps that helped shape the modern sport.
WOODCHOPPING HISTORY
The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame at Bells Parade is Australia’s national museum dedicated to…The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame at Bells Parade is Australia’s national museum dedicated to competitive woodchopping. Outside the museum, stop for a photograph with the Big Platypus - Latrobe’s rather less elusive version of the animal found in the nearby river.
Visit the Axeman’s Hall of Fame → RIVER AND PICNIC
Bells Parade follows a quiet inlet of the Mersey River on the site of Latrobe’s…Bells Parade follows a quiet inlet of the Mersey River on the site of Latrobe’s former port, with a walk across to Pig Island.. Platypus may be seen around the river, but Warrawee Forest Reserve provides a quieter setting for dedicated wildlife watching.
Bells Parade Reserve →
ORCHID RESERVE
The Conservation Area protects more than 40 species of native orchid in bushland beside Railton…The Conservation Area protects more than 40 species of native orchid in bushland beside Railton Road. Different orchids flower at different times, with the main season generally extending from late winter through spring and summer.
Henry Somerset Orchid Conservation Reserve →
Warrawee Forest Reserve is at the end of Shale Road, a few minutes from central Latrobe. Walking tracks follow the Mersey River.
Move quietly, watch for ripples and bubbles and allow time to wait beside the water. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the better times to look, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Choose a short section beside the river or follow more of the reserve’s walking tracks. Conditions can be damp or muddy after rain, so wear suitable shoes and carry insect repellent during warmer weather.
Ride Wild Mersey
Wild Mersey is an interconnected mountain bike network linking Latrobe, Railton and Sheffield. The Latrobe trailhead provides access to beginner, intermediate and advanced trails through the forest around Warrawee. Riders can stay within the Latrobe network or follow the Railton Express to continue deeper into the system.
LATROBE TRAILHEAD
The Latrobe network includes short green trails, flowing intermediate routes and more technical sections close…The Latrobe network includes short green trails, flowing intermediate routes and more technical sections close to Warrawee Forest Reserve.
Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails →
CONNECTING TRAIL
The Railton Express is a shared cross-country trail connecting the Latrobe and Railton hubs. The…The Railton Express is a shared cross-country trail connecting the Latrobe and Railton hubs. The trail is about 10km one way. There is no current shuttle service.
View Wild Mersey trails →
RAILTON
Begin at Goliath Park for beginner-friendly loops and longer rides towards Sheffield.
See the Railton trails →The town of Topiary
Railton sits between Latrobe and Sheffield, around ten minutes from either town. More than 100 living sculptures appear beside its streets and in local gardens, giving visitors a reason to head beyond the mountain bike trailhead.
Use the topiary map to find the displays, then stop for coffee or lunch in town. If you have more time, Sykes Sanctuary offers a short bushland detour on the edge of Railton.
Goliath Park provides access to the Wild Mersey trails and has space for a picnic or a break between rides.
Meet more local makers
Latrobe sits close to the farms, vineyards and small makers & producers of the lower Mersey Valley. These stops can be combined with the town or included while travelling between Latrobe and Devonport.
La Villa Wines is a nine hectare family owned vineyard established in 2010 by Marcus and Gail Burns. The Cellar Door and vineyard is situated at Spreyton on…
Spreyton Cider Co produces premium Tasmanian cider crafted from apples grown in their own orchards, ensuring quality from tree to glass. Set on a working orchard in Spreyton,…
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…
How long should you spend in Latrobe?
A quick stop can easily become a full day
Walk along Gilbert Street, stop at House of Anvers or visit Bells Parade, the Axeman’s Hall of Fame and Big Platypus.
Choose one part of Latrobe rather than trying to include the town, river and trails in a short stop.
Walk Gilbert Street and Bells Parade, then visit Warrawee Forest Reserve or House of Anvers.
Mountain bikers can spend the day riding from the Latrobe trailhead or connecting through to Railton.
Use Latrobe as a base for an early-morning or late-afternoon platypus walk and give yourself more time for Wild Mersey, Railton and the producers around Spreyton.
Latrobe and Railton have a small but varied collection of places to stay, including farm stays and self-contained properties close to the countryside. Choose Latrobe for easier access to Gilbert Street and the Mersey River. Railton suits riders who want to stay closer to the Wild Mersey trails. Devonport has the largest accommodation range nearby and is around 15 minutes from Latrobe.
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Badger’s View is a small acreage sheep farm also promoting…
Escape to the heart of Tasmania’s North West at this spacious 25-year-old olive grove. Designed for families, friends, and groups, this 4-bedroom retreat blends country charm with modern…
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Robin Hoods Well Farm Stay offers the opportunity to live…
Latrobe and Railton are reached by sealed road and provide several options for travellers with caravans, campervans and motorhomes.
Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park is the area’s established caravan park, with powered and unpowered sites, cabins and larger grassed camping areas.
Fully self-contained vehicles can also use designated RV accommodation in Latrobe and Railton. Conditions, fees and maximum stays differ, so read the signs on arrival and confirm the current requirements before setting up.
Fuel, groceries, cafés and everyday supplies are available in Latrobe.
The area
Plot your way around Latrobe and the Mersey - pin by pin. Filter the map by where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
Allow time for the town centre
Gilbert Street is best walked. Opening days differ between its independent shops, cafés and antiques businesses.
Don’t expect a guaranteed platypus sighting
Platypus are wild animals. Visit early or late, remain quiet and allow time to watch the water.
Check attraction opening hours
Independent shops, cafés and antiques businesses on Gilbert Street differ day to day. Anvers, the Axeman’s Hall of Fame, cellar doors and smaller businesses may also change their hours seasonally.
Check Wild Mersey trail conditions
Download the map and review trail status before riding. Closures can occur following rain, storms or maintenance.
Plan the return ride
The Railton Express connects two towns. Unless you have arranged transport, allow for the return distance.
Carry your riding essentials
Take water, food, a charged phone, a repair kit and suitable clothing. Mobile coverage should not replace a downloaded trail map.
Plan caravan parking
Gilbert Street does not have clearly designated long-vehicle bays. Leave your caravan at your accommodation where possible.
Yes. Latrobe combines a walkable heritage town centre with chocolate, independent shops, river walks, platypus habitat and access to the Wild Mersey mountain bike network.
Latrobe is known for platypus, heritage buildings, House of Anvers and its connection with competitive woodchopping. It is also the northern trailhead of the Wild Mersey network.
Latrobe is approximately 11 kilometres from Devonport and generally takes around 15 minutes to reach by car.
Allow at least two to three hours for Gilbert Street and one major attraction. A half or full day provides time for Anvers, Bells Parade and Warrawee. Stay longer if you plan to ride Wild Mersey or visit Railton.
Warrawee Forest Reserve is the main location for looking for wild platypus beside the Mersey River. Platypus may also be seen around Bells Parade and Pig Island.
Early morning and late afternoon are generally the better times. Move quietly and watch for ripples, bubbles or movement near the riverbank. Sightings are never guaranteed.
The Big Platypus is outside the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame at Bells Parade.
Yes. The Railton Express connects the Wild Mersey trailheads at Latrobe and Railton. It’s about 10 km each way, so plan for the return ride or arrange transport.
Yes. The Latrobe and Railton networks include green-rated trails, but riders should check the full route, current trail status and map before setting out.
Yes, although the number of properties is limited. Options around Latrobe and Railton include cottages, rural stays, camping, RV accommodation and a caravan park. Devonport provides a larger accommodation range nearby.
Yes. Latrobe is reached by sealed road and has an established caravan park, an RV area, a dump point, potable water, fuel and groceries. There’s no clearly designated long-vehicle day-parking in the main shopping strip, so leave your caravan at your accommodation if you can before walking Gilbert Street.
Yes. The Latrobe dump point is at Station Square behind the IGA. Railton also has a dump point and potable water on The Esplanade.
Partly. Once you’re in town, Gilbert Street and the nearby attractions are walkable. A vehicle is useful for Anvers, Warrawee, Spreyton, Railton and the wider Wild Mersey network.
Make it a trip
