The lighthouse at Devonport in the late afternoon light

Devonport
Major point of entry for visitors travelling across Bass Strait.
The city of Devonport is the largest and most important port on Tasmania's north coast. It is located at the mouth of the Mersey River, 98 km west of Launceston on the Bass Highway. The port's importance, particularly as far as visitors from the mainland are concerned, is that it is the arrival port for the Spirit of Tasmania I, II and III, the car ferries, which arrive from Melbourne and Sydney. The Melbourne service operates daily and the Sydney service sails three times a week. Consequently it has become known as 'The Gateway to Tasmania'. One of the benefits of this link with the mainland is that Devonport, of all the towns in Tasmania, outside Launceston and Hobart, offers an excellent range of modern motels and hotels.

No one is exactly sure how Devonport got its name although it is obvious that the origins must be associated with the County of Devon in southern England. One school of thought argues, without any strong evidence, that Devonport was named, with a nice sense of nostalgia for the 'old country', after the coastal town of Devonport in the county of Devon. The more likely origin is that the district around the city was called the County of Devon and that this naturally led to the port being named Devonport.

The lower reaches of the Mersey River were explored as early as 1823. Reports of the region at this time were far from favourable. One explorer observed that the land was 'mountainous, extremely barren and totally unfit for habitation'.

The district was explored and surveyed by the Van Diemen's Land Company in 1826. Settlers arrived that year but were met by opposition and resentment from the local Aborigines which culminated in the killing of Captain Bartholomew Boyle Thomas, the district's first settler, in 1829.

The town of Devonport came into being on 11 February 1890 when two smaller townships - Formby on the west side of the Mersey River (it had been laid out in 1853) and Torquay on the east bank (established 1851) - amalgamated. Prior to this amalgamation port facilities - a store, wharf and warning beacons - as well as the Don Railway had been completed by 1854. During the early 1850s the port was being used by timber cutters and boat builders while some coal mining was also occurring further downstream.

Crossing the Mersey River proved a real problem to early travellers and residents. Prior to 1860 the crossing was limited to swimming a horse across or travelling by any available boat. In 1860 a rough log bridge was built upstream at the village of Latrobe. Eventually a ferry plied the river but it wasn't until 1902 that a bridge was finally built.

A local Marine Board was formed in 1868 and the railway from Launceston arrived in 1885. The port's lighthouse, now part of the National Estate, was completed in 1899 (it still stands on Mersey Bluff) and the Devonport Municipal Council was formed in 1908.

The city has a number of attractions to encourage visitors to linger before heading off to explore the rest of Tasmania. Both Tiagarra and the Don River Tramway, which would be regarded as the city's two premier tourist attractions, are an interesting mixture of the historic and the contemporary.

The region around Devonport is known as "Australia's market garden". It produces 40% of Tasmania's vegetable crop. The region is known for its onions, potatoes, peas, carrots and beans.

Things to see:  

Devonport Visitor Centre
The Devonport Visitor Centre at 92 Formby Road specialises in selling Tasmanian holiday experiences including accommodation, National Park passes, Fishing licences, car hire and Spirit of Tasmania bookings. The Centre, which can be found on the western shore in the City Centre, opposite the Spirit of Tasmania berth, also stocks a broad range of Tasmanian tourist information and is open seven days a week.

Tiagarra
Tiagarra (a Tasmanian Aboriginal word meaning 'keep' or 'keeping place') is located on Mersey Bluff, on the western shore of the Mersey River. It is one of the few Tasmanian sites where Aboriginal rock carvings are still well preserved. Consequently, it is very important as a record of the Aboriginal settlement of the Tasmania's northern coast. The carvings were discovered by a local school teacher in 1929 and the site was protected shortly afterwards. The Tiagarra Art Centre was opened by Sir Douglas Nicholls in 1976 and currently houses more than 2000 artefacts in 18 displays. Dioramas and displays depicting the lifestyle of the original inhabitants of the area are part of the presentation. It is open seven days a week from 9.00 a.m - 4.30 p.m.

Don River Railway
The Don River Railway, owned and operated by the Van Diemen Light Railway Society, is located on the banks of the Don River to the west of Devonport. Open daily with trains running hourly from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. it offers a short train ride along the river to Coles Beach. It also includes interesting displays of old steam locomotives and passenger carriages (the largest collection in Tasmania).

The original Don River Tramway was built in 1854 to bring timber out of the Don River valley - although the track now used for tourism was never used for timber carrying. The present railway uses a section of line built in 1916 by BHP to carry limestone from quarries at Melrose, a few kilometres inland. This railway continued to operate until 1963.

Home Hill - The home of Dame Edith and Joseph Lyons

Home Hill
An interesting historical attraction is Home Hill, the home of Dame Enid and Joseph Lyons. Located at 77 Middle Road (it runs off the Devonport By-pass at the western end of the town) Home Hill is a superb old building with exquisitely kept gardens, heady vines of wisteria, and large mature trees. The National Trust brochure describes the building and its gardens in the following glowing terms 'The house was built...in 1916, one year after their marriage, and except for a period of five years it remained their home for the rest of their lives. The house and grounds are now owned by the City of Devonport and the contents by the National Trust. Joseph Lyons was Premier of Tasmania from 1923 to 1928. In 1929 he entered Federal Parliament and from 1932 till 1939 was Prime Minister of Australia. He died in office in 1939. He is the only Tasmanian to have been Prime Minister and the only Australian to have been both Premier of his State and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. Dame Enid Lyons was elected in 1943 and became the first woman member of the House of Representatives. In 1949 she was sworn-in as the first woman Federal Minister of the Crown. Dame Enid retired from Parliament in 1951 because of ill-health. Home Hill is as Dame Enid left it and contains many interesting and historic mementos of the life of a Prime Minister.'

It was to Home Hill that Dame Edith Lyons retired and wrote her memoir So We Take Comfort. Home Hill is open from 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tasmanian Maritime Museum
Other attractions in the area include the Tasmanian Maritime Museum in Gloucester Avenue, off Victoria Parade, West Devonport which has extensive and interesting displays of maritime memorabilia, with an emphasis on the city's maritime history. It has some superb model ships including the excellent four-masted barque Lawhill. It is open every day of week (except Mondays) - 10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. in summer and 10.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. in winter.

Imaginarium Science Centre
Located only a short walk from the CBD at 23 Macfie Street, the centre features over 50 interactive exhibits providing an opportunity to learn about the science that is in our everyday lives. Open Mon ­ Thur 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Sat & Sun 12.00 noon - 5.00 p.m. Closed Friday except Tas. School Holidays.

Devonport Regional Gallery
Featuring predominately 20th Century collections of fine and decorative art with an emphasis on work by Tasmanian artists. Located in the centre of the CBD at 45 Stewart Street. Open Mon - Sat 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Sunday 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Australian Weaving Mills Factory Outlet
Located at 45 Tasman Street, Devonport. Pick up a bargain at this factory seconds towelling and linen shop where you will find label such as Dickies and Dri-Glo. Open Monday ­ Friday 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Sat 9.00 a.m. - Noon.

Tasmanian Arboretum
A unique botanic tree park of native and exotic species sited on 58 hectares, 10km south of Devonport. There are quite a few walking tracks to various picturesque locations including some beautiful waterfalls. Try spotting a platypus in the dam or enjoy a BBQ. A great place to relax and enjoy the surrounds.

House Of Anvers
The total chocolate experience - manufacturing viewing room and chocolate museum. Belgian-style breakfasts and Tasmanian Fare. Tastings and sales of specialty chocolate truffles, fudges and pralines. All set within a 1931 Californian Bungalow. Enjoy a snack in the cafe or in the beautiful gardens which surround the property. Located on the Bass Highway between Devonport and Latrobe. Open 7 days a week 7.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

	Tourist Information
	Tas Travel & Information Centre Devonport Showcase 5 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4466
	Motels
	Argosy Motor Inn 221 Tarleton St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8872 Facsimile: (03) 6427 9819 Rating: ***
	Barclay Motor Inn 112 North Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4722 Facsimile: (03) 6423 1019 Rating: ***
	Edgewater Motor Inn 2 Thomas St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8441 Rating: **
	Elimatta Motel/Hotel 15 Victoria Pde Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6555 Facsimile: (03) 6424 9541 Rating: **
	Gateway Motor Inn 16 Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4922 Rating: ****
	Sunrise Motor Inn 140 North Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 8411 Facsimile: (03) 6424 8329 Rating: ****
	Hotels
	Alexander Hotel 78 Formby Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2252
	Hotel Formby 82 Formby Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1601 Rating: **
	Tamahere Hotel 34 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1898
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Devonport Bed & Breakfast 27 Victoria Parade Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 0991
	Heritage Hill Accommodation 18 Turton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1719
	Ochill Manor Bed & Breakfast Old Kindred Rd Forth Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6428 2660
	Rannoch House Bed & Breakfast 5 Cedar St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 9818 Facsimile: (03) 6427 9181 Rating: ****1/2
	Rosemont on Macfie 47 Macfie St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 7406 Facsimile: (03) 6424 2010 Rating: ****
	Tenerfold Bed & Breakfast 184 Melrose Rd Aberdeen via Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 3170 Facsimile: (03) 6427 3170 Rating: ****1/2
	The Wattles Bed & Breakfast Pumping Station Rd Forth Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6428 2242 Rating: ***1/2
	Birchmore of Devonport Bed & Breakfast 8 Oldaker St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 1336 Facsimile: (03) 6423 1338 Rating: ****1/2
	Macfie Manor Bed & Breakfast 44 McFie St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1719 Facsimile: (03) 6424 8766 Rating: ****1/2
	Riverview Lodge Bed & Breakfast 18 Victoria Pde Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 7357 Facsimile: (03) 6423 6026 Rating: ****
	Apartments
	Alice Beside the Sea 1 Wright St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8605 Rating: ****
	Appleton Apartments 33 John St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: 0407 069 330 Rating: ***
	Birchwood Apartments 31 Victoria Parade Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 1125
	Briniece Terraces 3-5 Archer St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: 0417 374 632 Rating: ****
	Mersey Bank Apartments 155 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: 0417 123 032
	Mersey Bluff Lodge Apts 247 William St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 5289 Rating: ***1/2
	Orchard Studio 48 Lakeside Rd Eugenana Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 3118
	Scobranic 341 Kecey Tier Rd Eugenana Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 2740 Rating: ****
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Glasgow Lodge Self Contained Units 59 George St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1480 Facsimile: (03) 6424 8436 Rating: ***
	Cottages & Cabins
	Daisy Cottages 16 Mersey Rd Spreyton Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6494 3377 Rating: ***1/2
	Devonport Historic Cottages 66 Wenvoe St & 28 Turton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1560 or 0418 142 295 Facsimile: (03) 6424 2090 Rating: ****
	Keswick by theRiver 2 James St Spreyton Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 3745 Rating: ***1/2
	Mersey Bluff Lodge 247 William St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 5289 Facsimile: (03) 6424 2998 Rating: ***1/2
	Tenefold Self Contained B & B 184 Melrose Rd Aberdeen Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 3170 Rating: ***1/2
	Trelawney by the Sea Bed & Breakfast 6 Chalmers Lane Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 3263 Facsimile: (03) 6424 3263 Rating: ****
	Caravan Parks
	Abel Tasman Caravan Park 6 Wright St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8794 Rating: ***
	Bay View Holiday Village 2 Caroline St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 0499 Rating: ***1/2
	Devonport Cabin & Tourist Park 13 Tarleton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 9933
	Devonport Vacation Village 20-24 North Caroline St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8886 Rating: ***
	Lakeside Caravan Park & Holiday Park Lakeside Rd Eugenana Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 2343 Rating: ***
	Mersey Bluff Caravan Park Mersey Bluff Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 8655 Rating: ***1/2
	Backpackers
	Devonport Backpackers 16 Formby Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 6563
	Devonport YHA - Mac Wright House 115 Middle Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 5696
	Molly Malones Midcity Backpaker's 34 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1898
	Tasman House Backpackers Lodge 114 Tasman St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 2335
	Camping & Other
	MacWright House Youth Hostel 133 Middle Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6133
	Restaurants
	Accents Restaurant North Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 8411
	Alexander Hotel 78 Formby Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2252
	Argosy Motor Inn Restaurant Tarleton St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 8872
	Autographs On The Beach Restaurant Mersey Bluff Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2204
	Bella's 159 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 7933
	China Garden Chinese Restauarant 33 King St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4148
	Deck Cafe & Restaurant 188-190 Tarleton St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 7188
	Drysdale 20 Valley Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6421 5557
	El Mecciko Restaurant 25 King St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 5455
	Elimatta Bar & Bistro 15 Victoria Pde Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6555
	Essence Food & Wine 28 Forbes St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6431
	Gateway Motor Inn Restaurant 16 Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4922
	Indian Affair 153 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 5141
	La Porchetta 58 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4600
	Mallee Grill 161 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 4477
	Molly Malones Irish Pub 34 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1898
	Musselrock Cafe Bar & Grill 82 Fromby Rd Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1601
	Renusha's Curry & Pasta House 5 Edward St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2293
	RSL Club 18 McFie St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2673
	Sedations Bar & Buffet 19 Steele St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 5456
	Sky King 132 William St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 7306
	Sunrise Motor Inn Restaurant 140 North Fenton St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 8411
	Taco Villa Kempling St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6762
	Cafés
	The Willow Plate Restaurant Hub Arcade Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 7182
	Restaurants
	Top End Licensed Restaurant 12 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1466
	Cafés
	Cafe Classico 113 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6423 5275
	Cafe Natur 12 Edward St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 1917
	Deck Cafe & Restaurant 180-190 Tarleton St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 7188
	Fairway Coffee Lounge 22a Stewart St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 6839
	Fuchsia Fantasy Tea Rooms 75a Lillico Rd Lillico Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6428 2884
	Legends Coffee Lounge 90b Oldaker St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 5414
	Mason & Mason 38 Steele St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 8888
	Ony's Woodfired Pizzas 13 Murray St East Devonport Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6427 7055
	Stonie's Cafe 77 Rooke St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2101
	The Coffee Spot 74 Best St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2246
	The Larder 20bStewart St Devonport TAS 7310 Telephone: (03) 6424 2148