Devonport - Gateway to Tasmania

Devonport is located on the north coast of the island of Tasmania, 100Km (60 miles) from Launceston and 280Km (170 miles) from Hobart. This city is the port for the larger of the ships linking Tasmania to the mainland and will therefore be the first glimpse many visitors will have of the island.

Spirit of Tasmania

All the Spirit of Tasmania ships provide an enjoyable way to travel and your cruise will be regarded as an integral part of your holiday experience. and makes Tasmania more accessible than ever. The Melbourne route Spirit of Tasmania I and II ships are extremely well equipped with a range of accommodation options, a choice of restaurants, bars, childrens play area, tourist information facility and even public TV screens.

The Melbourne departure time is 8pm, arriving in Devonport at 7am with additional day sailings during peak periods. Please check with tour operator as times and sailing schedules can change.

Please see the following links to book Melbourne to Devonport crossings:
Melbourne to Devonport.
Devonport to Melbourne.

Thankyou to Spirit of Tasmania for their assistance and allowing the use of their copyright images.

Spectacular Coastal Views

Devonport is a lively city renown for its restaurants, galleries and craft shops so it is more than simply an entry point from which to explore the rest of Tasmania.

There are some spectacular coastal views along this part of the coast, some being accessible by footpaths leading from the town. About 5 miles to the west, a few miles after the prominently positioned Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, is a popular penguin viewing spot. There is also an airport near the town and scenic flights can be enjoyed over the rugged mountainous terrain of the north of the island.

Natural Harbour

Devonport has many heritage properties, galleries, museums and even a vintage steam train at Don Village, which conveys passengers for a short journey along to the coast. The town has developed both sides of the large natural harbour, which flows into the Mersey River.

Aboriginal Culture

Devonport is also the location of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum which is probably the best source of information on the indigenous inhabitants of Tasmania. The centre is known as Tiagarra meaning 'Keeping Place' and is located on Mersey Bluff a few kilometres from Devonport. Tiagarra was partly created to preserve the 8000 year old Aboriginal rock engravings on view at the centre.

Devonport Hotels

Devonport is a popular stopover point as visitors to Tasmania prepare to enter or leave the island via the Spirit of Tasmania ferries. Click here for full list of Devonport accommodation, however a selection of Hotels in Devonport and surrounding areas are listed below for your convenience.

Argosy Motor Inn Devonport

On the banks of the Mersey, two minutes from the passenger ship terminal. Spacious executive suites with queen size beds and private spas and videos

Hawley House Hawley Beach

Victorian mansion with mountain backdrop overlooks pristine golden beaches. Built around small flower rimmed lakes home to trout and waterfowl