Things to do in Devonport

Devonport Shopping

In the heart of Devonport is Rooke Street Mall, which is lined with chain stores that include Kathmandu, Best & Less and Strandbags. In the surrounding streets, you’ll find galleries, independent boutiques and craft stores where local artisans sell their wares, as well as supermarkets and large department stores such as Kmart. 

Devonport Cafes and Dining

Devonport offers a wide choice of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you’re after fish and chips, sushi or modern Australian cuisine. Locally sourced produce is featured on the breakfast menu at Laneway while Drift Cafe’s inspiring brunch menu is accompanied by waterfront views. For a lazy seafood lunch, head to Mrs Jones, which perches atop a bluff overlooking the coast. Alternatively, you can enjoy wood-fired pizza and authentic pasta dishes at Verona Italia. Devonport also boasts a great selection of globally-inspired eateries serving everything from Indian to Chinese and Thai cuisine. 

Devonport Museums and Art Gallery

You can delve into the local history at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, which features engaging exhibits about the explorers and settlers who have left their mark on Devonport. Works by local artists are showcased at the Devonport Regional Gallery, which also hosts touring exhibitions and emerging artists programs. If you’re interested in the region’s Indigenous history, pay a visit to the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum, which is one of the oldest Aboriginal-operated museums in Australia. 

Heritage buildings

While Devonport is a bustling modern town, it’s home to a scattering of historic buildings that date from its earliest years. A highlight is Home Hill, the former residence of Australian Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons. Now heritage-listed and operated by the National Trust, it is decorated with the furnishings of Dame Enid, who lived here until 1981. Also not to miss is the former Commercial Bank of Tasmania building, a two-storey brick structure that is a fine example of Federation Freestyle. The oldest property still standing in Devonport is Mount Pleasant, an 1854-built Georgian cottage that was influenced by the Indian Bungalow style. 

Don River Railway

Running on the former Melrose Line is the Don River Railway, a volunteer-operated vintage railway that connects from the village of Don to Coles Beach. The 30-minute journey hugs the banks of the Don River and is a popular family day out. Before or after your journey, take time to browse the artefacts and memorabilia on display in the Don River Railway Museum, which occupies the old Ulverstone railway station.

Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails

Sheffield, Latrobe and Railton are the gateways to the Wild Mersey Mountain Biking Trails, which first opened to riders in 2018. The three different stages traverse scenic countryside beneath the rugged peaks of Tasmania’s northwest, with trails to suit all abilities. Mountain bike hire and shuttle services are available in all of the towns for accessing the Wild Mersey Mountain Biking Trails.

Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

The Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail takes in some of northwest Tasmania’s top producers, including everything from wines and cheeses to fresh fruits and chocolates. Spend a day (or few) hopping between its cellar doors and farm stalls while sampling some of the best goods the “Apple Isle” has to offer. 

Tasmanian Arboretum

On the southern outskirts of Devonport is the Tasmanian Arboretum, which is home to an impressive collection of Tasmanian trees and Gondwana-descended flora. Sprawling across 66 hectares, it’s a beautiful place to stroll, picnic and spot wildlife, such as the elusive platypus. The on-site Tree Park Kiosk serves hot drinks, snacks and homemade ice cream. 

Railton

Railton has been nicknamed the “Town of Topiary” and lies just 30 minutes’ drive south of Devonport. Aside from admiring its creatively designed garden features and shopping for local handicrafts, you can enjoy craft beer and mead at the Seven Sheds Brewery. 

Latrobe

Just 10 minutes from Devonport is historic Latrobe, which is home to the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame. Lining its main street are several inspiring antique shops and the town plays host to the annual Chocolate Winterfest. No matter what time of year you visit, you can sample truffles, fudges and pralines at the Anvers Chocolate Factory or learn about the town’s fascinating past at the Latrobe Court House Museum. 

Sheffield

Nestled at the base of Mount Roland, Sheffield is a small dairy farming town that’s famed for its colourful murals. It is home to countless artists who have set up studios and workshops throughout the town, as well as the Kentish Museum where vintage agricultural equipment, shop fittings and pioneer artefacts are on display. Sheffield serves as a base for visiting Cradle Mountain, Lake Barrington and Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot, which features eight mazes, a model village and a pancake parlour.

Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door

On the edge of Elizabeth Town is this award-winning Tasmanian dairy, which is renowned for its enticing range of specialty cheeses. You can watch the cheesemakers in action behind the glass panels, shop for dairy-inspired gifts or enjoy Ashgrove’s paddock-to-plate menu.

Walks near Devonport

Devonport is an ideal base for several walks, ranging from short strolls to the multi-day Tasmanian Trail. 

Don Heads Walk
Distance: 2.3 km | Time: 1 hour
The spectacular coastal vistas on this easy walk stretch all the way to Penguin on a clear day. On the return journey from Don Heads, you’ll have views across Devonport and the surrounding countryside. 

Don Bushland Reserve Southern Walk
Distance: 3 km | Time: 1.5 hours
Hugging the banks of the Don River, the Don Bushland Reserve is traversed by several peaceful walking trails, many of which depart from the Aquatic Centre car park. 

Tiagarra Walk on Mersey Bluff
Distance: 500 metres | Time: 10 minutes
Aboriginal rock carvings dot this short trail, which traverses Mersey Bluff around to the lighthouse and the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum.

Alum Cliffs
Distance: 1.6 km | Time: 45 minutes
Located near the town of Mole Creek, this easy walking trail begins with a short climb before winding through native forest to a spectacular lookout. Peer down into the narrow, cliff-lined gorge and learn about the indigenous history of the Alum Cliffs, which were originally known as tulampanga. The trail is dotted with sculptures and lies within the
Alum Cliffs State Reserve. 

Mount Roland
Distance: 6.5 km | Time: 3 to 6 hours
Rising to 1,234 metres to the south of Devonport is this spectacular summit, which can be accessed along a couple of different trails. You can tackle the steep Face Track (3 to 5 hours return), which requires some boulder clambering, or opt for the longer trail that begins at Gowrie Park Village (4 to 6 hours return). The 360-degree views from the top towards Bass Strait, Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff are worth the effort. 

Tasmanian Trail
Distance: 460 km | Time: 15+ days
Extending 460 kilometres from Devonport to Dover, the Tasmanian Trail traverses protected forests, rural landscapes and country towns. After taking in the Great Western Tiers and travelling through the Central Highlands, it descends to the banks of the Derwent River and around the back of Hobart’s kunanyi/Mount Wellington before ending on the edge of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.