Devonport, Tasmania Travel Guide
City City in Tasmania, known for its waterfront
A working port and gateway to northwest Tasmania, Devonport draws travelers for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, Mersey Bluff lighthouse and coastal walks, nearby Tarkine and Cradle Mountain day trips, and food stalls serving fresh Atlantic salmon and local produce.
Why Visit Devonport, Tasmania? #
Devonport is a practical and scenic entry point to northern Tasmania, known for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal and easy access to Cradle Mountain and the Tarkine wilderness. Food-focused visitors enjoy fresh Tasmanian seafood and riverfront cafés around the Mersey River and Mersey Bluff. Short drives bring coastal walks, rural markets and cider houses, making Devonport appealing for travelers who want wilderness day trips combined with relaxed seaside town comforts.
Top Things to Do in Devonport, Tasmania
All Attractions ›
- Don River Railway - Heritage steam and diesel rides along restored lines, popular with railway enthusiasts.
- Mersey Bluff and Lighthouse - Coastal headland offering ocean views, picnic spots, and lighthouse history beside the river mouth.
- Devonport Regional Gallery - Contemporary and regional art exhibitions housed in a central cultural venue with rotating shows.
- Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Small museum exploring Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, history, and local heritage interpretation.
- Meredith Park coastal walk - Less-crowded beachside path with native coastal vegetation and birdwatching opportunities.
- Local farmers' market on Sundays - Vibrant market offering fresh Tasmanian produce, artisanal foods, and friendly local stalls.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park - World Heritage highland walks and alpine scenery reachable by scenic drive from Devonport.
- Tasmania Arboretum - Extensive tree collections and walking tracks showcasing Tasmanian and international species nearby.
Best Time to Visit Devonport, Tasmania #
Visit Devonport in austral summer (December-February) for the warmest weather, beach time and festivals. Spring and autumn are cool and ideal for coastal drives and wildflowers; winters are chillier and rainier.
Best Time to Visit Devonport, Tasmania #
Devonport, Tasmania's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (912 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Devonport, Tasmania
Devonport is served by a small regional airport and by the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne. For island travel, coaches and hire cars are the main land-based options - there are no intercity passenger trains.
Devonport Airport (DPO): A small regional airport serving Tasmania. There are seasonal/regional flights (e.g., to/from Melbourne) operated by QantasLink-flight times are short (around 1-1.5 hours). A taxi from DPO to Devonport CBD is about 10-15 min and typically costs AUD 20-35.
Launceston Airport (LST) / Hobart (HBA): If DPO services are limited, fly into Launceston (≈1 hour drive) or Hobart (≈3.5-4.5 hours drive) and continue by coach or hire car to Devonport.
Train: Tasmania has no intercity passenger rail for the public (freight only), so trains are not an option for regional travel.
Bus / Ferry: The Spirit of Tasmania ferry links Melbourne (Port Melbourne) and Devonport (overnight crossings ~9-11 hours). Foot-passenger fares start from roughly AUD 80-120 one-way depending on season and promotions; vehicle+passenger fares are higher. Regional coach companies (e.g., Redline Coaches) run services to/from Launceston, Hobart and other Tasmanian centres-journey times vary (Hobart-Devonport ≈3.5-4.5 hours) and fares are typically AUD 30-60.
How to Get Around Devonport, Tasmania #
Devonport’s central area is easy to walk around, especially the waterfront and main shopping streets. However, to explore Tasmania’s northwest and nearby attractions a car is very useful. Public buses operate around town and to surrounding suburbs; taxis and ride services are available but can be limited outside daytime hours. Note: Devonport is the Tasmanian terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to mainland Australia, useful for longer travel.
Where to Stay in Devonport, Tasmania #
Where to Eat in Devonport, Tasmania #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Devonport, Tasmania's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Devonport, Tasmania #
Nightlife in Devonport is low-key: pubs, hotel bars and occasional live-music nights are the main options. The scene is quieter than larger Tasmanian cities and livens up mostly on weekends. Expect family-friendly venues and seasonal events rather than a late-night club circuit.
Shopping in Devonport, Tasmania #
Shopping in Devonport covers local needs with supermarkets, small specialty stores and a handful of strip shops near the CBD. You’ll find Tasmanian food products and local produce in markets and food stores. For a wider retail selection or big-box shopping, larger Tasmanian cities require a drive; local offerings are convenient but not extensive.
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