The Port City of Devonport, sitting prettily on Tasmania`s lush mid-north coast, is one of the world`s newest regional cruise destinations and is acknowledged as the gateway to Cradle Mountain National Park and the World Heritage areas in the north of the State.

The entire region is arguably one of Tasmania`s most beautiful.

Its coastal countryside is reminiscent of the green rolling hills of old England dotted with little villages and spring blossoms. And where this countryside meets the mountains, the wilderness begins.

The entrance to Cradle Mountain National Park is just an hour and half`s drive from the wharfside and the city centre; a popular day tour for most cruise ship passengers.

Here, among the wild rivers and temperate rainforests, the traveller can see threatened, rare and endemic plants and often catch a glimpse of Tasmania`s unique animal species.

The city of Devonport itself, straddling the River Mersey, is a busy port and the retail and commercial centre of the region.

As well as shops and boutiques selling local wares, there are galleries and craft centres featuring the work of local artists.

For each cruise ship visit, the people of the city extend a festive welcome with entertainment and activities.

Free shuttle buses leave from the port throughout the day to take passengers around town and into the main shopping areas.

Visitors may access information about the region from the information booth at the wharfside or from the Showcase Information Centre and Gallery in the city centre opposite the river.

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Activities

Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)

  • Discover Devonport:
    Visit some of Devonport's historic sites : Maritime Museum, Tiagarra, Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural and Arts Centre to see rock engravings thousands of years old, the Don River Vintage Railway and Museum, Tasmanian Arboretum, a 45 hectare tree park for morning or afternoon tea.

  • Mole Creek Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary: 
    See Tasmanian Devils and other native animals, have a bush morning or afternoon tea. 45 minutes drive from Devonport.
     
  • Latrobe: 
    An historical village on Devonportﾒs eastern shore. Latrobe has antique shops and quaint 19th century buildings and stores. Take a journey across superb farming country to Port Sorell and Hawley Beach. Visit Gallerie Chantilly for local cheese and wine tastings and to see works by Tasmanian artists.
     
  • A Taste of the Past: 
    Travel south to the base of Mt. Roland in the Great Western Tiers to Weindorfers complex. See many old bush crafts, broom making and a blacksmith working his trade. Morning or afternoon tea and a short guided walk through the canyon. Forty minutes from Devonport.
     
  • Scenic Wilderness Flights: 
    Located at Devonport Airport, passengers will be picked up and returned to the shop at wharfside or in town. Planes carry four passengers all with window view and in a 6 hour period can carry about 20 : 24 passengers. Flights over stunning wilderness areas take 45 minutes.
     

Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day)

  • Cradle Mountain National Park & Dove Lake: 
    Includes visits to the superb visitor centre in the forest, Waldheim Chalet, replica of the first Chalet built in 1912. Lunch at P & O Resort Cradle Mountain Lodge. About one and a half hours from Devonport.
     
  • Launceston: 
    Take the superb coastal road through the Asbestos Range to Exeter, the vineyards and wineries of the western Tamar Valley, shopping and lunch in Launceston and return via Highway 1 through some of the prettiest countryside in the State. About one and a half hours from Devonport to Launceston.
     

Dining (Best Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner)

  • Autographs at the Beach
  • Gateway Motor Inn
  • Glo Glo's Fine Dining, Latrobe
  • Lucas Hotel Fine Dining
  • Mallee Grill: Char grill
  • Renusha's Indian Restaurant
  • Rialto: Italian/Mediterranean
  • Shearwater Country Club
  • Silky Apple: Chinese
  • Trawlers Catch: Seafood
     

Evening Entertainment

  • Yes, check at wharfside
     

Best Hotels

  • Gateway Motor Inn

  • Hawley House
     

Best Beaches

  • Hawley
  • Coles Beach
     

Golf

  • 'Woodrising' Golf Club Devonport
     

Tennis

  • Devonport Tennis Club
     

Other Sporting Activities

  • Horseriding
  • Bush walking
  • Surfing
  • Snorkelling
  • Cycling
     

Best Shopping areas

  • Devonport CBD : 1km from the port
  • Fourways Centre : 4km from the port
     

Specialty products

  • Gourmet foods
  • Fine wines
  • Cheese
  • Tasmanian craft
  • Ceramics
  • Wood products