Discover Devonport
escape starts hereThe essential Devonport Tasmania guide for wide-eyed wanderers
Devonport is in our ‘hood. So here’s the inside track on the best things to do, restarants, cafes and accommodation in Devonport. It’s everything you need to know before getting off the boat.
Devonport Tasmania
Yay you’ve arrived. What now?
Devonport is not known as a tourist town. But prepare for a surprise if you’re travelling through. Because Devonport is rich with the many gifts its prime location brings. And it’s growing because of this. We love the captivating coastal scenery, laid-back life style, emerging cafes, tasty local brews, and a distillery or two.
There are some real gems in Devonport, but they’re mostly hidden. Before you rush on through, take a minute to explore with us. Get the insider’s view. The best cafes, and restaurants. What to see and do.
Then venture forth. For Devonport is the perfect stepping off destination for road trips south to Hobart and Launceston, and further west to Stanley and the Tarkine. Below, we share the best stops, scenic routes, photo worthy locations, tasty treats and tipples too.
We’re ready if you are.
👀 Did you know: Devonport is Tasmania’s third largest city. After Hobart, Launceston, Port Arthur and Richmond, it is also the 5th most visited destination in Tassie. 300,000 of Tassie’s 1.3 million annual visitors travel through Devonport.
If you’re coming to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, you will too.
Travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania
Wide eyed and ready for adventure, most visitors start their Tasmanian holiday by disembarking the Spirit of Tasmania that sails from Geelong to Devonport.
If that’s future you, there are a few things to know before booking the ferry to Devonport. Like boarding, departure and arrival times, how long it takes, what type of cabins are on board. And how much it all costs!
We also work out the ferry prices from Melbourne to Tasmania – and whether its cheaper to take the boat with a car (or caravan) than it is to fly.
The results may surprise you.
Best Devonport Accommodation
How to find accommodation in devonport Tasmania
Self contained accommodation in Devonport
You’ll find excellent self contained accommodation in Devonport, perfect as a base for visiting North West Tasmania. These are mostly holiday homes run by friendly hosts willing to go the extra mile to provide value for their guests – like their income depends on it (because it does! 😉).
Hotels in Devonport
There 9 hotels or motels in Devonport – a lot for the size of the town. Hotel rooms can be hit and miss – some are quiet dated. Hotels in Devonport also seem to get lower review scores on booking sites compared to privately hosted self-contained accommodation. But hotels and motels can also be a better budget option.
Luxury Accommodation in Devonport
There’s little luxury accommodation in Devonport itself. Not surprising – it’s not really a tourist destination, but rather a stepping off point for ferry go-ers. You’ll need to head a little further afield in the north west. But if you do, expect cracking views, top tier amenities, serene locations, beautiful interiors and unique stays and experiences.
Devonport Caravan Parks
If you’re a fan of Big4 and Discovery Holiday Parks or you’re bringing your own caravan, motorhome or RV to Tasmania, Devonport is well set up for you. Even better, some spots offer incredible views for cheaper nightly rates. But don’t hang about if you’re booking a site for a motorhome or caravan in Devonport. Sites go quickly in peak travel months.
Restaurants in Devonport Tasmania
4 Best Restaurants in Devonport Tasmania
It may sound wierd but it’s not easy to find restaurants for dinner in Tasmania, outside of the two main cities of Launceston and Hobart. Devonport is no different. It has a short but good list of restaurants worth your money, as you travel through town. Here are a few we often return to:
1. Mrs Jones Bar & Lounge $$$$ – The title of fine dining in Devonport goes to Mrs Jones. Go for the oysters with a seaview.
2. Taste. by Bold Cuisine $$$$ – new fine dining with a very small footprint making a name for itself. Ohh la la it’s fancy. You must book to get in.
3. Verona $$$ – Rich italian food served with flair in a buzzing atmosphere. We keep going back for the Antipasta and Lasagne.
4. Prem’s Seafood Bar and Grill $$$ – Tasty up market (for Devonport) bistro style meals. The duck and seafood are favouries
Cheap & cheerful dining in Devonport
We know what it’s like a travel on a budget. When sometimes all you want is a tasty meal under $30 a head. Here’s where we go for an affordable but satisfying dinner in Devonport:
1. Central Bar and Restaurant $$ – a cross between bistro and pub meals, we’ve had a few hearty and satisfying dinners here.
2. Noodles and RIce $ – Cheap and cheerful Vietnamese food that we like for the crispy duck pancake and paw paw salad.
3. Dineboat Cafe and Restaurant $$ – a hidden gem and perennial favourite for good value delicious meals. Menu different from the usual fare and tasty. Closes at 8pm so go early.
Tara’s 5 favourite things to do in Devonport Tasmania
1. Explore ‘The Bluff’
The Bluff is a rocky headland of orange lichen covered boulders that juts out into Bass Strait, serving up excellent views along the coast. Grab a coffee or some fish n chips at Drift on Bluff Beach. Then take the walking track up to the lookout for the big scenic views. The Bluff Lighthouse sits atop this headland as a historic icon that still guides ships through Bass Strait today.
2. Beers and cheers at the Paranaple
The Paranaple Centre is ground zero for Devonport’s brewers and distillers. A night out here starts with a Dasher & Fisher gin cocktail at Southern Wilds Distillery, continues at one of the many restaurants nearby, and wraps up will a drink or two at Island State Brewing. All in short walking distance. Huzzah! Start early as the gin stops flowing at 5!
3. Lilico Penguin parade
There’s several spots along the north west coast where you can see Penguins for free. Lilico Penguin viewing platform is the best spot in our view. It’s just 5 minutes out of Devonport. Go at dusk and take a red light torch!
4. Pawsitively Beautiful Beaches
Devonport’s beaches are beautiful and often deserted. They’re worth combing while you’re in town. If you’re travelling with a pooch, Back Beach is off-leash dog beach paradise. Even better, it’s just a hop skip and jump from The Bluff and Mersey Bluff Caravan Park. Go at low tide or there’s barely any beach.
5. HILL STREET SWEET
It wouldn’t be a Devonport guide without mentioning this place. Hill Street is a local institution. These guys stock THE BEST Tasmanian produce and artisan wares. Feel like a platter of Tassie’s best seafoods, breads, sweets and cheeses. Shop here! Grab a coffee and morning bun from their cafe while there. Thank me later.
Cafes in Devonport Tasmania
Where’s the best coffee, the best breakfast, and who sells the tastiest cakes and pastries in Devonport?
If you’re strait off the ferry early in the morningor staying in Devonport afew days, the local cafes will probably be your first stop in town.
Now, I’ll go a really long way for a great morning coffee. So yes, I feel qualified to talk about the cafes in Devonport. They’re where I get my fix. For me, it’s more than just a cup a joe.
So if you’re a java junkie or a bean hunter too, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the perfect brew. And who doesn’t love the sizzling sound of salty pork rashers on a griddle too.
Here are the cafes in Devonport that we frequent and why we love them (in one word) 👉🏽
Our favourite cafes in Devonport:
– Hill St Cafe – cinnamon scrolls and croissants!
– Laneway – southern fried chicken & maple waffles
– Fundamental Espresso – full bodied coffee
– The Harbourmaster Cafe – breakfast with sea views & a twist.
If you want to know which cafe serves up the best breakfast in Devonport and which makes the best coffee, you can read more below 👇🏽
Harbour Master
Fundamental Espresso
Laneway Cafe
Hill Street Cafe
Laneway Cafe
Leaping Goat Cafe
Unmissable road trips from Devonport
1. Devonport to Launceston
Chocolate, cheese, wine, ice cream, smooth brews and Tasmanian Devils too! If you’re heading south from Devonport to Launceston on the Bass Highway here’s our top 10 spots to see along the way and favourite scenic route.
2. Devonport to Hobart
Colonial heritage trails, single malt whisky distilleries x 2. Devonport to Hobart through the heart of Tasmania is a road trip to remember. Find out what to see and do.
3. Devonport to Stanley
Heading west? Great choice! The north west coast is packed with scenic vistas, adventures and culinary delights. Here’s where to stop along the route.
4. Devonport to Cradle Mountain
Stunning mountain vistas and winding rural landscapes through Tasmania’s traditional heart. You’ll be charmed by the quirky letterboxes. They don’t call this the “Valley of Views'” for nothing.
What’s in Devonport
Devonport is the central service centres for the north west coast of Tasmania. It’s packed with amenities that you’ll probably need on a fly drive Tasmania holiday. Or if travelling Tasmania in a caravan or motorhome. Here’s a list of what’s in Devonport:
1. Supermarkets – Both major supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths are in Devonport. Important, because you won’t find this again on the north west coast until you reach Burnie.
2. Car wash – There’s an automatic car wash in the heart ofDevonport if you need to clean your hire car before returning. Or maybe before taking your car on the ferry to Melbourne.
3. EV charging station – There are three EV charging stations in Devonport. Two ChargeFox charging stations & one Tesla Supercharger. One ChargeFox station is inside the multilevel carpark in the centre of Devonport. The other is inside a Hyundai Dealership. The Tesla charge stations are opposite Sixt Car Rentals in East Devonport convenient if you’re coming off the ferry from Melbourne.
Devonport Travel FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Launceston to Devonport?
It takes an hour to drive from Launceston to Devonport without stopping. But there’s a lot to do and see along the way. If you want to make a road trip out of it, here’s the 10 top stops on the Launcesont to Devonport route worth your road trip time.
Does Devonport have an Airport?
Yes, Devonport does have an airport. Devonport Airport is just 10km or a 10 minute drive outside of Devonport City. There are several flights a day from Devonport Airport to Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport.
What to do in Devonport on a rainy day?
There’s plenty of indoor activities in and around Devonport to keep you entertained on a rainy day. We recommend:
– hitting a local cafe like Hill st or Laneway for coffee, cake or breakfast.
– heading to the cinema to see the lastest blockbuster
– sliding into Southern Wilds distillery for a top notch Gn cocktail
– wandering over to Island State Brewing (next door) for a crisp larger or fruity IPA.
– rolling up to House of Anvers for a waffle and hot chocolate (and rolling back out again 😉)
– burning off the calories with a few laps of the heated pool at Devonport Aquatic Centre.
– ambling in to Devonport Regional Gallery for some art appreciation.
How big is Devonport Tasmania?
Devonport is Tasmania’s third largest city. The 2021 ABS census recorded the Devonport population at 26,150. The town of Devonport covers an area of 111km².
How many days do you need in Devonport Tasmania?
We recommend 2 nights in Devonport if you have spare time in your Tasmania itinerary. There’s plenty to do in the town of Devonport and surrounding areas – check out Tara’s 5 Favourite things to do in Devonport above 👆🏼
What arilnes fly to Devonport Tasmania?
Qantaslink and Regional Express are the only passenger airlines that fly into and out of Devonport Airport in Tasmania. Both airlines operate return flights to Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport from Devonport.
Melbourne is the only destination for airline passengers flying out of Devonport Airport.