Devonport. Australia

Devonport

Devonport is the third largest city in Tasmania and the arrival port of the Bass Strait ferry service from the mainland. Devonport has beaches, bush reserves and headlands that includes the Mersey Bluff with a lighthouse on top. Devonport is where the Spirit of Tasmania I and II dock after their crossing from Melbourne. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels sail every night between Melbourne and Devonport and in the peak summer season there are additional daylight sailings.

Arboretum
Native and exoctic trees and shrubs spread over 50 hectares. Old Tramway Road (03 6427 2690).

Devonport Gallery and Art Centre
This gallery is housed in the former Baptist Church and features displays by Tasmanian artists. Stewart Street (03 6424 8296).

Don River Railway
The Don River Railway has a large collection of vintage steam trains, you can even go for a ride on one to Coles Beach. (03 6424 6335).

Home Hill
Home to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and built in 1916 and provides an insight into Australian political life and international relations during the mid twentieth century. 77 Middle Road, Devonport (03 6424 8055).

House of Anvers
Watch the production of Belgian chocolates and of course taste them. Bass Highway (03 6426 2958).

Imaginarium Science Centre
Science shows and travelling exhibitions. 19-23 MacFie Street, Devonport (03 6423 1466).

Latrobe
This small historic town is located twenty minutes from Devonport. This quaint little village is full of antique shops, craft wares, cafes and bakeries. The Court House Museum (113 Gilbert Street) tells the story of Latrobe and the surrounding areas. The Warrawee Forest Reserve has a thriving platypus population and a good time to see them is at dusk. Other Latrobe attractions are the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame (03 6426 2099), Sherwood Hall (03 6426 2888) and Anvers Chocolate Factory 03 6426 2958).

Lillico Beach
Located six kilometres west of Devonport, a feature of this beach are the Fairy Penguin colonies

Maritime Museum
This maritime museum has displays of maritime significance in the area and historical displays. Gloucester Avenue (03 6424 7100).

Mersey Bluff
Not only is this a magnificent headland but it ia also home to Tiagarra, the Aboriginal arts centre. Here you can learn the history of the Tasmanian Aboriginals right back to 23,000 years ago. A must see is the original native rock art that is found on a coastal track near the centre. (03 6424 8250).

Mole Creek Caves
Mole Creek Caves are about an hour from Devonport and consist of Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave and tours go down both. Mole Creek Karst National Park (03 6363 5182).

Port Sorell
Located just east of Devonport and lying on the Rubicon Estuary. This port was once a ship building centre and is the oldest Tasmanian town on the north west coast. There are still many historical buildings to view here.

Sheffield
Sheffield is the town of murals and on most buildings is to be seen outdoor art. The hart of action is Mural Park behind the visitor information centre. The first mural was painted by John Lendis 'Stillness and Warmth"and covers 35 panels in Sheffield High Street Car park, Other attractions are Aunty Iris 'Dolls and Collectibles museum (03 6491 1559) , Kentish Museum ()3 6491 1861) , Seashells at Sheffield (03 6491 1121) and Tazmania (03 6491 1934) a large maze complex,