Our Devonport Base

eGuide is proudly based in Devonport, a relaxed coastal city and the gateway to Tasmania’s beautiful North West.

Surrounded by beaches, fertile farmland and welcoming country towns, Devonport is the perfect starting point for exploring Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, the Tarkine and many of the region’s most memorable natural attractions.

Devonport was named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2024 and, in July 2026, was once again named Tassie’s Top Tourism Town. It is easy to understand why.

Devonport combines beautiful coastal scenery, excellent local food, welcoming hospitality and convenient access to some of Tasmania’s most famous destinations.

Devonport is easy to reach by both air and sea. Visitors can fly directly from Melbourne to Devonport Airport in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The airport is only around 10 minutes from the city centre, making Devonport a convenient place to begin a Tasmanian holiday.

Visitors can also arrive aboard the Spirit of Tasmania, which sails between Geelong and Devonport.

Devonport is well worth exploring.

Staying for two or three nights gives you time to discover the city, enjoy its restaurants and use Devonport as a convenient base for exploring Tasmania’s North West.

Things to See and Do in Devonport

Begin your visit at Mersey Bluff, where the distinctive red-and-white lighthouse looks out across Bass Strait. Coastal walking tracks connect the lighthouse with beaches, viewing areas and peaceful places to enjoy the sunset.

The Bluff is also an important Aboriginal cultural area. The Tiagarra Cultural Centre and nearby walking trails provide an opportunity to learn about the history and continuing culture of the region’s First Nations people.

Other attractions worth visiting include:

  • Mersey Bluff Lighthouse

    Coastal views, beaches and scenic walking trails.

  • Tiagarra Cultural Centre

    Aboriginal culture, history and important cultural sites.

  • Bass Strait Maritime Museum

    Maritime displays and an interactive ship simulator.

  • paranaple arts centre

    Tasmanian art and changing exhibitions.

  • Home Hill

    The historic family home of former Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and Dame Enid Lyons.

  • Don River Railway

    Heritage train journeys through the picturesque Don River Valley.

  • Tasmanian Arboretum

    Gardens, walking trails and the chance to see wild platypuses.

  • Waterfront Park

    Riverside walks, picnic spaces, playgrounds and family activities.

  • Coles Beach

    A popular place for swimming, walking and relaxing beside the sea.

  • Southern WIld Distillery

    Locally produced gin inspired by Tasmania’s landscape.

  • Devonport Regional Farmers Market

    Fresh produce and products from regional growers and makers.

Places to Eat and Drink

Tasmania’s North West is known for its fresh seafood, fertile farmland and high-quality local produce. Devonport offers an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and casual dining options.

Popular choices include:

  • Mrs Jones

    Contemporary Tasmanian dining with views across the Mersey River.

  • Drift

    Relaxed beachside dining near Mersey Bluff.

  • Mr. Good Guy

    Modern South-East Asian food in a colourful and relaxed setting.

  • Central Restaurant at the Formby Hotel

    Modern Australian dishes, seafood, steaks, pizza and pasta.

  • Elimatta Bistro & Bar

    Family-friendly riverside dining with an extensive menu.

  • Laneway Café

    A popular choice for breakfast, lunch and coffee.

  • Fundamental Espresso

    Specialty coffee, breakfast and light meals in the city centre.

  • Bon Thai

    Traditional Thai dishes and takeaway meals.

  • Prem's Seafood Bar & Grill

    Seafood, steaks and modern Australian favourites.

  • Southern Wild Distillery

    Tasmanian gin tastings and locally inspired drinks.

  • The Distillery Restaurant

    Contemporary dining featuring Tasmanian produce.

  • Verona Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

    Italian-inspired meals, pizza, pasta and wine.

  • Molly Malones

    A relaxed Irish-style pub offering meals and live entertainment.

A short drive from Devonport provides even more opportunities to sample local produce. Visitors can explore Anvers Chocolate, The Truffledore, Spreyton Cider and the farm gates and producers found along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

Opening hours can change, particularly during winter, so checking ahead and booking dinner in advance is recommended.

Places to Stay

Devonport offers accommodation ranging from affordable motels and holiday parks to modern waterfront hotels and self-contained apartments.

Options include:

  • Novotel Devonport

    A modern waterfront hotel in the heart of the city.

  • Gateway Hotel by Nightcap Plus

    Comfortable central accommodation with an onsite restaurant.

  • Waterfront Apartments

    Self-contained accommodation overlooking the Mersey River.

  • Birchwood on the River

    Riverside apartments close to the city centre.

  • The Barclay Motor Inn

    Centrally located rooms and apartments with an indoor swimming pool.

  • Argosy Motor Inn

    Comfortable accommodation and dining in East Devonport.

  • Formby Hotel

    Affordable accommodation close to the city centre and transport connections.

  • Discovery Parks Devonport

    Cabins, caravan sites and camping close to the beach.

  • Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport

    Self-contained cabins near the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.

  • Sunrise Devonport

    Motel accommodation close to Mersey Bluff and the waterfront.

  • Tiny Tom

    Boutique accommodation in the city centre.

  • The Cove Tasmania

    Premium coastal accommodation a short drive west of Devonport.

  • Alice Beside the Sea

    Self-contained waterfront accommodation in East Devonport.

  • Bay View Holiday Village

    Cabins and powered sites overlooking Bass Strait.

Arriving by air

Direct flights operate between Melbourne and Devonport, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Devonport Airport

Located approximately 10 minutes from central Devonport. Airport transfers can be arranged with eGuide.

Arriving by sea

The Spirit of Tasmania sails between Geelong and Devonport. The terminal is located in East Devonport, across the Mersey River from the city centre.

Cradle Mountain

Approximately 90 kilometres or 1 hour and 20 minutes by road.

Sheffield

Approximately 30 minutes away.

Launceston

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

Burnie

Approximately 40 minutes away.

Stanley

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away.

Getting around

The city centre and waterfront are easy to explore on foot. A tour or transfer is recommended for visiting Cradle Mountain and the wider region.

How long to stay

Allow at least two or three nights to explore Devonport and enjoy a day trip into the surrounding countryside.

Weather

Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, so bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket throughout the year.

Restaurant bookings

Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays and during summer.

Shopping

Supermarkets, pharmacies and essential services are conveniently located in and around the city centre.

Visitor information

The Devonport Visitor Information Centre can provide local maps, advice and booking assistance.

Explore Devonport with eGuide

From our Devonport base, eGuide operates award-winning guided tours, private experiences, shore excursions, airport and ferry transfers, and visitor transport throughout Tasmania.

Whether Devonport is your arrival point, your final stop or your base for exploring the region, we can help you discover more of Tasmania in comfort.

Devonport is much more than Tasmania’s ferry gateway. With its beaches, coastal walks, local food, cultural attractions and convenient location, it is a welcoming destination that deserves time in its own right.

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