Devonport: That’s the Spirit!

May 27th, 2010 |

Author: Tania Horne

Arriving in Devonport Tasmania

Devonport, a coastal shipping port in Tasmania’s north, offers up a surprise or two.

Spirit of Tasmania arriving in Devonport

Devonport and the Spirit of Tasmania

My first encounter was very fleeting: arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania in the wee small hours of the morning before exiting via the main highway towards Launceston, about an hour’s drive away. The town was still in darkness and the inside of the quarantine shed was about the extent of any sightseeing.

In my defence, there was a pressing engagement at a house sit at Geeveston in the Huon Valley, (so the other end of the island) and time was limited. But since then, I’ve started to make amends… Vehicle and passenger ferries named Spirit of Tasmania cross Bass Strait daily, sometimes even twice, between Melbourne on the mainland and Devonport in Tasmania. It is a leisurely alternative to flying and a convenient way to bring your own wheels and lots of extra luggage.

The authorities have made the most of their town’s attraction with perfectly placed viewing and photography platforms on the Mersey River. While taking photos of the Spirit docking, I couldn’t help but be amused by the passengers all waving madly – obviously they were happy to arrive. Hopefully this was a sign they were keen to start their holidays, and not that the seas had been too rough and they were glad to arrive one piece!!

Melbourne to Devonport

Latrobe and the House of Anvers

About 10 minutes from Devonport along the Bass Highway is the small township of Latrobe, home to the House of Anvers. Housed in a Californian bungalow with lovely garden surrounds, the boutique Belgian chocolate factory has an adjoining cafe. My visit happened to coincide with Mothers Day, and the place was packed. Next time (well, any decent chocoholic would return for a follow up taste test), I will make it a week-day so the factory is operational. The static displays are fascinating, and I can definitely recommend the product. Yes I did taste, but all in the name of research, of course!

House of Anvers near Devonport (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Devonport and Mersey Bluff

The extensive recreational precinct at Mersey Bluff includes a large tennis complex offering great facilities; and there seemed to be hundreds of children involved in soccer and football on the adjacent fields. The whole area gave the impression of a council with excellent planning and community pride – there was just a really nice vibe about the whole town. For anyone interested in lighthouses, there is a very impressive version at the top of the cliff facing Bass Strait.

Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Devonport

Penguin Tasmania

Exploring some of the surrounding townships from this home base is easy. The coastal drive between Devonport and Penguin is brilliant: it is Tasmania: what would you expect? And the family-oriented attractions partway at Ulverstone foreshore included pedal buggies, a wicked playground and a water slide. Keep the kids happy on the drive, always a good thing!

Penguin Tasmania, North West Coast (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Penguin community gardening project on the foreshore is quite inspiring. And if you feel the need for an inflated monument, there is a big penguin – apparently one of the most photographed statues in the state… so I add to that statistic with my snap.

Yep, The Big Penguin in Tasmania

Penguin Tasmania is the home of former Melbourne Demons AFL legend, Russell Robertson. Thanks to Kylie Makin for this photo of Robbo, with her son Lachie.

Robbo!! Photo by Kylie Makin

Nothing else puts a town on the map like a superstar, although… the local colony of furry namesakes might have something to say about that?

What else is there to know about Devonport?

you can view penguins in the wild, free of charge, nearby
(another Tasmanian wildlife encounter)
there’s the Imaginarium Science Centre
the Penguin market is very highly regarded
Devonport was the marital home of Joseph Lyons and his wife
Dame Enid Lyons
and the Australian Weaving Mills Factory Outlet

But then who needs more incentive to visit Devonport?
Did I mention delectable chocolates…?

Selection of Anvers Chocolates (photo by Dan Fellow)

Devonport Cabin Accommodation

A day-trip may not be sufficient to uncover all the delights, edible or otherwise, of the area. Think Tasmania paid for a cabin in East Devonport, which turned out to be exceptional value, very clean and had all the essentials for anyone travelling with a family.

think-tasmania.com