Posts Tagged ‘Aboriginals’

What IS The Tarkine?

by Carol Haberle

In the 1830’s George Augustus Robinson wrote in his diaries of entering the ‘Tarkine’ in search of the ‘Tarkineer Aboriginal Band’, just one of the Aboriginal tribes who inhabited the western Tasmanian coastline (from the Arthur River to the Pieman River) before European colonisation.  This is the earliest recorded usage of the word ‘Tarkine’.  Rich in Aboriginal culture and history, today we know The Tarkine as a very diverse region.

Views over the Tarkine from Whyte’s Lookout, Waratah, Tasmania

A region that consists of wild, rugged coastlines; cool temperate rainforests; privately owned rich, fertile farmlands; state forests and protected areas.  A 477 000 hectare wilderness in the remote north west of Tasmania.  It covers an area from the Arthur River to the north; the Pieman River to the south; the Murchison Highway to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west.

Tarkineer Aboriginal Band

Along the wild, wind-swept coastline can be found numerous hut depressions found in aboriginal middens, artefact scatters, ceremonial stone arrangements, petroglyph’s, and spongolite (a particular rock used to make stone tools).  All the remains of the sedentary way of life of a band of aborigines who lived along the coastline, hunting seals, land mammals and gathering shellfish.

Mouth of the Arthur River on the edge of the Tarkine: the wild, windswept coastline

Huge sand dunes which extend several kilometres inland and continue to grow, slowly filling forests with sand.  Small fishing villages from where brave fishermen still today test the wild oceans in their small fishing boats.

Tasmanian Rainforest

The Tarkine includes Australia’s largest tract of cool, temperate rainforest, which supports the flora, lichens and fossils that help tell the story of Tasmania’s ancient flora and it’s evolution, showing links to the ancient super-continent of Gondwanaland.  A walk through the cool, green comfort of these rainforests is a delight.

Lichen and fungi on the Tarkine rainforest floor

Soft green mosses, fungi and lichen underfoot; towering manferns; huge old myrtle trees up to 50metres high tower overhead.  Leatherwood and sassafras trees, everything so cool, green and alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else in the world.  It is a home to many threatened and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Global Significance: Settlements, Mountains & Rivers

The Tarkine is also home to globally significant magnesite karsts (landforms characterised by caves and sinkholes), including unique cave and pinnacle formations.  Filled with pioneering heritage, our history is evident in the historical settlements of Temma, Corinna, Balfour, Waratah, Luina and Magnet.

Trowutta Arch ~ an example of a magnesite karst in the Tarkine, Tasmania

From the mountains to the sea, the wild rivers flow through much of the Tarkine.  The Arthur, the Pedder, the Thornton, the Rapid and the Donaldson all flow from mountains through the wilderness of the Tarkine.  The Arthur River is completely wild, never logged, never dammed and free from bushfires for over 650 years.

So often we hear of a place that has outstanding heritage significance.  A place that has both natural and cultural history; a place that is important to science; a place relatively untouched by human activity or a place of extraordinary, pristine beauty…

In Tasmania, we have The Tarkine.  It contains all of the above, and so much more.

The cool, green comfort of the Tarkine Rainforest, Tasmania

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards

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Map: Tarkine Tasmania…

Bruny Island: An Introduction

by Roger Findlay

The isthmus joining north and south Bruny Island

Bruny Island Ferry: Kettering

Bruny Island can be accessed by regular ferry service from Kettering in the Huon Valley region.  Kettering is a comfortable 45 minute drive south of Hobart on the southern outlet via Kingston.  To make the journey a bit more interesting, we usually travel along the coast road through Sandy Bay and Taroona where you may wish to visit to the Shot Tower.

Before you commence your journey, check out the Bruny Island Ferry departure times so that you don’t have to wait for too long.

Take the vehicular ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island

The ferry boat is of drive on-drive off style and the cost for a return trip is between $28 and $42 depending on the season and length of the vehicle.  The good ship Mirambeena sails at a steady pace for twenty minutes before docking at Roberts Point south of Barnes Bay right at the start of the Bruny Island main road.  The crossing can be a bit blowy but I don’t think you need to take tablets for sea sickness!

The vehicle and passenger ferry between Kettering & Bruny Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Isthmus: Memorial to Truganini

Now for those of you that don’t know what an isthmus is, I can tell you!  It is a narrow strip of land between two seas.  Bruny is almost like two islands (north and south) joined by an isthmus just wide enough for the road.  With the sea either side, it makes for a very different drive.  Half way across the isthmus is a lookout and a memorial to Truganini who was born on the island and was married at the island’s mission in 1829.

A memorial to Tasmanian aboriginal Truganini on the isthmus of Bruny Island

Read all about Tasmanian aboriginal Truganini on the isthmus of Bruny Island

Lookout for Bruny Island Residents…

Before we went, I read there are more snakes on Bruny Island than anywhere else in Tasmania.  This didn’t stop us from staying a few days and we’re glad we did as there’s so much to see and do.  The coastal views are breathtaking especially at Kelly’s Lookout.

Breathtaking coastal views abound on Bruny Island

We stayed in a small house in Lunawanna (South Bruny).  It was fairly close to the Cape Bruny lighthouse where we spent time walking the surrounds.  For those interested in history, you can visit the location of Captain James Cook’s 1777 landing at Adventure Bay.

Lighthouse, Cape Bruny (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Bruny Island Foodie Paradise!

For the foodie, Bruny Island is paradise.  I am told the Bruny Island Smokehouse (BISH) is a must.  We chose a cheese platter and fresh baked bread from Nick Haddow’s cheese factory but you may choose to source freshly caught fish or oysters.  The Hotel at Alonnah serves hearty pub food and you can sit outside drinking a cleansing ale right beside the sea.

Bruny Island Hotel at Alonnah, the place for hearty pub food

We’ve been to Bruny Island twice now and it’s a place we would visit again.  Three days on the island makes it worthwhile and reduces the odds of seeing one of those snakes I told you about!

Roger's daughter Carly Findlay enjoys the view over the Bruny Island isthmus

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Map: Bruny Island Tasmania…

Southern Tassie: a Winter Break

by Janette Bishop

This article about a winter break in southern Tassie has been
written for Think Tasmania by Janette Bishop.  She and husband Chris own
Beachside Retreat West Inlet in Stanley in the state’s north west.
Janette could have written about her own backyard; but she chose to share her
holiday experience in the Huon Valley region instead.  And we love that
Tasmanian spirit of networking and co-operation.  So please enjoy!

Luxury Accommodation Hideaway in the Huon

Our first three days were spent at Woodbridge Hill Hideaway, in one of the four eco-friendly cabins perched high on the hillside overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island.  Created artistically from Tasmanian timbers, luxuriously and beautifully furnished, including superb stained glass windows, this accommodation is magnificent.  The views of southern Tassie from the spa bathroom, with sliding windows opening up to the panoramic view below, are amazing.

Woodbridge Hill Hideaway, luxury accommodation in southern Tassie

Every comfort has been thought of; Nespresso coffee machine, generous breakfast provisions, wines to purchase and a large deck with barbecue to cook your own.  The complimentary WiFi was appreciated.  Best of all was the beautifully built, enormous, well heated indoor pool, which you can book all to yourselves.  It had of course, the usual magnificent panoramic view, which we were getting quite used to by now and swimming 10 to 12 lengths of the pool a day, was a lovely way to hopefully shed some excess kilos.

A winter break in the Huon Valley in southern Tassie at Woodbridge Hill Hideaway

We finally dragged ourselves away from the views and spent a little time exploring southern Tassie: Kettering and Oyster Cove.  We were amazed at the sheltered marina, absolutely packed with luxury yachts and craft of all shapes and sizes.  This is definitely the place to go, if you are looking for a mooring or boat to purchase.  I hastily moved on my better half; he was fairly drooling.

Winter break: Oyster Cove Marina, Kettering in southern Tasmania

We regretfully left this lovely hideaway and our amiable hosts, Fintan and Ruth.

• HOT TIP: Book via the online system on their website, as the owners
  lead very busy lives and are hard to track down.  Take your bathers.

Bruny Island: a Highlight of Southern Tassie

The 15 minute ferry ride from Kettering to Bruny Island was a pleasant experience, departing approximately every hour and costing $28 return for a vehicle and two passengers.  The southern Tassie island has a rich history, spectacular landscapes and delicious produce and was formerly inhabited by the Nuenanne band of Aboriginals for thousands of years prior to Abel Tasman arriving in 1773.  The last full-blood aboriginal Trugannini was also born here in 1803.

Leaving the ferry we passed a smokehouse and cheese factory, where we were looking forward to tasting the local delicacies, but unfortunately they were both closed during August; a reason to return.  The penguin rookery and lookout at the Neck, with it’s spectacular view was our next stop.  We did not linger, as we were expected at our next destination and did not want to keep our hosts waiting.  We passed through the small towns of Alonnah and Lunawanna on our way to Labillardiere Estate, on Lighthouse Road.

The Bruny Island Ferry transports cars and passengers to and from Kettering

As this is a private, gated 1500 acre wildlife property, arrangements were made for the electronic gate to be unlocked and our hostess Allegra Biggs Dale was waiting.  Our home for the next three days was Chez Discovery, a solar and diesel generated, environmentally sensitive abode, set in a clearing with views to Great Taylor’s Bay and D’Entrecasteaux Channel.  Two bedrooms, a spacious lounge and well equipped kitchen with gas cooker, laundry and modern bathroom more than supplied our needs.  Breakfast can be provided.

Chez Discovery (Labillardiere Estate) on Bruny Island in southern Tassie

Allegra and husband Adrian have lived at Labillardiere for 20 years, after foregoing exciting places like the Middle East, Maldives and Asia.  They are delightful people and will proudly show you the natural features of their property; the birds, forests, wetlands and of course the petit orchids, of which Allegra now has a book to her name.  Adrian’s hobby is his seven metre amphibious craft, ‘Aquila’ Sealegs, which is in full survey and available for tours for up to six passengers.

Allegra & Adrian from Labillardiere Estate on Bruny Island with their Aquila

Allegra with Adrian's hobby: Aquila Sealegs, Bruny Island in southern Tassie

Regretfully, the windy conditions were not conducive to either a trip in Aquila or the Bruny Island Cruise, so we made the decision to revisit Chez Discovery and Bruny Island in the autumn, when hopefully the weather will be more favourable. A pleasant stay with interesting hosts.

• HOT TIP: Let Allegra know your arrival time for scheduled entry
  via the electronic gate and take plenty of provisions with you.
  Internet connection is available.

Back to Basics for a Winter Break

We disembarked Bruny the same way as we came and spent a leisurely morning driving onto our next winter break destination, Huon Bush Retreats, stocking up on food, en route.  The roads were very quiet and we only passed one hire car with tourists, all morning.  The retreat is situated in an extensive private habitat reserve, at the end of a narrow, steep, winding, 4km gravel road and has a range of self contained cabins, tipees and campsites.

Our compact studio cabin, had a small kitchen/dining space, lounge and sleeping area, bathroom with shower and a composting toilet.  It was basically furnished, had 12 volt electricity and no TV or mobile phone coverage.  If urgent, we could have recharged our computer at reception, but decided to wait.  The surrounding bush was alive with wildlife which would enter your cabin uninvited, if a door was unintentionally left open.

The bush is alive with wildlife in southern Tassie (Photo by Dan Fellow)

We decided to visit Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay the following morning, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The rain clouds cleared to shafts of sunlight, as we walked to the waters edge at the Whale Sculpture; a pod of dolphins appearing momentarily in the bay.  Pure magic and well worth the trip, over a sometimes waterlogged track.  Thank goodness for the Land Rover Defender; it was reassuring to know that we were not likely to get bogged!

• HOT TIP: Attempt the steep mountain road before dusk.
  Make sure your computer/shaver etc., are fully charged.

Recherche Bay, one of the most southern Tassie places you can visit

A wonderful, well-written article about southern Tassie, and we’re very pleased Janette decided to share with us.  Choosing to holiday-at-home proved beneficial for the Bishops, too.  After their winter break, they returned to the Beachside Retreat West Inlet in Stanley without any sign of a winter “mainland flu”.  Refreshed and devoid of any travel-related stresses, they have a renewed appreciation for southern Tassie after a 20-year break between visits.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

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Map: Southern Tassie…

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is one of those places we’ve been meaning to visit for ages.  Sometimes we overlook the popular attractions in Hobart, knowing they’ll be there next time.  With so many annual events and road trips to consider, the schedule always seems to be full.

But that’s just not good enough!  So we decided to revamp our to-do list, and moved this one up the order.  And we’re very glad we did…

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is in Argyle Street, Hobart

Maritime Museum of Tasmania: on Deck in Hobart

You don’t even have to venture from the heart of Hobart to find the Maritime Museum.  Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, Constitution Dock, Elizabeth Street Pier, Sullivans Cove, Franklin Wharf: they all surround the Argyle St Carnegie Building.

Perfect location for boat-lovers, obviously.  Tours from the Maritime Museum of Tasmania include a guided walk around the port.  The May Queen, an 1867 trading ketch, is moored at the docks.  The museum’s floating exhibit is sometimes open for inspection during the warmer months, but is easily visible from the street.

The May Queen, floating exhibit, Maritime Museum of Tasmania

Nautical Community Effort

After years of lobbying, nautical enthusiasts saw the first version of the Maritime Museum opened in Battery Point in 1973.  Through a series of upgrades, the current site was officially opened in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II as the major attraction and community resource we see today.

Evolving: museum from the concerted efforts of the nautical community

The collection housed in the building is astounding, and much more elaborate than we’d envisaged.  Photographs and paintings line the walls, depicting all forms of maritime activity from Tasmania’s history.  Many of the displays have evolved from donations.  Our investigation took a lot longer than the hour we’d anticipated.  A lighthouse lens from Goose Island welcomes visitors inside the main entrance, and that alone is quite mesmerising.

Goose Island lighthouse lens, a nautical welcome!

Whale Hunting in Tasmania

Another exhibit we found fascinating, was the section on whaling in the Derwent River.  There’s even old footage of a whale hunt in progress.  The whalers row a comparatively tiny boat yet still manage to secure one of the massive whales.  Prized for the production of oil from the whale blubber, and just like the convict settlement in the state, this part of Tasmanian history is quite disturbing.

But the Maritime Museum has managed to incorporate the reality of the past, with the present-day protection of whales by organisations including Sea Shepherd.  The quote from their mural, Thar She Blows… there is no employment more hazardous, more labourious, more disgusting, than whaling… probably sums up the general consensus.

The history of whale hunting in Tasmania

Petrel Shipwreck and Hope Beach

Shipwrecks also make for interesting subjects.  There’s a large piece of timber on show, found at Hope Beach on the South Arm Peninsula in 2006.  Detailed archaeological research revealed the timber, a north-eastern Tasmanian silver-top ash, came from the stem and keel of the Petrel bow.

Timber from the shipwreck Petrel, washed ashore in 2006

The 195 ton barque Petrel was built in shipyards at Gravelly Beach on the Tamar River in 1847.  During a trading voyage between Hobart Town and Port Arthur in 1853, the vessel apparently ran into trouble near the Iron Pot lighthouse.  Some of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Petrel was solved when the wreckage washed ashore during a storm… after 153 years lost at sea!

Maritime Museum of Tasmania: Features

There’s too many features to list in a single article.  If you’re a fan of model boats, the Maritime Museum of Tasmania is definitely the place for you. There’s stacks of them, from all vintages and cultures.  Kids (young and old) will enjoy the chance to ring a bell or two, and look through the telescope out towards Victoria Dock.  And what would a nautical theme be without a few masthead figures and models, or an awesome diving ensemble?

Nautical artifacts at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania

Everywhere you look, there’s reminders of the progression maritime travel has made over the years.  There’s a wooden boat given to a bride as a wedding present in 1871!  Strange enough present, but more so because her own betrothed was the founder of a ship-building firm.  Wonder why she didn’t just use one of his boats when she rowed the seven miles from Port Cygnet to Surveyors Beach?

Ropes, knots, canons, boats: all things nautical in Tasmania!

You can also check out

• images of an early version of the Spirit of Tasmania
• samples of knots tied by shippies everywhere
• navigational instruments including a revolving scanner
• boating facts and figures from the navy
• an aboriginal bark canoe
• the SS Rosny, the eastern-shore ferry in the pre-Tasman Bridge days

You might want to take home a reminder of your visit to the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.  That’s an option!  You’ll pass a couple of smaller rooms as you complete your journey, one with maps and one with books.  Those for sale include stories about the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and Jessica Watson‘s round-the-world adventure on Pink Lady.

Nautical gift shop, maps and books about boats!

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is located on the corner of
Davey and Argyle Streets in Hobart.  They’re open daily from
9am to 5pm;  admission is $7 per adult and $16 per family.
Children 12 and under are free.

Map of Maritime Museum of Tasmania…

Agfest is an agricultural event held over three days in Carrick (near Launceston) in northern Tasmania.  2011 was the 29th annual Agfest field days organised by Rural Youth, and if you haven’t been before, you might want to mark your diary for next May.  Here’s a recap of our visit…

Agfest Field Days: held early May each year in Carrick, Tasmania

Agfest… What to Expect?

Obviously the event dictates a country theme.  There’s work boots and tractors; farm animals and engines; tools and sheds.  Lee Kernaghan even performed in the Central Arena this year.  But the 65,000 people attending were offered a large range of experiences for their $13-00 entrance fee.

Crowds flock to Agfest each year for the field days

Farm Animals

If you’ve never seen a sheep dog working a mob of three unruly sheep, you might be surprised by the intensity.  With their masters doing the barking (of orders), the dogs are either herding at full pelt, or inching along behind the heels of the sheep, practically daring them to make a wrong move.

The dogs clearly love their work and their handlers, and they’re amazing to watch in action.  The equine arena also had a full schedule of action, with the Tas Arab’s costume display a popular show.  There was a Clydesdale horse pulling a cart, with some children lucky enough to score a ride.

Farm animals & sheep dog trials: popular attractions at Agfest

Farmers Equipment

Farmers attending Agfest have the luxury of comparing and choosing equipment and vehicles all from the one site.  Sellers are encouraged to offer special field day prices; which can mean huge savings for anyone in the market for a tractor, say.

Many, many farm tractors on offer at Agfest

Tasmanian farmers also have the chance to meet interstate business owners, who are given the opportunity to apply for a stall each year.  Shane and Linda Longbottom of Tatiara Industrial Repairs came all the way from Bordertown in South Australia with a display of their custom made rollers.

Shane of Tatiara Industrial Repairs from South Australia: at Agfest

Craft Sheds & Retail Avenues

Looking for a little retail therapy?  Have no fear, Agfest gives you a multitude of opportunities to spend your money.  With Mothers Day looming, the five huge craft sheds were filled with present options, ranging from garden ornaments right through to teddies.

Aboriginal inspired boomerangs; camping and boating goods; arts, crafts and designs of all shapes and sizes.  There was even a bathroom in a box!  That looked liked a fantastic innovation, and plenty of patrons were inspecting the demo models.

Five massive craft sheds dominate one corner of the Agfest site

Lunch at the Agfest Field Days

With just exhibitors alone, the lunch brigade would’ve been kept busy.  Three long days spruiking your wares to so many customers… lots of coffee required, I would imagine!  Caterers were spread out around the site and dotted at street junctions.  Some vendors just couldn’t keep up with demand…

Uncle John sold out of licorice at Agfest!!

The Unique Tastes Pavilion was a mini version of the Taste of Tasmania festival held in Hobart during the summer holidays.  We chose a tasting plate from Salsa Tapas Wine Bar for our first lunch: mushrooms with marscarpone, fried potatoes, pumpkin and bacon mash with chicken tenderloins.  Yum!  That was followed by the daintiest raspberry cheesecake from Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.  A delightful bite.

The trophy for the longest queue of the day (even surpassing the ladies toilets!) was won by Frank and Nicky from Betta Milk.  Parked outside the dairy expo, the duo were posing for photographs with their adoring fans.  I think they’re funny… but not funny enough to queue for that long!

Frank and Nicky from Betta Milk make an appearance at Agfest

Agfest Entertainment

Aside from the feature arena performances and demonstrations, there were other exhibitors offering entertainment to the crowds.  The navy reserve for instance, had a diver in a tank playing noughts and crosses with kids on the outside.

The navy reserve had a diver on display at Agfest

There was also a fashion parade in one of the craft sheds,  complete with spot lights and smoke machine.  High school students compete in the Agfest Artwear competition, with models wearing garments constructed from agricultural material.  One fetching dress was made from rubber gloves used by cattle farmers, and another was chicken feed bags held together with binding twine.  An interesting concept;  not sure if the fashion world is quite ready for that one!

Agricultural Artwear: high school fashion parade & competition

Hardly in the free category at $50 a ride, but the helicopter pilots were kept busy all day taking joy flights over the Carrick region.  Up and away and back again in about five minutes, the aviation company had a very hectic flight schedule, running more than one helicopter to keep up with demand.

Helicopter joy flights over the farmland around Carrick from Agfest

With 2012 marking 30 years, the Rural Youth committee and volunteers
are sure to bring something extra special to the table next year.
Might even have to mark Agfest in the Think Tasmania diary again!

Map of Carrick Tasmania…

Trevallyn Dam, Lake & Nature Recreation Area

Trevallyn Dam: a tranquil place to enjoy a quiet picnic or a gentle kayak in the adjacent Lake Trevallyn.  Right?  Usually, that would be right.  But contemplating a paddle anywhere near the dam wall during recent floods would’ve been crazy!

South Esk River waters flood over the Trevallyn Dam wall

Trevallyn Dam Power System

Trevallyn Dam, about 5kms from the CBD of Launceston: a city in northern Tasmania and the capital of the Tamar Valley region.   The South Esk River flows through the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area, and has been dammed as part of the Trevallyn Power Development.

Waters sourced from high in the Great Western Tiers (from Arthurs Lake, Lake Augusta and Great Lake) pass through the central Poatina Station and then continue via the Trevallyn system to the Cataract Gorge; then out to sea via the Tamar River.

The Hydro power system on show at the Trevallyn Dam

Lake Trevallyn and Floods… of People

After very heavy rains at the end of March, the Trevallyn Dam wall turned into a tourist attraction, with massive flood waters spilling over.  The powerful South Esk River surging over the dam wall was quite a sight, and the residents of Launceston were out in force to witness the occasion.

A flood... of tourists at the Trevallyn Dam!

The Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area is well-used by locals all year round.  Cable hang-gliding, bush-walking, water-skiing, windsurfing… or just an encounter with local ducks or a resident wombat on the list of activities.  Wildlife has been respected in the creation of the Hydro Dam, with ladders provided for migrating eels to negotiate the wall.  I won’t be swimming in that lake anytime soon!!

Eels (elvers) migrate to Lake Travellyn via ladders in the dam wall

Barbecue facilities are provided for extended day-trips, handy for the clubs and associations organising commercial and sporting events.  Orienteering, horse-riding, rock climbing and archery enthusiasts utilise the 440 hectare reserve while Lake Trevallyn offers a venue for aquatic pursuits (eels notwithstanding!).

Reserving the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area

According to the Parks and Wildlife Service, the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area has the potential to attract a greater number of tourists in the future.  While acknowledging that more visitors would benefit local business operators, they also declare that tourism is secondary to local community needs.  I’m guessing the ice-cream salesman would be happy to welcome a crowd of tourists any time… and not just when the Trevallyn Dam is creating a spectacle!

Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area during the flood spectacle

Interesting facts about the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area…

• Aboriginal cultural heritage sites
• 26 threatened flora species and five threatened fauna species
• shared boundaries, Cataract Gorge Reserve (Launceston City Council)
• weed invasion, soil erosion and exotic animals (including domestic cats)… could threaten the future value of the area

Map of Trevallyn Dam, Tasmania

Devonport Tasmania issues a welcome to passengers arriving at the Apple Isle via ferry, travelling from Melbourne in Victoria across Bass Strait.

But Devonport is so much more than a docking station for the Spirit of Tasmania boats.  We set out to discover more about the city of Devonport in Tasmania’s North West Coast tourism zone.

The Spirit of Tasmania rests overnight in Devonport

Devonport Tasmania – You’re Welcome!

You’re Welcome is the town’s tourism slogan, and that definitely applies at the Visitor Information Centre.  The council owned and operated travel agency is located in Formby Road (across the Mersey River from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal).  Open seven days and stocking a good range of brochures, the Centre is a sensible place to start your exploration of the region.

The Tourist Information Centre in Devonport, Tasmania

Maritime Museum

Built in the 1920′s, the former home of the harbour master is now home to a collection of maritime memorabilia.  Boasting all the bells and whistles associated with ships and navigation, the museum faces Bluff Road.  Nearby you will also find the town’s controversial bronze sculpture, Spirit of the Sea .

Maritime Museum, Gloucester Ave, Devonport Tasmania

Mersey Bluff

Looking to walk or ride in Devonport?  Tasmania has a range of fitness challenges, but the river foreshore offers a gentle option.  From the city centre, you can stroll or pedal around the Mersey Bluff past sculptures and lookouts to the lighthouse.  Take your camera to capture river and coastal views; interesting historical features; the blowhole and even aboriginal rock carvings.

The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse in Devonport Tasmania

Don River Railway

This tourist attraction is operated by a bevvy of volunteers and is located at Don (a suburb of Devonport).   The special feature is a train journey running through a bushland reserve along the Don River towards Mersey Bluff.   The ride takes 1/2 an hour but entrance fees include access to everything at the site.  A railway-focused museum is housed in the station building;  there’s a signal station, a workshop and an abundance of trains in the yard.

Don River Railway: Devonport tourist attraction highlight

We have published a separate article with more images…
Don River Railway

Pandemonium

Here’s one for the kids: the Devonport Discovery and Adventure Centre!  Incorporating the Imaginarium Science Centre with laser skirmish, rock climbing and jungle gyms for the younger age group.  The science section hosts travelling exhibitions and boasts hands-on exhibits and displays.  Pendemonium reigns from Tuesday to Sunday (open Mondays for public and school holidays).

Pendemonium in Devonport! Imaginarium Science Centre

Home Hill

Perhaps you’re looking for a little political history during your Tasmanian tour.  What about a visit to the home of a former Tasmanian Government Premier and Prime Minister, now a National Trust property?  Joseph Lyons and his wife Enid built this stunning weatherboard home in Devonport in 1916.  The house is still furnished with the Lyon family’s original belongings and is open to the public.

Home Hill: home of Tasmania's only Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons

Antique Emporium

Shopping for souvenirs before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania?  No ordinary antique shop, the Antique Emporium is aptly named and found on Formby Road not far from the Visitor Information Centre.  The huge shed houses a bizarre range of wares arranged over several levels.  They sell books, furniture, giftware, garden products… even lollies and jams.  And then there’s the pirate ship!

The Antique Emporium: Formby Road, Devonport Tasmania

Australian Weaving Mills

Factory outlet is an over-used term these days, but you can still find a genuine version in Tasman Street, Devonport.  Tasmanian bargains from the retail shop include Dickies, Esprit and Dri-Glo products.  The outlet is open to the public from Monday to Friday (9.30 – 3.00) and again on Saturday mornings (9.00 until 12.00).

Devonport Tasmania: Australian Weaving Mills factory outlet

Regional Art Gallery

The gallery collections are displayed in a former Baptist Church, built in 1904.  The amazing building in Stewart Street (near the Devonport shopping mall) was formerly the town library.  Now refurbished, the fine and decorative art gallery shows predominately Tasmanian-made work and is open at least four hours every day.

Devonport Regional Gallery

Other Towns near Devonport Tasmania

Within easy driving proximity of Devonport, other Tasmanian towns are waiting to be discovered.  Latrobe is to the south, an excellent heritage town boasting fine buildings, parklands and tourist attractions.  Port Sorell lies to the east and is a small seaside community with lovely, sheltered beaches.  Also within striking distance are Sheffield (the Town of Murals) and the coastal holiday hub of Ulverstone.

Port Sorell: beach community near Devonport in Tasmania's north

Touring Supplies for Spirit Arrivals

Devonport seems to have more shops, services and accommodation than most cities of this size.  With a residential population of 25,000+, Devonport is also the regional headquarters for a large rural community.  Tourists arriving in Tasmania via the Spirit or the local airport, can purchase the majority of standard supplies from

• the supermarket-based shopping centre in Best Street
• the shopping strip in William Street
• the Rooke Street Mall

Rooke Street shopping mall, Devonport Tasmania

Gourmet Food

The farms around Devonport Tasmania are sometimes referred to as Australia’s market garden.  Producing an estimated 40% of Tasmanian vegetables, crops include potatoes, onions, peas, carrots and beans.  Keen to sample some of the local delights (think seafood, beef, cheese, chocolate, wine, beer…) we tried to find a business called Gourmet to Go, which was supposed to be located in Oldaker Street (according to the obviously outdated brochure!!).

Capsicum from Lillico (near Devonport) Tasmania

Anyway, we’ll return that mission (eat and drink) to our list of things to do, for the next time we visit Devonport Tasmania.  And there WILL be a next time!

Map: Devonport Tasmania…