Devonport sits at the mouth of the Mersey River on Tasmania's north-west coast, where the river meets Bass Strait. It's the Tasmanian home port of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, and a compact, walkable base for exploring Tasmania's north-west without needing to stay in Launceston or Hobart.

Where to stay in Devonport

Rooke Street Mall and the CBD is the right pick for first-time visitors. This pedestrian mall is Devonport's main shopping and dining strip, and it's an easy walk to the Mersey River foreshore and the paranaple arts centre. Novotel Devonport sits on the corner of Rooke and Best Street overlooking the river, a short walk from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and Devonport Regional Gallery. Comfort Inn Devonport is a few minutes' walk from the river on a quieter street nearby, a solid mid-range base for a short stopover.

Victoria Parade, along the river, suits couples and anyone after a self-contained stay with water views. Birchwood on the River is a self-catering apartment stay right on the Mersey, a short drive from both the CBD and the ferry terminal.

The heritage precinct, on the high ground above the port, is for travellers who want character over convenience. The Grand On Macfie is a Victorian-era mansion built around 1899, with high ceilings and antique-style furniture in every room, and views over the city and the Spirit of Tasmania port from its hilltop position.

Miandetta and Mersey Bluff, near the river mouth, work well for families and anyone wanting to be close to the coast. Waterfront Apartments are self-catering one- and two-bedroom units on the riverbank, a short drive from the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and the foreshore walking track.

Stony Rise, a few minutes south of the centre, is a quieter, semi-rural option for travellers who don't mind driving in for dinner. Stony Rise Cottage B&B sits on a couple of acres on the edge of town, about six minutes from the ferry terminal and fifteen from the airport.

What is Devonport known for?

Devonport is best known as the Tasmanian end of the Spirit of Tasmania, the overnight ferry that crosses Bass Strait from Geelong, Victoria. The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse marks the river mouth with its distinctive red-striped tower, and the headland around it has a coastal walking track and beach. In the CBD, the paranaple arts centre and Devonport Regional Gallery cover the local arts and culture scene, and Rooke Street Mall is the main shopping strip. A short drive south, the Don River Railway runs vintage steam and diesel trains along the riverbank. Devonport is also a launch point for exploring Tasmania's north-west, with Cradle Mountain, the mural town of Sheffield and Launceston all within day-trip range.

How much is Devonport accommodation?

Devonport's accommodation is generally more affordable than Hobart or Launceston. Budget options are cottages and B&Bs on the edge of town, mid-range covers CBD motels and self-catering apartments, and the top tier is heritage stays and full-service hotels with river or coastal views. Prices shift with the Spirit of Tasmania's sailing schedule, so it's worth booking ahead for nights either side of a ferry crossing.

Getting around Devonport

The CBD is small enough to walk around, and Rooke Street Mall, the river foreshore and most cafes are within a few minutes of each other. A local Metro Tasmania bus service connects the wider town, but a car makes it far easier to reach Mersey Bluff, Stony Rise or the day-trip towns further out. Devonport Airport is about ten minutes from the centre, and the Spirit of Tasmania terminal is a short drive from most CBD accommodation.