Car Rental Devonport Downtown

Sometimes the best holidays start slow and easy, which is especially great if you’re keen to factor in a dose of relaxation from the get-go. Launch your vacation in Northern Tasmania with a laid-back ferry ride across Bass Strait. Set sail from the bustling metropolis of Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania towards the beautiful island of ‘Tassie’, Australia’s southernmost state. This comfortable cruiser with cabins, dining and entertainment docks at Devonport 11 hours later. You can opt for day sailing or an overnight trip. Either way the refreshing sea air will do wonders, and you’ll be recharged and ready to take on downtown Devonport. Just pick up a hire car and let your GPS do the rest. Soon you’ll be exploring this pocket-sized city, tracking down the best spots here and in the area. 

Located at the mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport is the friendly, easy-going home to 25,000 locals. More than just a ferry port, it knows how to show visitors a top time. With a number of charming towns and the World Heritage wilderness of Cradle Mountain just a 90-minute drive away, you might be tempted to pass the attractions here and look further afield. Devonport is, for sure, a smart place to choose as your Northern Tassie base – but if you stick around, you’ll definitely discover some unexpected bonuses here in its backyard. 

Take the time to discover Devonport in your hire car

Moments from downtown, experience Devonport’s lovely coastal surroundings and popular city beaches. Swim or stroll at Mersey Bluff Beach, clamber the rocks, and use the lighthouse as a landmark. This one’s also great for families, with sports grounds, a skate park, sheltered picnic facilities and playgrounds. Recreational reserves, plus cycling and walking tracks wiggling through town, are a nice feature of Devonport. Coles Beach is another local favourite, especially with surfers. From here, jump on board the Don River steam-train to the vintage railway museum, or just throw a shrimp on the barbecue and stay put at the beachfront.

Lillico Beach coastal reserve is only a few minutes’ drive west. A viewing platform is your front row seat to an adorable sight: a whole colony of Fairy Penguins waddling out of the waves, returning to their cosy burrows each evening. While Devonport’s sandy beaches are a perfect place to unwind, they’re also just right if you’re feeling active. While on the river, you can join the locals as they pursue their favourite water sports, including fishing, kayaking, rowing and sailing. 

If you’re more of a spectator, why not make your way to the Bass Strait Maritime Centre and learn about natural history, shipwrecks and steamers, plus tales of Devonport’s seafaring past. While you’re there, splash out and lunch on oysters or Tasmanian salmon on the deck at the Marion Storm Maritime Café. Order an ocean-themed cocktail or stay for high tea. For an afternoon of culture, wander around the waterfront’s galleries and craft shops. Slip into the Paranaple Arts Centre, housing Devonport’s Regional Art Gallery and the Town Hall Theatre. Then, visit the Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum to see ancient petroglyphs carved on rock, and learn about the early life of Australia’s first peoples.

Your hire car makes it easy to feast your way through Northern Tasmania 

The weather is crisp in the Apple Isle, and you’ll be breathing the cleanest air. It’s actually on record – some of the freshest air in the world can officially be had right here! Devonport is at the heart of the Mersey-Forth region where the soils are rich and the pastures are greener. With small growers focussed on fresh produce, there’s always good food in abundance. With a decent range of cafes, pubs and restaurants downtown, you’ll have no trouble finding a bite you like around Devonport.

If cheese, chocolate and berries are more your style, then you’re going to love holidaying here. Harvest your own juicy fruits at The Berry Patch, 10-minutes west in Turners Beach, or just purchase some punnets from the farm shop. Try their famous ice-cream, lunch at the café, or come for Friday’s live music. Pop down to the nearby village of Latrobe, seven-minutes east, and be sent choco-loco at the House of Anvers. This Belgian chocolate factory has an indulgent (yet affordable) breakfast and lunch menu that will sweeten up your vacation big time. Use it as a pitstop on your longer drive to Narawntapu National Park, an Australian wildlife haven half an hour from Devonport. Have your coffee and cake in a lovely old lodge with an open fire. Anvers also houses an antique museum, a tasting centre, and offers free self-guided tours.

Ready for more treats? Water melted from the pure snows of Cradle Mountain helps Devonport’s distilleries, wineries and farms thrive in the area. Let your co-driver take over as you taste the local Devonport drop from various cellar doors. If you’re into gin, then a tour of the Southern Wild Distillery will be right up your alley. Coming soon: make your own Tassie gin with ingredients chosen and distilled by you. Look out for Ghost Rock Wines, 15-minutes from town. Check out their major events, like Concert in the Vines. Grab a tasting platter and soak in the views over the shore, towards Narawntapu. If your holiday seems skewed towards the good life in Devonport, then why not?