With the ferry terminal forming a focal point on the waterfront, it is also an important port and service centre for its surrounding rural districts.

The largest city on Tasmania’s north-west coat, Devonport came about when the two towns of Formby (west bank) and Torquay (east bank) on either side of the Mersey River merged in 1890. Historic buildings in the Devonport area range from workers’ cottages to the stately Home Hill, residence of Australia’s only Tasmanian born Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Lyons.

attractions include:

• Explore the beaches and recreational areas of Coles Beach and Mersey Bluff, one of only 13 places in Tasmania where Aboriginal rock engravings have been found.
• Visit Tiagarra, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural and Arts Centre including more than 250 individual rock engravings, at the Mersey Bluff Headland. Open daily, ph 03 6424 8250, fax 03 6423 2244.
• Take in some local and maritime history at the Maritime Museum in Victoria Parade. Detailed models of sail and steam powered vessels and modern ferries, whaling and fishing exhibits, maps and knots. Open daily except Monday 10am-4.30pm.
• Check out the state’s largest collection of steam locomotives and carriages at the Don River Railway. Diesel trains run Mon-Sat, and a vintage steam train runs Sundays and public holidays.
• Admire the collections of fine and decorative art and craft at the Devonport Gallery and Arts Centre, most being the work of Tasmanian artists and craftspeople. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm, ph 03 6424 8296.
• Visit the National Trust listed Home Hill, home to Tasmania’s only Prime Minister, the late Joseph Lyons and Dame Enid Lyons, first woman member of the House of Representatives. Open Tues-Thurs and weekends, 2-4pm.
• Stroll in the Tasmanian Arboretum, a 45ha tree park of native and exotic species 10km south of Devonport at Eugenana. Open daily.
• Take a tour of the Tascot Templeton Carpet Factory, and the Australian Weaving Mills, manufacturers of Dickies, Dri-Glo and Tara towels.
• Take a scenic flights over Cradle Mountain, Mt Roland and the Western Tiers.
• Go fishing – off the rocks, in the river, and on the ocean.