Australia’s island state, Tasmania lutruwita, offers almost endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, touring, sightseeing, and great food and drink.

This stunningly beautiful, natural place offers an inspiring place to live, work and play, with a climate that guarantees four seasons (sometimes in one day) and invites exploration.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area perhaps sets the tone for what Tassie offers, covering more than 15,000 km² (25% of the state) and incorporating seven national parks including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, Mt Field and the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area qualifies for 7 out of the 10 classification criteria evaluated for World Heritage. Along with Mount Tai in China, it is the highest measurement attained for World Heritage Site status on Earth.  

With that amazing natural backdrop, Tasmania has become a tourist destination; a sporting powerhouse (football, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics, hockey, triathlons, mountain biking, sailing ... and a new AFL team to join the national competition in 2028); a world class producer of wine, whisky, gin, and beer; a home for a wide range of artisans; an emerging centre for technology; location of the renowned Museum of New and Old Art (MONA) and major events including the finish of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the Hobart International Tennis and Dark Mofo, Evandale’s annual Penny Farthing Festival; and a place with unique natural experiences like the Franklin Gordon River Cruise, Tahune Airwalk, Port Arthur Historical site, Bruny Island, penguin viewing ... and more, and more ...

Having made our home in the northern city of Devonport, our suggestions for things to do and places to go will naturally focus initially on the North West of the state, including places like Cradle Mountain (just 90 mins away), the famous mural town of Sheffield 30 mins away enroute to Cradle), Stanley (home of the famous “Nut” and lobster fishing), Arthur River (river cruise, and the “Edge of the World” scenery), Mt Roland (the spectacular mountain backdrop to Devonport), Wynyard (home of the annual Tulip Festival), the ridiculously beautiful Boat Harbour Beach, and many more places and experiences in between.   

So, let’s start in Devonport which is where thousands of people every week disembark the iconic Spirit of Tasmania I and II ships (shortly to be replaced by the new, larger capacity and beautifully appointed Spirits IV and V) after their overnight journey from Geelong. The ships sail every day, bringing passengers plus their cars, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, motorbikes, mountain bikes, and backpacks and hiking boots. One of Tassie’s great attractions is that whether you want to walk, cycle or drive it’s easy to get around. North to South is only about 300km (Devonport to Hobart) and about the same East to West. The North West Coastal Pathway begins in La Trobe, just a few kilometres southeast of Devonport, and extends more than 110 km to Stanley on the northeastern tip of the stage. While there are still a few sections to be joined up, most of the pathway is paved and off highways and roads. In addition, there are rail trails and mountain bike trails across the state, perhaps the most famous being in Derby, about 200 kms east of Devonport.

Devonport boasts two rivers, numerous beaches and a backdrop of farmlands and mountains. It’s not just a place to get off the Spirit (located on the eastern side of the Mersey River, it’s a place to stay, wine & dine, relax, and explore.

In addition to many great B&B properties from cosy cottages, to beachside homes (we recommend www.billiestays.com.au) there are also motels and the 197 room 4-star Novotel in the heart of the city, clifftop accommodation overlooking Bass Strait at The Cove, and the waterfront Mersey Bluff Caravan Park, which must have one of the best locations in all of Australia.

But before you settle into your accommodation, you’ll need coffee and breakfast, brunch or lunch - and you’ve got some great choices. Our waterfront suggestions are:

Drift café at Bluff beach. The place for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch ... all with a spectacular beach view for free. And you can justify your meal with a walk around the bluff to check out the shoreline, wildlife, lighthouse, and views up the western coastline.

Habourmaster café on the river looking across to the Spirit of Tasmania berth at East Devonport

Marion Storm café just across the road from the beach and river, it adjoins the Bass Strait Maritime Museum, great for a snapshot of northern Tasmania’s historical shipping triumphs and tragedies.

Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and café just up the hill from the caravan park on the way to the lighthouse.

And just a few kilometres west of the city and on the way to Penguin, Burnie and Stanley is Atrium café at The Cove, offering spectacular coastal and hinterland views to the west.

In the city centre there are more places to eat and drink. Here are a few favourites:

Verona Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is a warm, friendly, tasty place for dinner.  A great selection of Italian favourites, pizza and excellent local, mainland and international wines, ciders and beer.

Mr Good Guy Asian Kitchen and Bar at the Novotel is always a popular choice (it has a twin in Hobart too).

And Central Bar and Restaurant serves up a great menu of steak, seafood, pizza, pasta and lots of other family fare.

Back at the beach, you’ll find lunch and dinner overlooking Bluff beach at Mrs Jones (upstairs from Drift café), offering contemporary cuisine and an extensive wine list.

And around the corner at The Cove there’s a dinner restaurant called Basalt, offering a curated menu highlighting the pure flavors of local primary produce and coastal foraging.

While you’re in town, stop by The Tasmanian Food & Wine General Store for a coffee, snack and to discover a great selection of quality Tasmanian produce, from whisky and gin, to beer and cider, cheese and chocolate, and much more. It’s a genuine Providore.

Once you’ve spent some time enjoying Devonport you’ll be ready for the next step in your Tasmanian adventure. We’ll have some more suggestions and destinations for you soon ...