| Devonport
- Devonport is a busy port for agricultural and industrial
exports and terminal for the vehicular ferry Spirit of Tasmania
which crosses Bass Strait from Melbourne. The town has its own
airport and is an ideal base for seeing northern Tasmania. In
town: Tiagarra, Tasmanian Aboriginal Culture and Art Centre,
Bluft Rd, Mersey Bluff; 1-km circuit walk to Aboriginal rock
engravings. Devonport Gallery and Arts Centre in historic church,
Stewart St. Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society
Victoria Pde; model ships and history room. National Trust-classified
Home Hill, Middle Rd, home of former Prime Minister Joseph Lyons
and Dame Enid Lyons (check times). Scenic flights. Jan.: Devonport
Cup. Feb.: St George Triathlon. Mat: Taste the Harvest Festival;
Apex Regatta. Oct.: Classic Challenge Motorsport Event. Dec.:
Melbourne-Devonport Tacht Race. In the area: Tasmanian Trail,
477-km Dover Devonport trail for walkers, horseriders and mountain-bikers.
Walking and cycling track from town to Don, 7 km w, via Mersey
Bluff lighthouse, for excellent views. At Don: Don River Railway
and Museum; vintage trains (Mon-Sat.), steam trains (Sun., public
holidays). Braddon’s Lookout, further 9 km w near Forth, has
panoramic view of coastline. At Eugenana, 10 km 5: Tasmanian
Arboretum (45 ha); walking tracks; picnic area. Visitor information:
Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Devon-port Showcase,
5 Best St; (03) 6424 4466. Web site www.devonport.tco.asn.au |
