Devonport was originally a settlement of two towns named Formby, on the west bank founded in 1853 and Torquay, on the east bank and founded two years previously, both facing each other on the opposite sides of the Mersey River.

Formby only became the dominant town of the area when the railway reached it in 1885, and these towns merged in 1890 to become what we know today as the city of Devonport. The first European settler arrived in 1826 only to be killed by Aboriginals in 1829, thus discouraging settlers from attempting to colonise the area.

Formby had developed port facilities in 1854 due to the timber industry in the Don River Valley and the resulting tramway that linked the area to the small port. A railway replaced the tramway in 1916 in order to haul limestone from Broken Hill Proprietary Company quarries; this operated until 1963 when it closed, and part was reopened in 1971 as a tourist facility. The important industries in the area around the 1850s were ship building, sawmilling and some coalmines.

The Marine Board first met in 1868, and with the arrival of the railway in 1885 the port began to prosper. A lighthouse was built on the Mersey Bluff in 1899 and a bridge was constructed over the river in 1901. Some Aboriginal carvings were discovered at the Mersey Bluff in 1929, and this led to the site being protected and the establishment of the "Tiagarra" Aboriginal Museum in 1972.

A textile mill opened in Devonport in 1953, and the opening of the Terminal for ferries serving Melbourne in 1959 heralded the arrival of Devonport as a major town in Tasmania. Other industries such as paper manufacturing and fruit growing in the south of the district all contribute to Devonport's prosperity today.

Today Devonport is a key air and sea gateway for Tasmania, and the Terminal of the Bass Strait Ferry service is a focal point here.


Museums and Historic Sites

Tiagarra has a collection of unique Aboriginal rock engravings and other Aboriginal artefacts, and an arts and crafts centre located here provides other examples of these beautiful art forms.

The Maritime Museum documents the history of seafarers in the Devonport area from the early days of the pioneers to the present day commercial fleets. A superb collection of maritime models are also on display.

The Don River Railway and Museum features Tasmania's largest collection of steam locomotives and carriages. Visitors may inspect this collection, and ride on an authentic steam train, reliving the hey day of steam travel. There are diesel engines, traction engines and many other exhibits. For further information phone (004) 24 6335. The steam train trips operate every Saturday, Sunday, and Public and School holidays.

Home Hill was once the home of former Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and his wife Dame Enid Lyons. Now managed by the National Trust, the home was built in 1916 by the couple, who lived there until their deaths. Home Hill is open to anyone wishing to see the restored interior and the many mementoes and personal effects of the former occupants.

Mersey Bluff is the site of a lighthouse, constructed in 1889 and affording wonderful views of the ocean and the coastline from a viewing platform. There is also a walking track leading to a cenotaph.

Additionally, there are many aboriginal carvings to be seen in and around the bluff. There is a map available of a walking track through the carvings, and it can be obtained from local tourist centres.

Natural Attractions

The Tasmanian Arboretum is a tree park with an amazing collection of trees and shrubs, both from Tasmania and from around the world. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing dusk stroll through this inspiring park.

The excellent swimming and surfing beaches of Port Sorell and Hawley Beach are a short drive away to the east, while the Bluff has a recreational area and golden sandy beach to occupy visitors. Also a short drive away to the east is the Asbestos Range National Park, which provides a first hand glimpse of Australian flora and fauna in a beautiful setting overlooking Bass Strait.

Other Attractions

The Tascot Templeton carpet factory has free tours for those visitors wishing to see the processes involved in manufacturing quality carpets.

Visit the Australian Weaving Mills and watch the manufacture of Palm Beach towelling products, as well as many examples from the vast and fine range of Dri-Glo and Dickies products.

The Devonport Gallery and Arts Centre has exhibitions of local artists' works, and a craft shop for visitors to browse through.

The Showcase of Devonport is the city display centre open daily with free admission to the public, and includes the Impressions Gallery.

The historic Tasweiga Printery and Arts Centre also has a fine collection of art in all forms for the visitor to enjoy.

Leisure activities aound the town include bicycle hire, greyhound racing, roller skating, bowling and many others.

Scenic flights over the area can be arranged with Bass Flight Services. The main flights on offer are a 30 minute Lake Barrington Tour, a 60 minute Cradle Mountain Tour, an 80 minute 'Wilderness' Tour, and a 3 hour Flinders Island Tour. For further information phone (004) 27 9777.

Tasmanian Wilderness Tours also offer a number of single and multi-day tours from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. For more information, please phone (003) 34 4442.

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