Devonport, Tasmania

Devonport (/ˈdɛvənpɔːrt/ DEV-ən-port; pirinilaplu/palawa kani: Limilinaturi) is a port city situated at the mouth of the Mersey River on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. Positioned 47 kilometres (29 mi) east of Burnie and 98 kilometres (61 mi) north of Launceston, its harbour manages over half of Tasmania's imports and exports, standing as the busiest freight port on the island. Devonport also plays a central role in Tasmania's trade sector, supporting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The City of Devonport's gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at $3.5b in 2023.
The city is home to the Spirit of Tasmania's passenger terminal, facilitating roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry operations connecting mainland Australia and Tasmania since July 1985. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Port of Devonport welcomed over 450,000 passengers. The completion of the $240m Quaylink project is expected to increase this capacity by an additional 160,000 passengers annually.
Devonport was established in 1893 through the amalgamation of the 1850s settlements of Torquay on the east bank and Formby on the west bank of the Mersey River. The township became a municipality in 1907 and was designated a city by Prince Charles on 21 April 1981. Devonport holds the status of Tasmania's third-largest city, with an urban population of 26,150 at the 2021 Australian census, encompassing a total of 48,293 residents living within the greater statistical area.
Despite its relatively small size, Devonport has facilitated business for many pioneering industries that achieved notable success on a national scale. Circa 1901, the Finlayson family foundry, known for its innovation, engineered what is believed to be the first steam car in the southern hemisphere. Similarly, family members of shipping company Holyman & Sons played a pivotal role in establishing the first airline connecting Bass Strait in 1934 as Holyman Airway's, which eventually evolved into Australian National Airways and subsequently merged with Ansett.
Devonport holds a significant place in Australian political history as the home town of both Joseph Lyons, the tenth Prime Minister of Australia, and his wife, Dame Enid Lyons. Dame Enid made history as the first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in the federal cabinet. Enid lived at the family residence, "Home Hill" until her death in 1981. Recognised for its historical significance, Home Hill has become a popular tourist destination and is registered with the National Trust of Australia.
The history of Devonport is rooted in its indigenous heritage and shaped by European settlement, economic developments and transportation infrastructure.
The pirinilaplu, or Punnilerpanner peoples, along with other indigenous groups such as the Pallittorre and Noeteeler, are the original inhabitants of the Tommeginne territory, encompassing Devonport and the northern Tasmanian region. Their cultural heritage and enduring ties to the land have profoundly influenced the identity of the region. Through their traditions and resilience, they continue to play a vital role in shaping the fabric of Devonport and its surrounding areas.
Exploration of the Mersey River was undertaken in 1823, however initial observations by the British were unfavourable. Following the arrival of the Van Diemen's Land Company in 1826, the district underwent further exploration and surveying. Settlers commenced arriving later in the same year. Indigenous resistance to settlement was evident, leading to the killing of Captain Bartholomew Boyle Thomas on 31 August 1831.
The first European settlement in the Devonport region, predating 1850, was established on a block of land at Frogmore, near present-day Latrobe. It was a modest beginning that set the stage for future developments.
In 1850, the arrival of a settler named Oldaker marked the establishment of present-day Devonport. Saw milling and coal mining gained momentum with the arrival of English settlers aboard the sailing ship Balmoral in 1854. During the 1850s, twin settlements, Formby and Torquay, emerged on opposite banks at the mouth of the Mersey River. Torquay, the larger of the two, thrived with various amenities, including police, post offices, magistrate services, hotels, shipyards, and stores. A river ferry service connected Formby and Torquay.
Between 1870 and 1880, the shipping industry experienced growth, leading to efforts to deepen the mouth of the river. This development facilitated the commencement of regular steamer services between the Mersey and Melbourne.
In 1882, the construction of the Marine Board building, which still stands today, became a notable landmark. The completion of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse in 1889 enhanced maritime safety in the region. The turn of the century witnessed significant changes, especially with the railway's impact on the Formby community. The railway combined a railhead and port facilities, leading to a building boom in Formby.
In 1890, a public vote united Torquay and Formby, officially forming the town of Devonport. The opening of the Victoria Bridge in 1902 provided a crucial land transport link between Devonport and East Devonport, fostering further connectivity.
During this period, the Melrose-Eugenana region's limestone deposits played a vital role in supporting industrial activities. Limestone quarries supplied smelters of BHP, and in 1916, the government rebuilt the old Don Railway to transport limestone from Melrose to the Devonport wharves, further facilitating industrial growth.
In 1924, the Victoria Bridge faced a setback when it collapsed due to continuous boring by Teredo worms. Despite this, there were no casualties, and the bridge underwent partial reconstruction and strengthening, showcasing the resilience of the community in the face of challenges.
Goliath Cement, now known as Cement Australia, traces its origins back to the Tasmanian Cement Company in 1923. Supercharged by abundant limestone deposits and Railton's proximity to shipping outlets, the company pioneered advancements such as the development of bulk cement transportation by sea and boasted the first fully automatic mill in Australia. The Railton facility, significant for its role in supplying cement for iconic projects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, also produced asbestos products from 1947 to 1986, resulting in the company addressing compensation settlements to 3,000 workers who were exposed to asbestos in 2010.
The 1930s brought notable advancements in transportation with the introduction of the motor car. Street sealing projects progressed, main roads were improved, and goods could move more efficiently. Constructed by Hansen Yuncken, Ovaltine opened its second-largest factory in Devonport to facilitate the demands of the Australasian and Southeast Asian markets in 1943.
The 1950s witnessed prosperity and expansion as Devonport attracted many secondary industries, leading to the growth of transport and service sectors, businesses, and a steadily increasing population. In 1952, the opening of the aerodrome at Pardoe marked a new era in air travel, with regular airline services connecting Devonport and Melbourne.
The establishment of the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminal at East Devonport in 1959 further enhanced transportation capabilities, with the Princess of Tasmania ferry service commencing operations. The Princess of Tasmania service, popularised for its innovative 'sea road' concept, facilitated vehicle travel between Victoria and Tasmania, responding to the growing demand from tourists who sought independent car exploration. Carrying 100 vehicles and over 300 people, the Princess of Tasmania boasted the world's longest RORO service covering 230 nautical miles (430 km; 260 mi) and contributing significantly to Tasmania's appeal as a tourist destination. The ferry's roll-on, roll-off feature set a global standard in maritime transportation.
The following two decades witnessed the town's residential area expanding west across the ridge into the Don Valley, north along the heights of Coles Beach, and south on both sides of the river. Devonport, during these years, emerged as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Australia.
In 1973, a new concrete bridge replaced the old, battered Victoria Bridge, providing improved infrastructure with the Bass Highway passing directly through Devonport. The city's prosperity continued well into the 1990s, with the port remaining its lifeblood, sustained by the contributions of farming and manufacturing industries.
Devonport achieved city status on 21 April 1981, proclaimed by Prince Charles in a ceremony held on the Devonport Oval.
From 1983-1984, the Devonport Warriors competed in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Warriors were forced to exit the NBL after the league announced it would be culled to 14 teams by 1985. The club never experienced financial hardship, and although the Warriors only won four games in 1984, ten of its losses had been by ten points or less.
Opening in 2001, the Pandemonium Discovery & Adventure was the North West Coast's largest indoor entertainment venue. Featuring an indoor play area, rock climbing, laser skirmish, skate ramp, and diverse science-focused exhibits, the centre catered to all ages, promoting health through active participation and recreation. The Imaginarium Science Centre located within the complex provided visitors with dynamic hands-on exhibits, programs, and changing displays. From 2001 until its closure in 2009, it hosted compelling traveling exhibitions from renowned science centers, such as 'Body in Action' from Te Manawa and 'Dinosaur Eggs and Babies' from Otago Museum and Gondwana Studios.
In 2014, after 160 years of continuous service, the cross-river ferry service was discontinued following the retirement of the Torquay ferry. However, it later resumed operations.
The town received national attention on 16 December 2021, when a jumping castle and two zorbs were lifted into the air by a gust of a wind at Hillcrest primary school, killing six children and injuring three.
In 2021, the population of Devonport was 26,150. External population demographics estimate the resident population for Devonport at 26,977 in 2023, with a population density of 242.8 people per square km across a land area of 111.1 km (42.9 sq mi). Devonport City Council has set specific population growth goals for the city, aiming to achieve a population of 30,000 by 2030 and 35,000 by 2040.
The median weekly household income is $1,167, compared to $1,746 nationally. 24.6% of households total weekly income is less than $650 week, while 10.4% of households weekly income exceeds $3,000. This compares to national rates of 16.5% and 24.3% respectively.
34.3% of households renting, and 8.1% of owned households with a mortgage experience housing stress, where rent or mortgage repayments payments exceed 30% of total income.
Devonport is home to a sizable First Nations population, with 1,971 residents, comprising 7.5% of the population, identifying as Indigenous Australians. This percentage surpasses the national average of 3.8% of the total Australian population. 83.6% of residents were born in Australia. 2.9% were born in England, 0.8% in India and New Zealand and 0.6% in each Nepal, Philippines and Mainland China.
89.9% of people spoke only English at home. 6.3% of households use a non-English language, including Mandarin (0.8%), Nepali (0.7%), Punjabi (0.4%) and Vietnamese and Tongan (0.3%).
In the 2021 census, 51.1% of people in Devonport professed no religion. 38.7% specified a Christian religious affiliation (including 12.4% as Anglicanism, 11.6% Catholic and 3.5% Uniting Church). Other religious affiliations include Hinduism (1.1%), Buddhism (0.9%), Islam (0.4%) and Sikhism (0.3%).
Devonport has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) bordering on a mild-summer mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csb). Most days from January to March are mild, averaging 19 to 24 °C (66 to 75 °F) with frequent sunshine, although cold fronts are a regular visitor even at the height of summer and some days may not exceed 15 °C (59 °F). The warmest and driest days can occasionally reach up to 28 °C (82 °F). Unlike the east coast of Tasmania, moist northwesterly winds prevent heatwaves and temperatures rarely if ever reach above 30 °C (86 °F).
Winters are cool and cloudy with frequent light rain; July and August are the wettest months of the year. Due to ample cloud cover and marine influence, winter temperatures rarely drop below 0 °C (32 °F) or rise above 15 °C (59 °F). September to December usually features cool to mild, windy weather with frequent showers, and occasional warm, sunny breaks.
Despite being nearly two degrees of latitude northward, Devonport is a cooler climate than Hobart due to being windward of the ranges.
There are nine councillors that govern the Devonport City Council. Alison Jarman was elected mayor of the City of Devonport in 2022. Devonport City Council oversees local governance in Devonport, managing infrastructure, community services, and local regulations. The council is also involved in supporting community development initiatives, including the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre. Devonport's political landscape is marked by a blend of conservative and progressive influences, reflecting the region's broader social dynamics.
At the state level, Devonport falls within the Tasmanian House of Assembly’s electoral division of Braddon, a multi-member electorate that includes both Labor and Liberal members.
Nationally, Devonport is located in the federal electorate of Braddon, currently represented by Gavin Pearce of the Liberal Party of Australia. Braddon has traditionally been a marginal seat, with representation often alternating between the Labor and Liberal parties in federal elections.
Areas within Devonport as a suburb include Highfield Areas within East Devonport as a suburb includes Pardoe Downs, Rannoch, Panorama Heights
The full list of Suburbs of the City of Devonport are: List of suburbs
Opening in November 2018, the Paranaple Arts Centre serves as a contemporary focal point for artistic expression and cultural engagement. It is home to the Devonport Regional Gallery, Town Hall Theatre and the Devonport Visitor Information Centre. The Paranaple hosts live performances encompassing a range of genres, including music concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, and other performing arts events. The centre also includes gallery, studio and rehearsal spaces, a theatre, and multipurpose areas designed to host diverse arts-related activities.
The Devonport Regional Gallery evolved from the inception of The Little Gallery, which was founded by Jean Thomas as a private enterprise in 1966. The Gallery presents an annual program of exhibitions, education and public programs including events and workshops. A broad range of selected local artisan works are displayed at the North West Regional Craft Centre and gift store in the CBD.
The Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum displays petroglyphs, designs in rock and exhibits that depict the traditional lifestyle of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Meaning "to keep", Tiagarra is one of the oldest Aboriginal-operated museums in Australia, officially opening on 16 October 1976 by Doug Nicholls and Gladys Nicholls.
The Bass Strait Maritime Centre housed in the former Harbour Master's House has objects, models and photographs that tell the stories of Bass Strait and Devonport. Dame Enid Lyons inaugurated an exhibition of maritime memorabilia in 1970, inspiring the establishment of the Tasmanian Maritime and Folk Museum in East Devonport in 1973. By 1980, the museum had relocated to the Harbour Master’s house in Gloucester Avenue. In 1999, a merger with the Devon Historical Society integrated Devonport’s maritime and local history archives into a unified collection. In 2010, the Devonport City Council assumed ownership and management from the volunteer-based organization, leading to the present-day Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The collection, comprising 4500 objects, 200 artworks, photographic prints, negatives, and archival material, explores Devonport and Bass Strait's stories from the early 1800s to the present. Rotating exhibitions feature diverse narratives from the collection.
A volunteer-run vintage railway and museum, the Don River Railway, is situated at Don, a suburb of Devonport.
The former Devonport Maternity Hospital was recently demolished and the land repurposed into a gated community.
The Mersey Community Hospital at Latrobe serves the Devonport community for their health needs.
Kokoda Barracks is an army barracks in Devonport.
Devonport offers a range of transportation options, including road networks, intercity bus services, public transport bus services operated by Kinetic, freight rail, passenger ferry, air travel, and alternative modes like cycling and walking pathways.
Devonport Airport, located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) east of the city at Pardoe Downs, is a vital transportation hub, accessible within a 15-minute car ride. Serving as Tasmania's third-largest airline hub, it accommodates Qantas and Rex Airlines, offering six daily passenger flights. QantasLink operates four Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop services to Melbourne.
Encompassing 308 hectares (760 acres), the airport features a main runway measuring 1,838 by 45 metres (6,030 ft × 148 ft) and a secondary grassed runway spanning 880 by 30 metres (2,887 ft × 98 ft). Its infrastructure includes comprehensive taxiways, passenger terminals and general aviation, and maintenance hangars. Recent upgrades in 2020 enhanced the terminal with a new departure lounge, upgraded security, and a dedicated freight apron.
The airport offers refueling services, car parking, rental cars, and taxi facilities. It is connected to Devonport by various bus services, such as Merseylink, Redline Coaches, and Phoenix Coaches, although services on weekends and public holidays are limited.
From Devonport three shipping operators – Strait Link, SeaRoad Shipping and Spirit of Tasmania provide overnight roll-on/roll-off freight service across Bass Strait to Victoria.
Cement Australia has been exporting cement from Railton to Melbourne since 1926. Additional exports by ship include tallow, while coal was an export until the closure of the Fingal Valley coal mine. Imports to Devonport include petroleum, bunker fuel, fertiliser and caustic soda.
Due for completion in 2027, the $240 million Quaylink project, a TasPorts investment of new berths and terminal facilities, is expected to further boost the port's freight operations by 40%.
TasRail maintains a freight rail line that connects the port area to Burnie and Railton. Previously, Devonport had a railway roundhouse and maintenance rail yards along the Mersey River's foreshore. Today, this space has been transformed into parkland, offering a recreational area for locals and visitors.
Situated in Don, the Don River Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway and museum providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a passenger train ride from Don to Coles Beach. The railway journey traces a reconstructed section of the former Melrose line, historically connecting Don Junction to Paloona.
Devonport serves as the departure point for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries — Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II — that travel from Devonport to Geelong, Victoria, taking approximately 11 hours for the voyage. These RORO ferries are crucial for transporting passengers, vehicles, and freight between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, providing an essential link across the Bass Strait. A former local ferry service connecting east and west of Devonport named The Spirit of Devonport ceased operations on the Mersey River after more than 160 years in 2022.
Devonport Passenger Ferry History
Situated within a modest expanse of 114 square kilometres (44 sq mi), Devonport has a solid history in agriculture. Despite the region's spatial limitations, Devonport has been a linchpin in Tasmania's vegetable cultivation, yielding substantial quantities of beans, onions, peas, and potatoes. The post-World War II era witnessed a transformative phase marked by the establishment of processing factories, with a specific emphasis on peas. These facilities assumed a crucial role in the canning, freezing, and dehydrating processes, not only bolstering local sustenance but also fundamentally influencing Tasmania's broader agricultural and food production paradigm. Devonport has since emerged as a key contributor to Australia's agricultural production, with a significant supporting dairy industry, cereals, poppyseed oil and pyrethrum.
A TasTAFE campus, an adult training institution, is situated in Valley Road.
Devonport has a rich sporting culture, with the Devonport Football Club (Magpies) competing in the North West Football League (NWFL), having secured back-to-back Senior Premierships in 2021 and 2022. The East Devonport Football Club (Swans) also plays in the NWFL, with teams like Ulverstone and Penguin. The Devonport Rugby Club competes in the Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide League, and touch football is organised by the Devonport Touch Football Association at Meercroft Park.
In soccer, Devonport City Football Club plays in the National Premier Leagues Tasmania and fields a reserve team in the Northern Championship.
Cricket is represented by the Devonport Cricket Club in the North Western Tasmanian Cricket Association. Devonport’s hockey teams compete in the Hockey Tasmania leagues.
The Devonport Warriors, based at the Devonport Recreation Centre, are the largest basketball club in the North West Basketball Union, with over 750 members and a legacy of success, including hosting the Under-14 Australian Junior Championships in 1974 and representing Devonport in the National Basketball League between 1983-1984. Netball is centered at Devonport Netball in Spreyton, participating in statewide events.
Devonport hosts a leg of the Tasmanian Cycling Christmas Carnival Series, along with athletics and woodchopping events.
The Devonport Golf Club has hosted major events like the Tasmanian Open and Tasmanian Seniors Open. The annual Devonport Regatta features powerboat racing, while the Devonport Cup, held in January at the Spreyton racecourse, is a major horse racing event. The city also hosts regular harness and greyhound racing at the Devonport Showgrounds.
The Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre offers a gym and indoor pool within the Don Reserve. Devonport Tennis Club and East Devonport Tennis Club compete in the Tennis North West Association, and the annual Devonport Triathlon in February serves as the Oceania continental championship.
The city of Devonport has a formal sister city agreement with Minamata City in Japan. This was ratified in 1996. Both cities share a similar setting and area.