Make your Devonport your start and finish point for your Tasmanian adventure

Devonport, on the northwest coast of Tasmania, is often called "Australia's market garden." 40 percent of the produce grown in Tasmania comes from the rich soil of Devonport's Mersey Valley and much of this produce finds its way to the Australian mainland.. The rich bounty from Devonport's soil has made the city one of Tasmania's most prosperous. Easily accessed by air or by sea, it is a popular tourist destination.

While Devonport has an airport with regular flights to and from Melbourne, it is better known for its iconic passenger and vehicle ferries, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II. As they wind their way slowly up the Mersey River, making a sharp turn into port, they skirt the city so closely, many onlookers remark that it seems like they are "driving" up the main street in town. Devonport's permanent population is only just over 20,000, so the arrival of the big passenger ships swells the population appreciably when they arrive.

Aside from the beautiful natural surroundings, Australians love to make Devonport their port of call in Tasmania because of the wonderful amenities in the city. Not the least of Devonport's attractions are its restaurants. Between the cornucopia of fresh produce and the abundance of fresh seafood that comes from the waters just off its coastal shores, Devonport is a diner's delight.

Aside from dining, there are plenty of other activities for visitors in and around Devonport. The Don River Railway is one of the most popular family attractions in the vicinity. 100% owned and operated by volunteers, it includes a unique railway museum and a 30 minute scenic ride on a vintage steam train. For the artistically inclined, there is the Devonport Regional Gallery, which displays primarily contemporary art by Tasmanian artists. Another popular Devonport attraction is the fascinating maritime museum and its wonderful collection of model boats, chronicling the history of sailing from the age of the great sailing vessels to current times.

As wonderful and relaxing as Devonport is, one of its major attractions is the fact that it is just 90 minutes drive from Devonport to Cradle Mountain National Park. So captivated by this wilderness area was Austrian immigrant Gustav Weindorfer, he built a chalet in the area in 1912 and lobbied tirelessly to have the area declared a National Park. His efforts paid off and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is now a World Heritage listed Tasmanian park.

There is something for every nature lover at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Those who are looking for a challenge find it in the 40 mile (65km), six day Overland Trail hike from Cradle Mountain to the north shore of Lake St. Clair. If you're only in the area for a short time or don't wish to do serious hiking, yet want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, you can go on the twenty minute "Enchanted Walk." Of course, most visitors take much longer than 20 minutes to complete the walk, stopping to soak in the sights along the way.

You will be entranced by Devonport and enchanted by Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair. Make the most of your vacation in Tasmania by staying in a Devonport accommodation and exploring the rest of Tasmania from there.

Take a few days off, find Devonport accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.