EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL
EXPLORE OUR NATURAL BEAUTY & RICH CULTURAL HISTORY
Devonport, located in the North West of Tasmania, is a great base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural history of the region. From the city, visitors can easily access numerous day trips, making it easier to explore the vast array of natural wonders and cultural sites that the area has to offer.
The region is rich in natural beauty, with an abundance of native animals, birds, and flora waiting to be discovered. Whether you have a specific interest in these natural wonders or just enjoy getting out for a walk, Devonport is the perfect destination for an adventure with nature. Some of the best day trips from Devonport include Stanley and Arthur River to the West, Sheffield and Cradle Mountain to the South, and Narawntapu National Park to the East.
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But Devonport is not just about natural beauty - it also has a rich cultural history that is waiting to be explored. For example, TIAGARRA, located in the serene bush and coastal setting of the Mersey Bluff, Devonport, is one of the oldest Aboriginal operated museums and keeping places in Australia. It offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to discover the rich and fascinating history of Australia's Aboriginal culture.
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Another must-visit destination is Home Hill, the family home of Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, his wife Dame Enid Lyons - the first woman elected to Australia's federal parliament - and their 12 children. Today, the elegant homestead remains largely unchanged since Dame Enid last lived there in 1981, complete with her original furnishings and memorabilia. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of one of Australia's most iconic political figures, as well as the opportunity to explore the history and heritage of the region.
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In addition to these cultural destinations, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is a treasure trove of knowledge, ideas, stories, and memories, providing an unparalleled opportunity to inspire and educate visitors and the community alike. The center's collection serves as a repository of historical artifacts, contributing to the interpretation and preservation of the history and maritime heritage of the Devonport region and its connection with the Bass Strait.
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So, whether you're interested in exploring the natural beauty or the cultural history of the North West of Tasmania, Devonport has something for everyone. All of these natural wonders and cultural sites
are just a stone's throw away, waiting to be discovered and explored.
EXPLORE NATURE LIKE A LOCAL
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TASMANIAN ARBORETUM
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The Tasmanian Arboretum (only 17 minutes to the South), with its 66 hectares of botanical garden, is a beautiful and peaceful landscape where you can find a wide variety of trees of the temperate world. The park is also home to many marsupials such as Bennett's wallabies, possums, quolls, and potoroos. Platypus sightings happen regularly, and the park is home to around 81 species of birds.
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DON RESERVE
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For bird lovers and photographers, The Don Reserve (only 5 minutes' drive from the CBD) is an excellent spot to enjoy a peaceful and picturesque bushland reserve. Featuring paved and sawdust walking tracks near and beside the Don River, it is a perfect destination for keen twitchers. Recently, several rare species of birds have been spotted there, including the Sacred Kingfisher and several endangered Swift Parrots that have made their home there this Spring.
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LILLICO BEACH
A short 10 minutes' drive to the West of Devonport, Lillico Beach is a coastal reserve and home to a Little Penguin (also known as Fairy Penguins) colony. From the reserve's viewing platform, you can observe the penguins returning to their burrows each evening after a day of fishing in the open ocean. During the breeding season (September to May) and summer months (mid-December to mid-February), you can find local volunteers and Parks and Wildlife rangers on-site.
EXPLORE CULTURE & HISTORY LIKE A LOCAL
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HOME HILL
Australian Prime Minster's
1916 Family Home & Gardens
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Built in 1916, Home Hill is a magnificent homestead located in Devonport, Tasmania, that served as the family home of Joseph Lyons, one of Australia's most famous political figures, his wife Dame Enid Lyons, and their 12 children. Dame Enid was the first woman elected to Australia's federal parliament, and the house remains largely unchanged since her last living there in 1981, with original furnishings and memorabilia on display.
Visitors to Home Hill can explore the rich history and heritage of the region while admiring the elegant homestead, which is a true reflection of Dame Enid's unique style, with a rich collection of mementos and a beautiful garden. Whether you are a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, Home Hill is the perfect destination.
The house provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Australia's most iconic political figures, with guided tours allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the house's many rooms, each filled with historical treasures and fascinating stories. From the elegant living room to the cozy family bedroom, visitors will be transported to a bygone era, discovering the fascinating details of the family's lives and their place in Australian history.
Home Hill is not just a house but a living museum, providing visitors with an immersive experience that highlights the beauty of the homestead, Dame Enid's unique style, and the incredible life and legacy of Joseph Lyons. So, come and discover the fascinating history and heritage of Home Hill and explore the life of one of Australia's most beloved political figures.
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TIAGARRA
One of Australia's Oldest
Aboriginal Museums
TIAGARRA is one of the oldest Aboriginal operated museums and keeping places in Australia, having officially opened on 16th October 1976. Nestled in the serene bush and coastal setting of the Mersey Bluff, Devonport, Tasmania, TIAGARRA provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich and fascinating history of Australia's Aboriginal culture against the stunning backdrop of the Australian wilderness, where wallabies and other local wildlife still roam.
As the oldest resident structure in the area, TIAGARRA has a unique and intriguing history that dates back over several decades. Its impressive collection of artifacts, including artworks, photographs, documents, and other historically significant materials, offers a glimpse into the diverse and complex history of Aboriginal culture.
In addition to the collection, TIAGARRA also hosts a range of programs, workshops, and events designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds. These programs provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture and heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of Australia's first people.
With its breathtaking natural setting, fascinating history, and impressive collection of artifacts, TIAGARRA is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the unique and enduring heritage of Aboriginal culture in Australia. So, come and discover the rich and fascinating history of Aboriginal culture at TIAGARRA.
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BASS SRAIGHT MARITIME
Treasure Trove of Knowledge,
Ideas, Stories & Memories
Nestled in the heart of Devonport, Tasmania, The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is a true treasure trove of knowledge, ideas, stories, and memories, providing an unparalleled opportunity to inspire and educate visitors and the community alike. The center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich maritime heritage of the region, which has played a significant role in the development and growth of Tasmania.
The center's collection is a repository of historical artifacts and memorabilia, providing an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time and highlights the important role played by the Bass Strait in Tasmania's history. The center's exhibitions showcase the region's maritime connections with the mainland and beyond, including the early explorers, traders, and whalers who traversed the treacherous waters of the Bass Strait.
The center also offers an extensive range of educational programs and events, allowing visitors to learn more about the maritime heritage of the region and its importance to the local community. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the past, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is the perfect destination for discovering the rich and fascinating history of the region.
Visitors can explore the centre's exhibits, which include historical photographs, models, paintings, and other artifacts, providing a unique insight into the maritime heritage of Devonport and Tasmania. The centre also hosts regular talks and workshops, where experts share their knowledge and insights about the region's rich history and the importance of the Bass Strait to Tasmania..