[2025 Don Attraction] Travel Guide for Don River Railway (Updated Apr)

Devonport is a beautiful city in Tasmania, Australia, boasting rich natural landscapes and cultural attractions. Below is a travel guide for Devonport: 1. Transportation - Airplane: Fly from major cities like Melbourne and Sydney to Launceston Airport, then rent a car or take public transport to Devonport, which takes about 1 hour. - Train: Take a train to Launceston Railway Station, then transfer to a bus to Devonport. - Self-drive: If you enjoy road trips, you can drive from Melbourne or Sydney, following the Great Ocean Road or inland highways to Devonport. 2. Accommodation - Hotels: Devonport offers various types of hotels, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to budget-friendly motels. It's recommended to choose hotels located in the city center or by the seaside for convenient travel and scenic views. - Homestays: If you prefer to experience local life, consider booking a homestay. Devonport homestays usually provide comfortable accommodation and family-style services. 3. Attractions - Devonport Regional Gallery: This gallery houses a rich collection of local artworks, including paintings and sculptures, showcasing the local culture and history. - Don River Railway: An old railway system where you can take a sightseeing train to explore the surrounding scenery. - Coles Beach: A beautiful beach with fine sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. - Mersey Bluff Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of Bass Strait. - House of Anvers Chocolate Museum: A chocolate museum where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and taste delicious chocolate. - Thirlstane Golf Club: A golf course suitable for golf enthusiasts to practice their swing. - Round Mountain Lookout: An observation deck with views of Devonport city and the surrounding landscape. 4. Food - Seafood: Due to Devonport's proximity to the ocean, the seafood is fresh and delicious. Try the local oysters, lobsters, and crabs. - Steak: Australia is world-renowned for its beef, and Devonport's steaks are not to be missed. Choose steaks with different levels of doneness, paired with fries or salad. - Wine: Tasmania is one of Australia's famous wine regions, and there are many vineyards and wineries around Devonport. Visit a winery and sample the local wines. - Desserts: In addition to the chocolate at the chocolate museum, try local ice cream, cakes, and other desserts. 5. Shopping - Local handicrafts: Devonport has some handicrafts made by local artists and craftspeople, such as wood carvings, ceramics, and paintings, which can be purchased as souvenirs or gifts. - Wine: Buy some Tasmanian wine at wineries or local shops to take home. - Dried seafood: Fresh seafood can be made into dried seafood for easy storage and carrying. 6. Important Notes - Weather changes: Tasmania's weather is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and warm clothing. - Sun protection: Take sun protection measures when at the beach or participating in outdoor activities, such as applying sunscreen and wearing a hat. - Respect local culture: Respect local culture and customs when visiting attractions and interacting with locals. - Pay attention to safety: Pay attention to safety and follow relevant rules and instructions when engaging in water activities or hiking.

[A Time Capsule on Tasmania's North Coast｜A 3-Day, 2-Night Guide to Devonport: Where Colorful Silos Dance with Ocean Sunsets] 📍Location Nestled in the gentle embrace of Tasmania's north coast, this harbor town is just a 1-hour flight from Melbourne, yet it feels like it's playing at half speed. Victorian red-brick houses hug the azure Bass Strait, and even the seagulls seem to circle with an old-world laziness. 📅Best Time to Travel November–March! The Southern Hemisphere's summer warms Lake Moina to a pleasant 20°C, and during the lavender season (late December), even the sea breeze carries a sweet, purple fragrance. If you prefer solitude, the autumn colors of May transform the maple leaves along the Blackman River into a fiery amber spectacle. 🏨A Timeless Abode I instantly fell in love with the retro-industrial style of the Devonport Birch Self Contained Apartments! The exposed copper pipes against the high ceilings and walnut furniture create a steampunk aesthetic. The kitchen's Tasmanian black truffle slicer elevates homemade seafood pasta to a Michelin-star experience. The rooftop terrace is a hidden gem—watching fishing boats slice through the rose-colored sea in the morning mist evokes images of elven ships returning home in *The Lord of the Rings*. 🚏Immersive Itinerary D1 A Coastal Narrative Morning: Visit the world's tallest painted silos (a giant 37-meter canvas!) → Collect volcanic glass stones along Manyana Beach Afternoon: Climb Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and read 19th-century captain's logs → Touch shipwreck remains at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre Evening: Watch the Aurora Australis dance over Blackman Beach (winter only) D2 An Architect's Rhapsody Morning: Hunt for handmade pewter on Formby Road's antique street → Listen to impromptu organ performances beneath the stained-glass windows of the Town Hall Afternoon: Ride the vintage cogwheel railway across the Don River Railway Bridge → Explore the Tiagarra Aboriginal rock art site Dusk: Kayak through the shipwreck remains around Parrot Island D3 A Natural Healing Concerto Full day: Cycle around Lake Moina (rental locations offer picnic baskets) → Experience an open-air pottery workshop beneath a forest waterfall Special recommendation: Book a feeding experience at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, and feel the heartbeat of a furry "little devil" in your palm. 📸Film-Inspired Photography Tips • Formby Road corner postbox: Let the morning light filter through the cast-iron railings, casting dappled shadows on the Victorian facades. • Manyana Beach volcanic rock formations: At low tide, stand among the basalt columns and take a wide-angle shot looking up, with geometric lines cutting across the skyline. • Mersey Bluff Lighthouse at dusk: Use long exposure to capture the lighthouse beam intertwining with the lights of returning fishing boats, creating a light painting. 👗Harbor Chic Style Guide ▫️ Linen shirt + high-waisted wide-leg pants (the sea breeze provides natural wrinkles) ▫️ Caramel-colored wool shawl (to cope with the ever-changing coastal climate) ▫️ Blundstone Chelsea boots (seamless transition between cobblestone streets and sandy beaches) P.S. Don't forget a wide-brimmed straw hat for the Thursday antique market—stallholders will share their hidden treasures with you! 🍽A Culinary Voyage The Bluff Restaurant's "Seafood Trio" is a taste sensation: ① Grilled abalone with local black beer foam ② Lobster tail drizzled with Tasmanian mountain pepper honey glaze ③ Kelp ice cream with whisky-marinated berries Book a window seat two weeks in advance to watch the waves break into white lace 10 meters below. 💗Local Insider Tips ✔️ Rent a mint-green Mini Cooper to cruise the coastal roads—locals will greet you with smiles and thumbs-up. ✔️ Buy lavender honey at the Saturday farmers market and spread it on freshly baked scones for an instant trip back to the Edwardian era. ✔️ Visit Lillico Beach in the winter evenings, where the penguin homecoming path is lit with warm yellow lights, like walking on a forked path of stars. As the 128th prism of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse refracts the setting sun into a shower of diamonds, you suddenly understand Devonport's secret: all journeys to the ends of the earth eventually return to life itself in a gentle arc.

In the northwest of Australia, there is a city shining like a pearl [Star] - Devonport. It is the third largest city in Tasmania [CityDusk] and an excellent starting point for tourists to explore Tasmania. The beauty of Devonport is a dreamlike poem where nature and humanity interweave. After arriving in Devonport, the most important thing you can't miss is the Bass Strait Sailing Center. Located at the mouth of the Mersey River, it is like a treasure trove of time, cherishing the natural and cultural history of the Bass Strait. Entering the center, interactive exhibitions, detailed information panels and precious cultural relics tell the past and present of the Strait. Here, you can truly feel the magnificent historical picture of the Bass Strait. You can also drive a century-old ship 🚢 into the Mersey River or Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay in a simulated experience to experience the excitement and challenge of sailing back then. The newly restored Julie Burgess ketch⛵ outside the center will set sail regularly from October to June of the following year, leading people to the Bass Strait to pursue the stories of that mysterious sea. Stroll along the Devonport seaside [Bicycle] trail, the sea breeze caresses your face, bringing you the unique scent of the sea. Not far away, the candy-striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is particularly eye-catching. This lighthouse [Tokyo Tower] built in 1889 stands at the northern tip of the peninsula and has witnessed the coming and going of countless ships. It is not only a beacon guiding sailors, but also a witness to the history of this city. If you are lucky, you can also see little kangaroos jumping in the bushes, adding a bit of vitality to this beach. Continue walking west from the lighthouse and you will arrive at Bluff Beach [Island] which is covered with reefs. When the tide is low, the reefs are exposed above the water in various shapes, like works of art carefully carved by nature. If you want to experience a retro journey, the Tanghe Railway is definitely not to be missed. The railway dates back to 1916 and once connected the mouth of the Don River to Palona in the southwest. Today, a 3-kilometer-long section of the railway has been converted into a tourist route, operating every Wednesday to Sunday. Take a ride on a 1940s vintage carriage [Station], pulled by a steam or diesel locomotive, and slowly travel along the banks of the Don River, enjoying picturesque scenery along the way. At the railway station, you can also visit the restoration workshop, signal room and small museum [Mosque] to learn the stories behind the railway and feel the sedimentation of history. Devonport is also a paradise for gourmet food and fine wine. Explore the unique flavours of north-west Tasmania along the wine tasting trails. The Spreton Apple Brewery is full of fruity aroma. The cider here is brewed with traditional apples and has a mellow taste. There are also special drinks such as ginger beer and soft ginger beer. The scenic Ghost Rock Winery [GreatWall] in the east allows you to enjoy the sea view [Island] in the distance while tasting fine wine, which is refreshing. As for the Wilderness Distillery south of the city, gin is its signature drink, brewed with local Tasmanian plants, exuding a unique aroma that is endlessly memorable. The recommended restaurant is "prem's seafood bar & grill"! Outside the city, Devonport is the gateway to Tasmania's magnificent natural scenery. Cradle Mountain, not far from here, is one of the most famous mountains in Tasmania [Mount Fuji] and a masterpiece of nature. It is about an hour and a half drive from Devonport, and the scenery along the way is picturesque, with rolling hills and dense forests. Coming to Cradle Mountain is like being in a paradise. Although the journey is a little long, once you reach the top, you can see the mountains, rivers and lakes. The shocking scenery is unforgettable. Here, you will also have the opportunity to see wild animals such as wombats, echidnas and kangaroos, which live freely in this natural paradise. In Devonport, Tasmania, every encounter is a beautiful encounter, and every journey is full of surprises and touches. It is like an unpolished jade, emitting a simple and charming brilliance [Glister], waiting for more people to discover and explore.

Devonport, a coastal town in Tasmania, is full of surprises.💖 Whether it's natural scenery or cultural history, it's worth your time to explore! Take this guide and let's go~ 🚗Getting There: - By Plane: Fly directly to Devonport Airport, which is only 10 km from the city center. Taxis and rental cars are readily available.🚕 - By Car: It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Launceston. The scenery along the way is stunning, and you can stop for photos anytime.📷 - By Bus: Redline Coaches operates buses from Hobart, Launceston, and other locations to Devonport.🚌 - By Ferry: Take the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport. The overnight voyage saves on accommodation costs, which is a great deal.🛳 🌟Must-See Attractions: - Mersey Bluff Lighthouse: Built in 1889, the candy-striped lighthouse is incredibly photogenic. Standing next to it, you can overlook Bass Strait. The sunset view is breathtaking.🌅 - Bass Strait Maritime Centre: A great place to learn about Devonport's maritime history. The center houses many historical artifacts and stories, giving you a deeper understanding of the city.📜 - Devonport Waterfront Walk: Stroll along the coastline, enjoy the sea breeze, and experience the laid-back coastal lifestyle. There are many restaurants and cafes along the way where you can take a break.☕ - Don River Railway: Take a vintage steam train through fields and forests, as if traveling back in time.🚂 Snacks and drinks are served on the train, making it a very enjoyable experience. - Day Trip to Cradle Mountain: About a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's most famous attractions. Hike through the mountains, admire the lakes and peaks, and if you're lucky, you might spot wombats, echidnas, and other wildlife.🐾 🍱Food Recommendations: - Seafood Platter: You can't visit the seaside without indulging in seafood! Freshly caught oysters, prawns, salmon, and more, served with lemon juice, are incredibly satisfying.🦀 - Three-Layer Mountain Cake: A local specialty dessert made of wafers, hazelnut paste, and dark chocolate, layered nine times. It has a rich flavor and is sweet but not overpowering.🍰 - Aussie Burger: A huge burger with a thick patty, bacon, egg, vegetables, and more. One is enough to fill you up.🍔 📌Travel Tips: - Check the weather forecast in advance. Tasmanian weather is changeable, so pack rain gear and warm clothing.🌂 - Renting a car offers more freedom and convenience for visiting nearby attractions. Booking online in advance is often cheaper.🚙 - Some attractions require tickets. You can purchase them in advance on the official website to avoid queuing.🎫 Devonport, a charming seaside town, awaits your exploration!💕