Devonport, Named Australia's Best Tourist Town, Is Stunning

Hey everyone, Devonport, Tasmania has won the gold award for Australia's Best Tourist Town in 2024!🏆 This coastal town in northwestern Tasmania offers both stunning natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage. Come check it out before everyone else finds out about it! Here's a fresh guide👇 🚗Getting There 1. Self-drive/charter: Hobart to Devonport is about 280 km, a 3.5-hour drive, allowing you to enjoy the unique scenery of central Tasmania. Launceston to Devonport is about 100 km, a 1.5-hour drive, with picturesque scenery along the way. Those who are driving can stop for photos anytime. Chartering a car offers the convenience of a Chinese-speaking driver. 2. Bus: Redline Coaches operates routes from Hobart and Launceston to Devonport. The trip from Hobart takes 4–5 hours, and from Launceston, it takes 1.5 hours. Check the timetable and fares on the official website in advance, and buy tickets online for convenience. 3. Ferry: Take the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne for a 9–11-hour sea journey, mostly overnight, so you'll arrive after a good night's sleep.🛳️ Book your tickets in advance, and you can also choose tickets with parking spaces, so you can drive around as soon as you arrive. 🌅Attractions 1. Devonport Coastal Walk: Stroll along the coastline, enjoy the sea breeze, and admire the beauty of Bass Strait. In the distance, the lighthouse stands tall. At sunset, the afterglow on the sea is breathtaking. Don't miss the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of rare plants. Walking through it is like being in a botanical paradise.🌳 2. Devonport Beach and Bluff Lighthouse: Bask in the sun on the beach, play in the waves, and feel the gentleness of the sea. The candy-striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, built in 1889, is a landmark and a must-see photo spot.📸 3. Devonport Regional Gallery: A paradise for art lovers, it houses numerous works by local artists, including paintings and sculptures, offering a rich artistic atmosphere.🎨 4. Day Trip to Stanley: About a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport, be sure to climb "The Nut" for a 360-degree panoramic view of the town and the sea. The beauty is breathtaking.😍 5. Cradle Mountain: A 1.5-hour drive from Devonport takes you to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The Dove Lake Circuit hiking trail is about 6 km and takes about 2 hours to complete, offering stunning lake and mountain views. Marion's Lookout is a more challenging hike, taking about 3 hours. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and lakes, and you might even spot wombats, echidnas, and kangaroos.🐾 🍱Local Cuisine 1. Tasmanian Seafood Platter: This platter features lobster, oysters, salmon, and other fresh, locally caught Tasmanian seafood. The ingredients are super fresh and flavorful, offering a truly satisfying experience.🦀 2. Tasmanian Cheese Platter: This platter offers a variety of cheeses paired with fruits and nuts, providing a rich and diverse taste experience. Cheese lovers shouldn't miss it.🧀 3. Lamington: A classic Australian dessert, this soft sponge cake is coated in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut. It's sweet but not greasy, perfect for afternoon tea.🍰 4. Meat Pie: A typical Australian meat pie, usually filled with beef, with a crispy crust and juicy filling. It's great with ketchup, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.🥧 5. Must-try restaurants in Devonport: - Laneway: A popular light meal spot, their Wagyu burger, bacon and chicken waffles, and latte are all delicious. The Wagyu burger is huge and super satisfying.🍔 - Mrs Jones: Here you can savor Tasmanian specialties while watching ferries slowly sail in, creating a wonderful atmosphere. 🛏️Accommodation Recommendations 1. Bay View Holiday Village: Located right by the sea, you can enjoy stunning sea views in the morning. The campground offers private cabins and RV parking spaces. However, hot showers are time-limited, making it more suitable for self-drivers.🚗 2. Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain: Located near Cradle Mountain, this campground offers a natural setting where you can get up close with kangaroos and wombats. At night, you can enjoy stargazing. It can get cold in the mountains, but the campground kitchen has a fireplace for warmth.🔥 ⚠️Travel Tips 1. It's best to book car rentals in advance, as availability is limited during peak season, and booking early can get you better deals. 2. The weather in Tasmania is changeable, so pack warm clothes and rain gear. Even in summer, it can be a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings. 3. Some restaurants and attractions only accept cash, so remember to have some Australian dollars on hand. 4. Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots for outdoor activities.