Devonport is more than the place where the Spirit of Tasmania arrives. It is a handy base for exploring North West Tasmania, with beaches, wildlife, history and some of the best local food and drink in the region. Whether you have a free afternoon or a full day, there is no shortage of things to do near Devonport.
One stop that deserves a place near the top of the list is Spreyton Cider Co. Just ten minutes from Devonport, our cellar door offers cider tastings, seasonal food and a chance to slow down beside a working family orchard. Here is how it fits into a day of exploring the region.
Coastal views and easy walks
Start at Mersey Bluff Lighthouse. The red-and-white lighthouse is one of Devonport’s most recognisable sights, and the headland offers wide views across Bass Strait. Continue along the Devonport Cycle and Walking Track if you want to see more of the coast.
Nearby Bluff Beach is an easy place to pause before your next stop. A short drive west takes you to Lillico Beach, where little penguins come ashore after dark. Volunteer guides are usually present during the warmer months. Stay quiet and use only a dim red-light torch around the penguins.
Wildlife and green space
The Tasmanian Arboretum is south of Devonport and covers 66 hectares. Its trees, lake and quiet paths make it an easy morning or afternoon visit. Keep watch near Founders Lake, where you may be lucky enough to spot a platypus.
Further east, Narawntapu National Park is known for open plains, coastal scenery and native wildlife. Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and pademelons are often seen around Springlawn. A valid parks pass is required for national park entry.
History and local character
The Bass Strait Maritime Museum shares the stories of Devonport, the Mersey River and the often challenging waters between Tasmania and the mainland.
At Don, the Don River Railway runs a short heritage train journey beside the river to Coles Beach. Home Hill offers a different kind of history. The former home of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, Dame Enid Lyons and their family is a well-preserved glimpse into Australia’s political past.
These places are all within easy reach of Devonport and work well as morning or afternoon activities.
Devonport food and drink on the Tasting Trail
North West Tasmania is rich in produce. Tasting Trail Tasmania is a self-drive route linking cellar doors, farm gates and small producers across the region. Devonport is a convenient place to begin before heading inland or along the coast.
This is where Spreyton Cider Co. comes into its own. Located in Spreyton, about ten minutes from Devonport and Latrobe, the cellar door sits beside the family orchard. Apples and pears have been grown here since 1908.
You can settle in with a Tasmanian cider tasting and try ciders poured only metres from where the fruit is grown. The range also includes seasonal releases, hard ginger beer and non-alcoholic options. Tasting paddles are available, and packs or cartons can be purchased to take home.
The kitchen serves seasonal food for lunch every day, with relaxed Friday night dinners. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s playground and regular live music. It is the sort of place where people plan a quick tasting and end up staying for the afternoon.
There is plenty of space for caravans and campervans, making Spreyton Cider Co. an easy stop during your North West Tasmania road trip.
Because the cider and all the beverages are made on site from fruit grown by the family, you get a strong sense of place. For many travellers, the cellar door becomes the highlight of their North West Tasmania day trip.
A simple Devonport day-trip itinerary
Morning: Visit Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and walk part of the coastal track.
Late morning or lunch: Head to Spreyton Cider Co. for a tasting paddle and a seasonal meal.
Afternoon: Visit the Tasmanian Arboretum or ride the Don River Railway.
Evening: Watch for little penguins at Lillico Beach during the warmer months, or return to Devonport for dinner.
If you have more time, Cradle Mountain is around ninety minutes away by car, depending on road and weather conditions. Stanley and The Nut make a longer coastal day trip to the west.
Practical details for visiting Spreyton Cider Co.
Spreyton Cider Co. is at 6 Melrose Road, Aberdeen, Tasmania. The cellar door is open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, with Fridays extended until 8.00 pm. It is closed on public holidays.
The kitchen serves meals seven days a week from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm, and until 7.00 pm on Fridays. Opening hours and events can change, so check the Spreyton Cider Co. website before you travel. Having a car is the easiest way to explore the wider region. It lets you link the coast, orchard country and wildlife stops at your own pace.
Why spreyton belongs on the list
Most people arrive in Devonport thinking about the ferry, the lighthouse or the road to Cradle Mountain. Adding a cellar door visit changes the rhythm of the day. You can taste the region’s produce, sit beside an orchard farmed by the same family for five generations and enjoy a relaxed break between the more active stops.
Type things to do Devonport into your trip planner and you will find plenty of options. If you are planning North West Tasmania day trips or looking for a cellar door near Devonport, put Spreyton Cider Co. on the list. It is close, welcoming and one of the simplest ways to experience what this part of Tasmania does best.
