Devonport, on the northwest coast of Tasmania, is often called "Australia’s market garden." Situated on the banks of the Mersey River in a fertile valley, this one area provides 40% of Tasmania’s fruits and vegetables and provides the Australian mainland with much of its produce as well. 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.

Mainland Australians know Devonport as an ideal place to begin a Tasmanian vacation. It is blessed with beautiful countryside and the town itself has a relaxing, welcoming feel to it. Not surprisingly, the restaurants in Devonport are heralded as some of Tasmania’s finest. Local restaurant owners take their pick of the best seafood that comes into port each day and have Australia’s freshest produce practically at their doorstep.

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. Owned and managed entirely by volunteers, attractions include a fascinating railway museum and a half hour ride on a genuine restored 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.

Many visitors to Devonport use the town as a base from which to explore Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park owes a debt of gratitude to Gustav Weindorfer, a migrant from Austria who fell in love with the pristine wilderness and made it his goal to have the area declared a National Park. Weidorfer began his efforts in 1912 and within his lifetime saw his dream come true. Today, the park is a World Heritage listed site.

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 love everything about your visit to Devonport and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Take your cue from the thousands of visitors who preceded you and make your Devonport accommodation your "base of operations." This way, you can enjoy all the region has to offer in comfort and style.