:Devonport, Tasmania

The history of Devonport is rooted in its indigenous heritage and shaped by European settlement, economic developments and transportation infrastructure.

{{See also|Bass Strait#By Aboriginal peoples}}

The pirinilaplu, or Punnilerpanner peoples, along with other indigenous groups such as the Pallittorre and Noeteeler, are the original inhabitants of the Tommeginne territory, encompassing Devonport and the northern Tasmanian region. Their cultural heritage and enduring ties to the land have profoundly influenced the identity of the region. Through their traditions and resilience, they continue to play a vital role in shaping the fabric of Devonport and its surrounding areas.{{Cite web |url=https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/visit-devonport/arts-culture-heritage/tiagarra/ |title=TIAGARRA |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Devonport City Council|date=6 June 2019 }}

Exploration of the Mersey River was undertaken in 1823, however initial observations by the British were unfavourable. Following the arrival of the Van Diemen's Land Company in 1826, the district underwent further exploration and surveying. Settlers commenced arriving later in the same year.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232998082 |title=History Of The Origin, Rise, And Progress Of The Van Diemen's Land Company. |newspaper=Colonial Advocate & Tasmanian Monthly Review & Register |volume=I |issue=5 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 July 1828 |accessdate=14 January 2024 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}} Indigenous resistance to settlement was evident, leading to the killing of Captain Bartholomew Boyle Thomas on 31 August 1831.{{Cite Australian Dictionary of Biography|id2=thomas-bartholomew-boyle-2854 |title=Bartholomew Boyle Thomas (1785–1831) |access-date=2024-01-14 |volume= 2 |date= 1967 |last=Thomas |first=H. R. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923031403/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/thomas-bartholomew-boyle-2854 |archive-date=2023-09-23 }}

The first European settlement in the Devonport region, predating 1850, was established on a block of land at Frogmore, near present-day Latrobe. It was a modest beginning that set the stage for future developments.{{cite news |title=Devonport's early days - Noted ship-building centre |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94435400 |access-date=28 February 2021 |work=Advocate |date=1938-11-08}}

In 1850, the arrival of a settler named Oldaker marked the establishment of present-day Devonport. Saw milling and coal mining gained momentum with the arrival of English settlers aboard the sailing ship Balmoral in 1854.{{cite journal |title=Balmoral |journal=Tasmanian Ancestry |date=1988-06-01 |volume=9 |issue=2 |page=75 |url=https://www.tasfhs.org/downloads/Volume9Number2_1988.pdf |access-date=28 February 2021}}

During the 1850s, twin settlements, Formby and Torquay, emerged on opposite banks at the mouth of the Mersey River.{{cite news |title=Eighty Years Ago - Early days in Mersey District |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68415703 |access-date=28 February 2021 |work=Advocate |date=1938-03-30}}

Torquay, the larger of the two, thrived with various amenities, including police, post offices, magistrate services, hotels, shipyards, and stores. A river ferry service connected Formby and Torquay.{{cite web | last=Bovill | first=Monte | title=Spirit of Devonport ferry service ends after 160 years as passenger numbers fall | website=ABC News | date=2022-08-30 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/spirit-of-devonport-ferry-service-tasmania-mersey-river-history/101383002 | access-date=2025-03-09}}

Between 1870 and 1880, the shipping industry experienced growth, leading to efforts to deepen the mouth of the river. This development facilitated the commencement of regular steamer services between the Mersey and Melbourne.{{cite web | title=Devonport City Council | website=Devonport City Council | date=2019-05-23 | url=https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/residents/devonport-history/ | access-date=2025-03-09}}

File:Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Devonport, Tasmania, at sunset.jpg

In 1882, the construction of the Marine Board building, which still stands today, became a notable landmark. The completion of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse in 1889 enhanced maritime safety in the region. The turn of the century witnessed significant changes, especially with the railway's impact on the Formby community. The railway combined a railhead and port facilities, leading to a building boom in Formby.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163523744 |title=Deloraine and Formby Railway |newspaper=Tasmanian News |volume=II |issue=475 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1885 |accessdate=9 March 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite web | title=The History and Importance of the Railway in Devonport, Tasmania | website=Devonport City Guide | date=1978-07-28 | url=https://www.devonport.net.au/the-history-and-importance-of-the-railway-in-devonport-tasmania | access-date=2025-03-09}}

In 1890, a public vote united Torquay and Formby, officially forming the town of Devonport. The opening of the Victoria Bridge in 1902 provided a crucial land transport link between Devonport and East Devonport, fostering further connectivity.

File:Central Devonport, Tasmania - 1908 (cropped).jpg

During this period, the Melrose-Eugenana region's limestone deposits played a vital role in supporting industrial activities. Limestone quarries supplied smelters of BHP, and in 1916, the government rebuilt the old Don Railway to transport limestone from Melrose to the Devonport wharves, further facilitating industrial growth.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1028654 |title=The Melrose Limestone. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CIV |issue=14,482 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 May 1916 |accessdate=9 March 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1924, the Victoria Bridge faced a setback when it collapsed due to continuous boring by Teredo worms. Despite this, there were no casualties, and the bridge underwent partial reconstruction and strengthening, showcasing the resilience of the community in the face of challenges.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20688224 |title=Collapse of Bridge. |newspaper=The Brisbane Courier |issue=20,601 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=1 February 1924 |accessdate=9 March 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Goliath Cement, now known as Cement Australia, traces its origins back to the Tasmanian Cement Company in 1923.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68091855 |title=Goliath Cement Industry |newspaper=The Advocate (Australia) |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1936 |accessdate=29 March 2024 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Supercharged by abundant limestone deposits and Railton's proximity to shipping outlets, the company pioneered advancements such as the development of bulk cement transportation by sea and boasted the first fully automatic mill in Australia.{{Cite web |url=https://www.utas.edu.au/tasmanian-companion/biogs/E000427b.htm#:~:text=Goliath%20Cement%20began%20as%20the,first%20annual%20output%2025%2C000%20tons. |title=Companion to Tasmanian History: Goliath Cement |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=University of Tasmania |last=Rimon |first=Wendy |orig-date=2005}}

The Railton facility, significant for its role in supplying cement for iconic projects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97845349 |title=Goliath Cement |newspaper=Sunday Mail |issue=606 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=6 January 1935 |accessdate=29 March 2024 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}} also produced asbestos products from 1947 to 1986, resulting in the company addressing compensation settlements to 3,000 workers who were exposed to asbestos in 2010.{{Cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-05-08/new-factory-owner-managing-asbestos-tragedy/427088 |title=New factory owner managing asbestos tragedy |date=2010-05-08 |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

File:Ovaltine Factory, Quoiba, Devonport, Tasmania - Circa 1940s.jpg

The 1930s brought notable advancements in transportation with the introduction of the motor car. Street sealing projects progressed, main roads were improved, and goods could move more efficiently. Constructed by Hansen Yuncken, Ovaltine opened its second-largest factory in Devonport to facilitate the demands of the Australasian and Southeast Asian markets in 1943.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68803128 |title=Devonport Ovaltine Factory Formally Opened |newspaper=The Advocate (Australia) |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 March 1943 |accessdate=10 November 2023 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite AV media |title=More Than Apples |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVhHMH350zw&t=736s |type=YouTube |publisher=Libraries Tasmania |year=1967 |access-date=2023-11-10 |people=Anderson, Don (director)}}

The 1950s witnessed prosperity and expansion as Devonport attracted many secondary industries, leading to the growth of transport and service sectors, businesses, and a steadily increasing population. In 1952, the opening of the aerodrome at Pardoe marked a new era in air travel, with regular airline services connecting Devonport and Melbourne.

{{See also|Bass Strait ferries}}

File:M.V. 'Princess of Tasmania', the world's largest ferry in 1958.jpg was the world's largest ferry in 1959]]

The establishment of the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminal at East Devonport in 1959 further enhanced transportation capabilities, with the Princess of Tasmania ferry service commencing operations. The Princess of Tasmania service, popularised for its innovative 'sea road' concept, facilitated vehicle travel between Victoria and Tasmania, responding to the growing demand from tourists who sought independent car exploration.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189925652 |title=The Princess of Tasmania |newspaper=The Biz |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 November 1959 |accessdate=11 January 2024 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{Citation | series=Australian National Line, 1956–1998 | title=TSMV EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA, MV PRINCESS OF TASMANIA, 'Service to and from Tasmania', Searoad | publication-date=1965 | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/239092513 | access-date=11 January 2024}}

Carrying 100 vehicles and over 300 people,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article267344880 |title=H.M.A.S. Quiberon escorts Princess of Tasmania|newspaper=Navy News |volume=2 |issue=20 |location=Australia, Australia |date=2 October 1959 |accessdate=11 January 2024 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}} the Princess of Tasmania boasted the world's longest RORO service covering {{convert|230|nmi}} and contributing significantly to Tasmania's appeal as a tourist destination. The ferry's roll-on, roll-off feature set a global standard in maritime transportation.

The following two decades witnessed the town's residential area expanding west across the ridge into the Don Valley, north along the heights of Coles Beach, and south on both sides of the river. Devonport, during these years, emerged as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Australia.

In 1973, a new concrete bridge replaced the old, battered Victoria Bridge, providing improved infrastructure with the Bass Highway passing directly through Devonport. The city's prosperity continued well into the 1990s, with the port remaining its lifeblood, sustained by the contributions of farming and manufacturing industries.

Devonport achieved city status on 21 April 1981, proclaimed by Prince Charles in a ceremony held on the Devonport Oval.

From 1983-1984, the Devonport Warriors competed in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Warriors were forced to exit the NBL after the league announced it would be culled to 14 teams by 1985. The club never experienced financial hardship, and although the Warriors only won four games in 1984, ten of its losses had been by ten points or less.

Opening in 2001, the Pandemonium Discovery & Adventure was the North West Coast's largest indoor entertainment venue. Featuring an indoor play area, rock climbing, laser skirmish, skate ramp, and diverse science-focused exhibits, the centre catered to all ages, promoting health through active participation and recreation. The Imaginarium Science Centre located within the complex provided visitors with dynamic hands-on exhibits, programs, and changing displays. From 2001 until its closure in 2009, it hosted compelling traveling exhibitions from renowned science centers, such as 'Body in Action' from Te Manawa and 'Dinosaur Eggs and Babies' from Otago Museum and Gondwana Studios.

In 2014, after 160 years of continuous service, the cross-river ferry service was discontinued following the retirement of the Torquay ferry. However, it later resumed operations.{{r|TORQUAY1}}{{r|TORQUAY2}}

The town received national attention on 16 December 2021, when a jumping castle and two zorbs were lifted into the air by a gust of a wind at Hillcrest primary school, killing six children and injuring three.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-16|title=Australia jumping castle tragedy: five children dead and several critically injured in Tasmania|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/16/several-children-seriously-injured-after-jumping-castle-incident-in-tasmania|access-date=2021-12-17|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{Cite news|date=2021-12-19|title=Sixth child dies after jumping castle tragedy, as community unites in grief|language=en-AU|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-19/jumping-castle-tragedy-sees-devonport-community-grieving/100711932|access-date=2021-12-19}}

{{See also|List of places in Tasmania by population}}

{{Historical populations

|type= Australia

|1986|24417{{cite web | title=Census counts for Small Areas: Tasmania, 1991 Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |page=30 | first=Ian |last=Castles |date=14 January 1993 |url=https://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/DC3A0D68F6822B5FCA2574BE0083C058/$File/27306_1991_160_Census_Counts_for_Small_Areas_-_%20Tasmania.pdf | access-date=20 September 2024}}

|1991|24622

|2001|21528

|2006|22315

|2011|22770

|2016|23044

|2021|26150

|2023|26997{{Cite web |url=https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/TasPOPP%202024%20-%20Tasmanian%20and%20local%20government%20area%20population%20projections%202023%20to%202053%20-%20final%20report.pdf |title=TasPOPP 2024 Final Report |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Tasmanian Government |publisher=Department of Treasury and Finance |orig-date=May 2024 |page=17}}

|source=Australian Bureau of Statistics data.{{cite web |title=Statistics by Catalogue Number |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/ViewContent?readform&view=ProductsbyCatalogue&Action=Expand&Num=2.2 |access-date=24 January 2024}}{{cite web |title=Search Census data |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/search-by-area |access-date=24 January 2024}}

}}

In 2021, the population of Devonport was 26,150.{{r|ABSLGA}}

External population demographics estimate the resident population for Devonport at 26,977 in 2023, with a population density of 242.8 people per square km across a land area of {{cvt|111.1|km2}}.{{Cite web |url=https://profile.id.com.au/tasmania/about?WebID=180 |title=Devonport City Profile Area |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Informed Decisions}}

Devonport City Council has set specific population growth goals for the city, aiming to achieve a population of 30,000 by 2030 and 35,000 by 2040.{{Cite web |url=https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/download/367/plans-strategies/48258/greater-devonport-residential-growth-strategy-2021-2041.pdf |title=Greater Devonport Residential Growth Strategy 2021-2041 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Devonport City Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221175513/https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/download/367/plans-strategies/48258/greater-devonport-residential-growth-strategy-2021-2041.pdf |archive-date=2024-02-21}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7720588/devonport-aspires-to-become-home-to-30000-by-2030/ |title=Devonport's ambitious plan to attract 30,000 residents by 2030 |date=2022-05-02 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=The Advocate (Tasmania) |last=Bingham |first=Libby |url-access=subscription}}

The median weekly household income is $1,167, compared to $1,746 nationally. 24.6% of households total weekly income is less than $650 week, while 10.4% of households weekly income exceeds $3,000. This compares to national rates of 16.5% and 24.3% respectively.

34.3% of households renting, and 8.1% of owned households with a mortgage experience housing stress, where rent or mortgage repayments payments exceed 30% of total income.

Devonport is home to a sizable First Nations population, with 1,971 residents, comprising 7.5% of the population, identifying as Indigenous Australians. This percentage surpasses the national average of 3.8% of the total Australian population.{{Cite web |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/estimates-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-australians/latest-release |title=Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians |date=2023-08-31 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Australian Bureau of Statistics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410070539/https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/estimates-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-australians/latest-release|archive-date=2024-04-10 }} 83.6% of residents were born in Australia. 2.9% were born in England, 0.8% in India and New Zealand and 0.6% in each Nepal, Philippines and Mainland China.{{cite web|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/community-profiles/2021/LGA61610|title=2021 Devonport, Census Community Profile|website=Australian Bureau of Statistics|access-date=2 October 2022}}

89.9% of people spoke only English at home. 6.3% of households use a non-English language, including Mandarin (0.8%), Nepali (0.7%), Punjabi (0.4%) and Vietnamese and Tongan (0.3%).

In the 2021 census, 51.1% of people in Devonport professed no religion. 38.7% specified a Christian religious affiliation (including 12.4% as Anglicanism, 11.6% Catholic and 3.5% Uniting Church). Other religious affiliations include Hinduism (1.1%), Buddhism (0.9%), Islam (0.4%) and Sikhism (0.3%).

Devonport has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) bordering on a mild-summer mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csb). Most days from January to March are mild, averaging {{cvt|19|to|24|°C}} with frequent sunshine, although cold fronts are a regular visitor even at the height of summer and some days may not exceed {{cvt|15|°C}}. The warmest and driest days can occasionally reach up to {{cvt|28|°C}}. Unlike the east coast of Tasmania, moist northwesterly winds prevent heatwaves and temperatures rarely if ever reach above {{cvt|30|°C}}.

Winters are cool and cloudy with frequent light rain; July and August are the wettest months of the year. Due to ample cloud cover and marine influence, winter temperatures rarely drop below {{cvt|0|°C}} or rise above {{cvt|15|°C}}. September to December usually features cool to mild, windy weather with frequent showers, and occasional warm, sunny breaks.

Despite being nearly two degrees of latitude northward, Devonport is a cooler climate than Hobart due to being windward of the ranges.

{{Weather box

|location = Devonport Airport (means and rainfall 1991–2020, extremes 1991–present)

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

| Jan record high C = 33.2

| Feb record high C = 30.6

| Mar record high C = 29.0

| Apr record high C = 24.9

| May record high C = 20.7

| Jun record high C = 18.8

| Jul record high C = 17.6

| Aug record high C = 18.1

| Sep record high C = 20.0

| Oct record high C = 25.9

| Nov record high C = 28.2

| Dec record high C = 30.9

| year record high C = 33.2

| Jan high C = 21.6

| Feb high C = 21.8

| Mar high C = 20.5

| Apr high C = 17.8

| May high C = 15.4

| Jun high C = 13.5

| Jul high C = 12.8

| Aug high C = 13.1

| Sep high C = 14.3

| Oct high C = 16.0

| Nov high C = 18.0

| Dec high C = 19.8

| year high C = 17.0

| Jan mean C =

| Feb mean C =

| Mar mean C =

| Apr mean C =

| May mean C =

| Jun mean C =

| Jul mean C =

| Aug mean C =

| Sep mean C =

| Oct mean C =

| Nov mean C =

| Dec mean C =

| year mean C =

| Jan low C = 12.4

| Feb low C = 12.7

| Mar low C = 11.0

| Apr low C = 8.8

| May low C = 6.8

| Jun low C = 5.1

| Jul low C = 4.7

| Aug low C = 4.9

| Sep low C = 6.1

| Oct low C = 7.4

| Nov low C = 9.3

| Dec low C = 10.7

| year low C = 8.3

| Jan record low C = 4.0

| Feb record low C = -1.2

| Mar record low C = -2.5

| Apr record low C = -0.8

| May record low C = -1.8

| Jun record low C = -1.9

| Jul record low C = -2.2

| Aug record low C = -4.8

| Sep record low C = -2.0

| Oct record low C = -2.3

| Nov record low C = 0.6

| Dec record low C = 1.6

| year record low C = -4.8

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 48.0

| Feb rain mm = 35.3

| Mar rain mm = 42.8

| Apr rain mm = 56.8

| May rain mm = 64.4

| Jun rain mm = 71.8

| Jul rain mm = 86.3

| Aug rain mm = 81.5

| Sep rain mm = 76.8

| Oct rain mm = 55.2

| Nov rain mm = 57.1

| Dec rain mm = 47.4

| year rain mm = 723.4

| unit rain days = 0.2 mm

| Jan rain days = 7.1

| Feb rain days = 6.9

| Mar rain days = 7.8

| Apr rain days = 9.7

| May rain days = 12.4

| Jun rain days = 13.0

| Jul rain days = 15.6

| Aug rain days = 16.0

| Sep rain days = 15.1

| Oct rain days = 12.0

| Nov rain days = 10.9

| Dec rain days = 8.8

| year rain days = 135.3

| humidity colour = green

| Jan afthumidity = 61

| Feb afthumidity = 61

| Mar afthumidity = 59

| Apr afthumidity = 62

| May afthumidity = 66

| Jun afthumidity = 68

| Jul afthumidity = 69

| Aug afthumidity = 68

| Sep afthumidity = 66

| Oct afthumidity = 63

| Nov afthumidity = 65

| Dec afthumidity = 61

| year humidity = 64

| Jan sun = 263.5

| Feb sun = 240.1

| Mar sun = 210.8

| Apr sun = 171.0

| May sun = 142.6

| Jun sun = 132.0

| Jul sun = 136.4

| Aug sun = 151.9

| Sep sun = 186.0

| Oct sun = 232.5

| Nov sun = 246.0

| Dec sun = 257.3

| year sun = 2370.1

|source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology{{r|BoM}}

|source 2 = Bureau of Meteorology (1981–1996 sunshine hours){{r|BoM2}}

}}

{{see also|Devonport City Council}}

{{Infobox official post

| post = Mayor

| body = Devonport

| incumbent = Alison Jarman

| incumbentsince = 28 October 2022{{cite web | last=Flint | first=Jess | title=Kons out, Brumby in: Changing of the guard in Burnie | website=The Advocate | date=26 October 2022 | url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7958222/kons-out-brumby-in-changing-of-the-guard-in-burnie/ | access-date=21 September 2024}}

| member_of = Devonport City Council

| style = Councillor

| formation = 1908

| first = Kerry Berwick{{cite web | last=Wade | first=Rohan | title=Devonport farewells first mayor Kerry | website=The Examiner | date=23 January 2003 | url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/573459/devonport-farewells-first-mayor-kerry/ | access-date=21 September 2024}}

}}

There are nine councillors that govern the Devonport City Council.{{r|ALDERMAN}} Alison Jarman was elected mayor of the City of Devonport in 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/2022-23-annual-report/ |title=2022/23 Annual Report: Another strong performance for Council during 2022/23 FY |date=2023-10-13 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Mirage News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121014831/https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/2022-23-annual-report/ |archive-date=2024-01-21}} Devonport City Council oversees local governance in Devonport, managing infrastructure, community services, and local regulations. The council is also involved in supporting community development initiatives, including the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre. Devonport's political landscape is marked by a blend of conservative and progressive influences, reflecting the region's broader social dynamics.

At the state level, Devonport falls within the Tasmanian House of Assembly’s electoral division of Braddon, a multi-member electorate that includes both Labor and Liberal members.

Nationally, Devonport is located in the federal electorate of Braddon, currently represented by Gavin Pearce of the Liberal Party of Australia. Braddon has traditionally been a marginal seat, with representation often alternating between the Labor and Liberal parties in federal elections.

Areas within Devonport as a suburb include Highfield

Areas within East Devonport as a suburb includes Pardoe Downs, Rannoch, Panorama Heights

The full list of Suburbs of the City of Devonport are:

List of suburbs

File:Mid winter in downtown Devonport Tasmania.jpgFile:Town Hall - Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre.jpg

Opening in November 2018, the Paranaple Arts Centre serves as a contemporary focal point for artistic expression and cultural engagement. It is home to the Devonport Regional Gallery, Town Hall Theatre and the Devonport Visitor Information Centre. The Paranaple hosts live performances encompassing a range of genres, including music concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, and other performing arts events.{{Cite news |title=Embracing city's public art assets and aspirations |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7599055/embracing-artistic-assets/ |last=Bingham |first=Libby |date=2022-01-09 |access-date=2024-01-10 |work=The Advocate (Tasmania) |url-access=subscription}} The centre also includes gallery, studio and rehearsal spaces, a theatre, and multipurpose areas designed to host diverse arts-related activities.{{Cite web |url=https://www.paranapleartscentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PAC-tech-Specs-June-2022-download.pdf |title=Paranaple Arts Centre Technical Specifications |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Paranaple Arts Centre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315060221/https://www.paranapleartscentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PAC-tech-Specs-June-2022-download.pdf |archive-date=2023-03-15}}

The Devonport Regional Gallery evolved from the inception of The Little Gallery, which was founded by Jean Thomas as a private enterprise in 1966. The Gallery presents an annual program of exhibitions, education and public programs including events and workshops. A broad range of selected local artisan works are displayed at the North West Regional Craft Centre and gift store in the CBD.

File:Tiagarra (25989220160).jpg

The Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum displays petroglyphs, designs in rock and exhibits that depict the traditional lifestyle of Tasmanian Aboriginal people.{{r|MUSEUM}} Meaning "to keep", Tiagarra is one of the oldest Aboriginal-operated museums in Australia, officially opening on 16 October 1976 by Doug Nicholls and Gladys Nicholls.{{Cite web |url=https://tiagarra.weebly.com |title=Tiagarra - A Brief History |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Tiagarra - Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924091827/https://tiagarra.weebly.com/ |archive-date=2023-09-24}}

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre housed in the former Harbour Master's House has objects, models and photographs that tell the stories of Bass Strait and Devonport. Dame Enid Lyons inaugurated an exhibition of maritime memorabilia in 1970, inspiring the establishment of the Tasmanian Maritime and Folk Museum in East Devonport in 1973. By 1980, the museum had relocated to the Harbour Master’s house in Gloucester Avenue. In 1999, a merger with the Devon Historical Society integrated Devonport’s maritime and local history archives into a unified collection. In 2010, the Devonport City Council assumed ownership and management from the volunteer-based organization, leading to the present-day Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The collection, comprising 4500 objects, 200 artworks, photographic prints, negatives, and archival material, explores Devonport and Bass Strait's stories from the early 1800s to the present. Rotating exhibitions feature diverse narratives from the collection.

File:Devonport Regional Gallery.jpg

A volunteer-run vintage railway and museum, the Don River Railway, is situated at Don, a suburb of Devonport.

The former Devonport Maternity Hospital was recently demolished and the land repurposed into a gated community.{{r|FORMERHOSPITAL}}

The Mersey Community Hospital at Latrobe serves the Devonport community for their health needs.

Kokoda Barracks is an army barracks in Devonport.

Devonport offers a range of transportation options, including road networks, intercity bus services, public transport bus services operated by Kinetic, freight rail, passenger ferry, air travel, and alternative modes like cycling and walking pathways.

Devonport Airport, located {{convert|7|km}} east of the city at Pardoe Downs, is a vital transportation hub, accessible within a 15-minute car ride. Serving as Tasmania's third-largest airline hub, it accommodates Qantas and Rex Airlines, offering six daily passenger flights. QantasLink operates four Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop services to Melbourne.

Encompassing {{convert|308|ha}}, the airport features a main runway measuring {{convert|1838|x|45|m}} and a secondary grassed runway spanning {{convert|880|x|30|m}}. Its infrastructure includes comprehensive taxiways, passenger terminals and general aviation, and maintenance hangars.{{Cite web |url=https://dpoairport.au/volumes/documents/Devonport-Airport-MasterPlan-November-2022.pdf |title=Devonport Airport Master Plan 2035 |access-date=2024-01-10 |page=2 |website=dpoairport.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024151942/https://dpoairport.au/volumes/documents/Devonport-Airport-MasterPlan-November-2022.pdf |archive-date=2023-10-24}} Recent upgrades in 2020 enhanced the terminal with a new departure lounge, upgraded security, and a dedicated freight apron.{{Cite news |title=Devonport Airport ready for post-pandemic expansion following upgrade |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/6821701/airport-ready-for-post-pandemic-expansion/ |last=Bennett |first=Lachlan |date=2020-07-06 |access-date=2024-01-10 |work=The Advocate (Tasmania) |url-access=subscription}}

The airport offers refueling services, car parking, rental cars, and taxi facilities. It is connected to Devonport by various bus services, such as Merseylink, Redline Coaches, and Phoenix Coaches, although services on weekends and public holidays are limited.

From Devonport three shipping operators – Strait Link, SeaRoad Shipping and Spirit of Tasmania provide overnight roll-on/roll-off freight service across Bass Strait to Victoria.

Cement Australia has been exporting cement from Railton to Melbourne since 1926. Additional exports by ship include tallow, while coal was an export until the closure of the Fingal Valley coal mine.{{Cite web |url=https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/15114-cornwall-coal-to-plans-new-coal-mine-in-tasmania |title=Cornwall Coal to plans new coal mine in Tasmania |date=2023-01-05 |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Global Cement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810105524/https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/15114-cornwall-coal-to-plans-new-coal-mine-in-tasmania |archive-date=2023-08-10}}

Imports to Devonport include petroleum, bunker fuel, fertiliser and caustic soda.

Due for completion in 2027, the $240 million Quaylink project, a TasPorts investment of new berths and terminal facilities, is expected to further boost the port's freight operations by 40%.{{Cite news |title=TasPorts expansion works to boost freight capacity |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/tasports-expansion-works-to-boost-freight-capacity/news-story/08edc4afb8c8e9ea396ff5b33668939b |last=Dunn |first=James |date=2021-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624031849/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/tasports-expansion-works-to-boost-freight-capacity/news-story/08edc4afb8c8e9ea396ff5b33668939b |archive-date=24 June 2023 |work=The Australian}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.insideconstruction.com.au/section/projects/tasmanias-quaylink-port-infrastructure-upgrades-well-underway/ |title=Tasmania's QuayLink port infrastructure upgrades well underway |date=2023-04-04 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Inside Construction |last=Grogan |first=Ashley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404065104/https://www.insideconstruction.com.au/section/projects/tasmanias-quaylink-port-infrastructure-upgrades-well-underway/ |archive-date=4 April 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/ports/devonports-project-quaylink-reaches-milestone/ |title=Devonport's Project Quaylink Reaches Milestone |date=2023-10-11 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Daily Cargo News |last=Ackerman |first=Ian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108130103/https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/ports/devonports-project-quaylink-reaches-milestone/ |archive-date=8 January 2024}}

File:Don River Railway Devonport Tasmania.jpg]]

TasRail maintains a freight rail line that connects the port area to Burnie and Railton. Previously, Devonport had a railway roundhouse and maintenance rail yards along the Mersey River's foreshore. Today, this space has been transformed into parkland, offering a recreational area for locals and visitors.

Situated in Don, the Don River Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway and museum providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a passenger train ride from Don to Coles Beach. The railway journey traces a reconstructed section of the former Melrose line, historically connecting Don Junction to Paloona.

Devonport serves as the departure point for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries — Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II — that travel from Devonport to Geelong, Victoria, taking approximately 11 hours for the voyage. These RORO ferries are crucial for transporting passengers, vehicles, and freight between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, providing an essential link across the Bass Strait.{{r|GEELONG}}{{r|GEELONG2}}

A former local ferry service connecting east and west of Devonport named The Spirit of Devonport ceased operations on the Mersey River after more than 160 years in 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/spirit-of-devonport-ferry-service-tasmania-mersey-river-history/101383002 |title=Spirit of Devonport ferry service ends after 160 years as passenger numbers fall |date=2022-08-30 |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |last=Bovill |first=Monte |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810041115/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/spirit-of-devonport-ferry-service-tasmania-mersey-river-history/101383002 |archive-date=2023-08-10}}

Devonport Passenger Ferry History

File:400763 Devonport Tasmania Spirit of Tasmania.jpg, 1999]]

Situated within a modest expanse of {{convert|114|km2}},{{Cite web |url=https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/welcome-to-devonport/ |title=Welcome to Devonport |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=devonport.tas.gov.au |date=21 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120051847/https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/web/20231120051847/https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/welcome-to-devonport/ |archive-date=2023-11-20}} Devonport has a solid history in agriculture. Despite the region's spatial limitations, Devonport has been a linchpin in Tasmania's vegetable cultivation, yielding substantial quantities of beans, onions, peas, and potatoes. The post-World War II era witnessed a transformative phase marked by the establishment of processing factories, with a specific emphasis on peas. These facilities assumed a crucial role in the canning, freezing, and dehydrating processes, not only bolstering local sustenance but also fundamentally influencing Tasmania's broader agricultural and food production paradigm.{{Citation | last1=Halpern|first1= E. | title=A system of farming : Devonport area : north west coast of Tasmania | year=1966 | type =online resource (53 pages) | page=2 | location=Tasmania | publisher=Department of Agriculture | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2819083965 | id=nla.obj-2819083965 | access-date=17 January 2024 | via=Trove }}

Devonport has since emerged as a key contributor to Australia's agricultural production, with a significant supporting dairy industry, cereals, poppyseed oil and pyrethrum.

File:Our Lady Of Lourdes Primary School Devonport Tasmania.jpg

• Hillcrest Primary School
• Devonport Primary School
• Miandetta Primary School
• East Devonport Primary School
• Nixon Street Primary School
• Spreyton Primary School
• Devonport Christian School
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School

• Devonport High School
• Reece High School
• St Brendan-Shaw College
• Devonport Christian School

• Don College
• St Brendan-Shaw College

A TasTAFE campus, an adult training institution, is situated in Valley Road.

{{See also|Sport in Tasmania}}

File:Devonport oval.jpg

Devonport has a rich sporting culture, with the Devonport Football Club (Magpies) competing in the North West Football League (NWFL), having secured back-to-back Senior Premierships in 2021 and 2022. The East Devonport Football Club (Swans) also plays in the NWFL, with teams like Ulverstone and Penguin. The Devonport Rugby Club competes in the Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide League,{{r|RUGBY}} and touch football is organised by the Devonport Touch Football Association at Meercroft Park.

In soccer, Devonport City Football Club plays in the National Premier Leagues Tasmania and fields a reserve team in the Northern Championship.

Cricket is represented by the Devonport Cricket Club in the North Western Tasmanian Cricket Association. Devonport’s hockey teams compete in the Hockey Tasmania leagues.

The Devonport Warriors, based at the Devonport Recreation Centre, are the largest basketball club in the North West Basketball Union, with over 750 members and a legacy of success, including hosting the Under-14 Australian Junior Championships in 1974 and representing Devonport in the National Basketball League between 1983-1984.{{Cite web |url=https://devonportwarriors.com.au/team/history/ |title=History - Devonport Basketball Club |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Devonport Warriors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402131454/https://devonportwarriors.com.au/team/history/ |archive-date=2024-04-02}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.competitions.basketball/competitions/national-championships/u14/history |title=U14 Club Championships History |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Basketball Australia}}

Netball is centered at Devonport Netball in Spreyton, participating in statewide events.

Devonport hosts a leg of the Tasmanian Cycling Christmas Carnival Series, along with athletics and woodchopping events.{{r|CYCLING}}

The Devonport Golf Club has hosted major events like the Tasmanian Open and Tasmanian Seniors Open. The annual Devonport Regatta features powerboat racing, while the Devonport Cup, held in January at the Spreyton racecourse, is a major horse racing event. The city also hosts regular harness and greyhound racing at the Devonport Showgrounds.

The Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre offers a gym and indoor pool within the Don Reserve. Devonport Tennis Club and East Devonport Tennis Club compete in the Tennis North West Association, and the annual Devonport Triathlon in February serves as the Oceania continental championship.

{{See also|Category:People from Devonport, Tasmania}}

• John Heyer (1916–2001), documentary filmmaker often described as the father of Australian documentary film
• Monique Brumby, indie pop/rock singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer
• Phil Manning, blues songwriter, guitarist and vocalist of Chain
• Tamara McKinley, author of the Cliffehaven series under the pen name Ellie Dean
• Syd Nicholls (1896–1977), cartoonist best known for the long-running comic strip Fatty Finn
• Gerard Vaughan, art historian and curator

• Max Bound (1924–2012), trade unionist and environmental activist
• Tim Lane, sports broadcaster and journalist

• Mike Gaffney, Independent member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council
• Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
• Dame Enid Lyons (1897–1981), First woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in the federal cabinet
• Joseph Lyons (1879–1939), 10th Prime Minister of Australia (1932–1939), 26th Premier of Tasmania (1923–1928)
• Steve Martin, Senator for Tasmania (2018–2019)
• Hector McFie (1898–1982), Independent member for Mersey (1954–1972)
• Max Poulter (1913–1962), educator and politician, Senator for Queensland (1961)
• Jeremy Rockliff, 47th Premier of Tasmania

{{See also|Category:Sportspeople from Devonport, Tasmania}}

• John Bowe, V8 Supercar driver
• Nita Burke, Australia women's national basketball team player
• Corey Cadby, darts player
• Marty Clarke, professional basketball player and coach, 1989 NBL Champion (North Melbourne Giants)
• David Foster, woodchopper
• Owen Kelly, NASCAR and V8 Supercar driver
• Jim Nevin, cyclist who competed at the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics
• David Parsons, V8 Supercar driver

• Darrel Baldock (1938–2011), {{AFL StK}} (1962–1968)
• Grant Birchall, {{AFL Haw}} (2006–2019), {{AFL BL}} (2020–2021)
• Matthew Febey, {{AFL Mel}} (1987, 1990–2000)
• Steven Febey, {{AFL Mel}} (1987–2001)
• Ben Harrison, {{AFL Car}} (1995), {{AFL Ric}} (1996–2000), {{AFL WB}} (2001–2005)
• Brady Rawlings, {{AFL NM}} (1999–2011)
• Jade Rawlings, {{AFL Haw}} (1996–2003), {{AFL WB}} (2004–2005), {{AFL NM}} (2006)
• Matthew Richardson, {{AFL Ric}} (1993–2009)
• Dion Scott, {{AFL Syd}} (1990, 1992), Brisbane Bears (1993–1996), {{AFL BL}} (1997–1999)
• Graham Wright, {{AFL Col}} (1988–1998)

The city of Devonport has a formal sister city agreement with Minamata City in Japan. This was ratified in 1996. Both cities share a similar setting and area.

• {{flagicon|Japan}} Minamata, Japan{{r|MINAMATA}} (1996)
• {{flagicon|Australia}} City of Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia (previous destination for "Spirit of Tasmania" ferries from Devonport, current destination as of 2022 is Geelong).

• The Tasmanian Arboretum

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web|title=2021 Census All persons QuickStats|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA61610|website=Australian Bureau of Statistics|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|date=28 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022}}

{{cite web |url=https://theadvocate.com.au/story/2301512/devonport-to-lose-its-torquay-ferry-service/ |last=Dingwall |first=Doug |title=Devonport to lose its Torquay Ferry service |date=22 May 2014 |access-date=4 November 2020}}

{{cite web |url=https://theadvocate.com.au/story/3397892/devonports-torquay-ferry-to-return/ |title=Devonport's Torquay ferry to return |date=2 October 2015 |access-date=4 November 2020}}

{{cite podcast |host=Ian Elsner |title=62. David Gough Reclaims Stewardship of Tiagarra for Aboriginal Tasmanians |publisher=Museum Archipelago |date=15 April 2019 |url=https://museumarchipelago.com/62 |access-date=15 April 2019}}

{{cite web |author1=Leah McBey |title=Multi-million gated community planned for old Devonport maternity hospital land |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/5891350/new-life-stage-for-old-maternity-hospital-site/ |website=ABC NEWS |language=en |date=7 February 2019 |access-date=2 August 2021}}

{{cite web |work=devonport.tas.gov.au |title=Mayor and Aldermen |url=https://devonport.tas.gov.au/council/your-council/elected-council/ |access-date=25 June 2009}}

{{cite news |url=https://abc.net.au/news/2020-04-23/spirit-of-tasmania-moves-from-melbourne-to-geelong/12175868 |title=Spirit of Tasmania to move Victorian operations from Port Melbourne to Geelong |last=Macdonald |first=Lucy |newspaper=ABC News |date=23 April 2020 |access-date=4 November 2020}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_resources_2015/additional_releases/spirit_of_tasmania_facilities_at_geelong_on_track_for_first_sailing|title=Spirit of Tasmania facilities at Geelong on track for first sailing|date=1 July 2022|access-date=7 August 2022}}

{{cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091126_All.shtml |title=Climate statistics for Devonport Airport |access-date=11 April 2017 |website=bom.gov.au |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology}}

{{cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=091186&p_prim_element_index=0&p_comp_element_index=0&redraw=null&p_display_type=full_statistics_table&normals_years=1981-2010&tablesizebutt=normal |title=Climate statistics for Forthside Climate Research Station (1981–2010) |website=bom.gov.au |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=28 October 2017}}

{{cite web |title=Find My Club |url=https://tas.rugby/participate/play/find-my-club |access-date=21 July 2020 |df=dmy-all}}

{{cite web |work=tas.cycling.org.au |title=Devonport Athletic Club |url=https://tas.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=17482&MenuID=Affiliated_Clubs/20088/0/ |access-date=26 June 2009}}

{{cite web |url=https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4521283/city-welcomes-visit/ |title=Devonport prepares to welcome Sister City delegation from Minamata |date=12 March 2017 |access-date=26 September 2020}}

}}

{{Sister project links |1= |display=Devonport |author=no |wikt=no |commons=Category:Devonport, Tasmania |n=no |q=no |s=no |b=no |voy=Devonport |v=no |d=no |species=no |m=no |mw=no }}

{{Devonport Suburbs}}

{{Tasmania}}

{{Cities of Australia}}

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Category:1890 establishments in Australia

Category:Populated places established in 1890

Category:Cities in Tasmania

Category:Coastal cities in Australia

Category:Port towns of Tasmania