6 Best Sights in Devonport and Nearby, Tasmania

This dairy makes delicious English-style cheeses like cheddar, Lancashire, and Cheshire, and is an inviting place to learn about cheese production, sample some of the tasty products, and browse through other locally produced goods, like jams, olive oils, and honey. Tours are available, and no advance notice is needed for individuals or small groups. The café serves great snacks, too.

This interpretive center highlights the natural history of the Bass Strait and its many islands as well as showing exhibits that explore Devonport's development into a port city, the area's rich naval past, and the arrival and settlement of the early Europeans. Regular exhibitions feature different aspects of Tasmania's rich maritime history.

This re-creation of an early-20th-century passenger railway with working steam and diesel engines takes a glorious 30-minute journey along the banks of the Don River. The route, which leads through native vegetation and affords lovely water views, is well worth the price. The train departs from the restored railway station, where there's a large collection of vintage engines, carriages, and wagons.

South from Devonport along the Bass Highway toward Launceston, the House of Anvers specializes in making exquisite chocolates—and you can watch the confectionery staff as they mold and dip different truffles, pralines, and fudges. (If your mouth starts to water, hit the on-site café for a yummy chocolate dessert or hot cocoa.) They also provide an online store if you can't fit all the sweet delicacies in your suitcase.

In the small village of Sheffield, 32 km (20 miles) south of Devonport, with the ever-present Mt. Roland overlooking the valley, more than 60 murals painted on the exterior walls of local buildings depict scenes of local history. This village is worth a special detour; its cafés and galleries are interesting, and it's the perfect rest point on the way to Cradle Mountain.

Tasmania's Aboriginal culture is being revitalised through regular cultural events. On display is artworks and a series of reproduced Aboriginal huts. Among the exhibits are many cultural artifacts including beautiful Aboriginal rock engravings, which were discovered on the nearby Mersey Bluff headland in 1929 and subsequently collected here for protection. Tours must be arranged in advanced.