Stays in Devonport
Devonport sits on Tasmania's north coast at the mouth of the Mersey River, best known as the mainland gateway for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Stays here range from harbour hotels near the CBD to family motels close to East Devonport Beach and the Mersey Bluff foreshore.
Devonport is the town most road-trippers meet first or last in Tasmania, since the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks at East Devonport across the Mersey River from the compact CBD. Stays cluster in three pockets: harbour-facing hotels near the river mouth, family motels a short drive from East Devonport Beach, and quieter options toward Mersey Bluff and its lighthouse. Families travelling with kids get flat beaches and van-friendly parking without a long drive, while couples timing a ferry crossing get a genuinely convenient overnight base. Cradle Mountain sits under two hours inland for travellers extending the trip west.
Devonport in numbers
WaterfrontWaterfront Apartments
★4.7
Family-friendlyComfort Inn Devonport
★4.5
Family-friendlyNovotel Devonport
★4.4
LuxuryNightelier Devonport Gateway Hotel
★4.2
Family-friendlyElimatta Hotel
★4.1
Family-friendlyThe Formby Hotel
★3.9
Family-friendlyThe Dannebrog Lodge
★3.6What to expect
- Harbour-side hotels a short walk from the Devonport CBD and Mersey River
- Family motels close to East Devonport Beach and the ferry terminal
- Quieter stays toward Mersey Bluff, with its lighthouse and foreshore reserve
- An easy overnight base before or after a Spirit of Tasmania crossing
- Cradle Mountain and the Tarkine within a half-day's drive west
- Van and trailer-friendly parking at most properties outside the tight CBD core
Local tips
- ✓Book the East Devonport side of the river if your ferry sailing is early, it cuts the pre-boarding drive to minutes.
- ✓Check whether parking is on-site or street-based before booking if you are travelling with a van or trailer.
- ✓Visit outside the December to February peak if you want easier ferry bookings alongside your room.
- ✓Use the CBD as a base for walkable dining, and the East Devonport side for ferry logistics.
- ✓Allow extra time for a Cradle Mountain day trip, the drive alone runs close to two hours each way.
- ✓Pack for coastal wind year-round, Devonport sits directly on Bass Strait and the weather turns quickly.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Devonport for an early Spirit of Tasmania ferry?
East Devonport, on the same side of the Mersey River as the ferry terminal, cuts the pre-dawn drive to a few minutes rather than crossing the river in the dark from the CBD side of town.
What types of accommodation are available in Devonport?
Devonport offers harbour hotels near the CBD, family motels close to East Devonport Beach, an aparthotel with self-catering apartments, and budget hostel-style rooms near the ferry terminal, covering most road-trip budgets.
What is the best time of year to visit Devonport?
The shoulder months of March to May and September to November bring milder weather and easier ferry bookings than the December to February peak, when both the crossing and rooms fill fastest.
Is Devonport a good base for exploring Cradle Mountain?
Yes, Devonport works as a practical first-night base before the roughly two-hour drive inland to Cradle Mountain, letting road-trippers land off the ferry and start toward the mountains the next morning.
How far is Devonport city centre from the ferry terminal?
The Devonport CBD sits across the Mersey River from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in East Devonport, a short drive or a passenger ferry ride rather than a long crossing.
Is Devonport walkable without a car?
The CBD and harbour-side stays are walkable to shops, cafes and the Mersey riverfront, though East Devonport and Mersey Bluff options are better reached by car or the passenger ferry across the river.