After we departed the luscious Tamar Valley we headed in a north westerly direction towards Devonport, that is renowned for being the port city for the ferry service between Melbourne and Tasmania, aptly named the Spirit of Tasmania. We were soon to discover that on our Tassie trip to the North West Coast we were in for some picture-postcard scenery.
The North West Coast of Tasmania is referred to as the ‘Great Nature Trail’ and stretches from Narawntapu National Park to Tarkine. The region is considered to be Tasmania’s food bowl with lush green farmlands dotting the countryside. But it also boasts some very pretty seaside towns along the coastline.
Spirit of Tasmania Devonport
The third largest city in Tasmania, located on the mouth of the Mersey River in North West Tasmania, Devonport enjoys river, ocean and mountain views and is the gateway to some of Tasmania’s best natural places, including stunning Cradle Mountain.
Devonport Beach & Bluff
At the mouth of the Mersey River is this wonderful viewing platform that we sauntered out onto to take in panoramic views of Bass Strait, the river mouth, Coles Beach and Mersey Bluff. There is a huge sculpture at the end of the platform guarding the entrance to the Devonport harbour called ‘The Spirit Of The Sea‘ which represents the connections between man, the sea and the land.
Viewing Platform at Mouth of Mersey River
A short drive away is Mersey Bluff with the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and its distinctive vertical red striped day mark. Here we were literally blown away by strong wind gusts.
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
From the Bluff we were rewarded with amazing views of the wild seas of Bass Strait, Coles Beach and the river. We strolled right around the Bluff past sculptures, Aboriginal rock art to the beautiful sandy beach at Coles Beach.
Coles Beach
Near Devonport Port we discovered this gem – The Rectory Cafe built in 1886. This beautiful former mansion creates a vibrant quirky atmosphere and is definitely worth a coffee stop when visiting Devonport.
The Rectory Cafe Devonport
Located on the Leven River, only 21Kms from Devonport is the seaside town of Ulverstone that serves the vast rural area. We discovered that the town boasts nice little coffee shops, gift shops, art galleries and a full range of convenience shops.
Ulverstone Shine of Remembrance and Clock
It has lovely swimming beaches, coastal paths and there is good fishing to be had in the river and estuary. We were fortunate enough to be invited to a friend’s house that was up one of the hilly streets behind the town, where we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the town and the coastline.
Ulverstone Beach
We drove past the Three Sisters Islands, a group of three small islands on the Ulverstone to Penguin coastal road that can be viewed from either of two public lookout bays. The waters around the Three Sisters provide good snorkelling and scuba diving and are accessible by boat or from shore.
Two of the Three Sisters Islands Ulverstone
We arrived in this cute little coastal village featuring the famous 10 foot penguin on the esplanade and quirky little penguins seemingly everywhere in the streets and shopfronts. It was well worth the hour hunting for penguins!
The Big Penguin in Penguin
Penguin derives its name from from a nearby penguin rookery and is one of the prettiest little villages along the North West Coast.
Penguins in the streets of Penguin
We continued further along the north west coast via magnificent, rich, fertile and undulating farmlands, and to the picturesque and peaceful town of Wynyard that is 68Kms from Devonport.
Farmlands North Coast Tasmania
Located at the mouth of the Inglis River, Wynyard is a popular holiday spot for beach activities, ocean and river fishing, and lazy drives through picturesque landscapes. We drove behind the town and upon Table Cape where there are patchworks of green, gold and brown farmland that make for a beautiful spectacle.
Views of Wynyard from Table Cape
The towns claim to fame is its unique and stunning springtime tulip displays and the Bloomin’ Tulips Festival held in October. Unfortunately we were a month too late to experience the tulips and the festival.
Table Cape Tulips
Nearby Table Cape, that presides over the township of Wynyard, was formed by a volcano over 13 million years ago and is a fertile tract of land for growing all sorts of farm produce and spectacular fields of flowers. We drove up to the lookout with commanding views over the town and looked down the steep cliff face with the ocean crashing beneath us. The historic Table Cape Lighthouse is a short distance away which is open to visitors to get an even better view of the Cape and ocean.
View from Table Cape
Only a short drive of 11Kms from Wynyard down a steep winding road we came to the gorgeous little seaside village of Boat Harbour. Here we were rewarded with a spectacular turquoise bay with crystal clean shallows, pristine sand and rockpools.
Boat Harbour Beach
We stopped for a coffee at the Surf Club and took in the beauty and tranquility of this little village, whilst the local knitters club were clacking away with their knitting needles at their weekly meeting!
A little further along the coastline we detoured off the main road into Sisters Beach, another quiet little seaside village that is a popular holiday spot perfect for boating, fishing, snorkelling or doing nothing at all. Nearby is the Rocky Cape National Park that is popular for hiking for spectacular coastal vistas and some unique flora and fauna.
Sisters Beach & Rocky Cape
Our drive along the North West Coast revealed some of Tasmania’s prettiest cities and towns sitting right on the water’s edge of this scenic region. There were seemingly breathtaking views at every turn or rise of verdant green pastures and rolling hills and then glimpses of rugged coastline, capes and beautiful little beaches in between.
We did continue as far as Stanley on this stretch of coastline, and I will have to forewarn you that this town was even more picturesque and absolutely steeped in history. But this my friends will have to wait for my next instalment of my Tassie series.
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Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
February 12, 2016How gorgeous are those tulips? I remember sitting in a cafe overlooking the port in Devonport and watching a family of rabbits running around. So pretty and different to everywhere else in Australia really.
Kathy
February 12, 2016I was so bummed that I missed the tulips by one month! The North West Coast was pretty special. The day we were in Devonport the wind was gusting and it was most unpleasant for outdoors pursuits. I almost got blown off Mersey Bluff!
budgettraveltalk
February 13, 2016Loved being reminded of all of what Tassie has to offer. The Rectory looks delightful.
Kathy
February 13, 2016The Rectory was delightful! Tassie really surprised me with her beauty. So many wonderful spots to see. :)
Paula McInerney
February 13, 2016This reminds me that we haven’t been to Tassie for a while Need to rectify that. Love how diverse this island is.
Kathy
February 13, 2016Tassie is such a treasure chest of natural and historic wonders. I loved this little island!
seizetheday20
February 13, 2016I just love Tassie. You’ve captured the essence of this beautiful area with your gorgeous photos Kathy. I adore that lighthouse! :-)
Kathy
February 13, 2016Thank you Lyndall. The red and white striped lighthouse was spectacular set high on Mersey Bluff. I almost got blown off the Bluff that day as the wind was gusting at about 30 knots!
Elaine J. Masters
February 14, 2016I’d love to follow in your footsteps. Had no idea how much there was to see in that area of the North West Coast of Tasmania. We hope to go diving one day in the region.
Kathy
February 14, 2016We were surprised as well and had no idea that there were so many beautiful beaches and apparently excellent diving spots. You would enjoy Tassie. The East Coast is even more spectacular. Thank you for visiting my blog. :)
Corinne Vail (@corinnevail)
February 16, 2016I love the burst of color that the tulips provided. I have never been and would love, love, love to go.
Kathy
February 16, 2016Oh those tulip fields! I was so disappointed that I was a month too late to see them in person. Tassie really is a beautiful little island with so many natural wonders and intriguing history. It also has delicious fresh food and wine. :)
Tony Wilson
November 13, 2019We did a Devonport trek from Launceston and stopped at Pearn’s Steamworld at Westbury, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is good for light morning tea, Ashgrove cheee, The Cherry Shed, and of course you must stop at Anvers for chocolate. Won’t be long before we try another trip to Tassie, this time travelling around the west, if not all. Love to see Wynyard in bloom.
Kathy
November 15, 2019That sounds like it was a rewarding trek! That’s one of the many things I like about Tassie is the great food and wine. The West is a whole new world. It’s so vegetated and virtually untouched, apart from a few mines.
Karen Thomson
November 15, 2019Wow – not yet travelled to Tassie but it looks beautiful. Those tulips are amazing!
Kathy
November 15, 2019Tassie should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s a truly magical part of Australia with so much to see and do.