A busy coastal city that hosts the Spirit of Tasmania ferry on its voyage to and from Melbourne, Devonport is Tasmania’s gateway to the North West. But after after disembarking the Spirit, most passengers scatter to other destinations on the island and Devonport slips back into obscurity.
Which is a shame for a town with such a stunning location; one with river, ocean and mountain views, and beautiful beaches which form a coastal trail that most tourists miss; a central base in terms of access to some of Tasmania’s best natural places, including Cradle Mountain and Narawntapu National Park – regions where the world is still wild, and home to awe inspiring scenery, and the world’s cleanest air.
So upon disembarking the Spirit we weren’t in a rush to drive south as most do. We were ready for wineries, walking and wilderness; ready to dive into food trails, classic coastal drives and beautiful nature reserves.
Instead of following the procession of cars bound for Hobart, we drove off the ferry and turned left. We drove 5 minutes up the road, and checked into Discovery Parks Devonport – a fully furnished cabin style apartment with ocean views would be our base for discovering Tasmania’s incredible North West.
Discovery Parks Devonport Accommodation Review
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Anywhere you travel, absolute waterfront is priceless – but when you’re in Tasmania it’s is simply magic. Having caught the overnight ferry from Melbourne, we drove into Discovery Parks around 7 am. We parked in front of the ocean and kicked our seats back – the sun was rising and local joggers were starting to appear along the coastal trail which followed the beach.
“Of course I can check you in now” were the magic words we were hoping for even though it was only 9, and check-in wasn’t until 2 pm. There’s a relaxed, down to earth attitude about Tasmanian’s, and she told us she wasn’t going to make us wait if there was a cabin she could get us into.
So there we were – cooking up breakfast in a cottage overlooking the ocean, 5 hours before normal check-in time, with a kick ass view.
The Accommodation
Discovery Parks offers a range of accommodation options including self contained cottages and cabins, and powered /unpowered caravan and camping sites with access to modern facilities.
And this is the first thing which set the holiday park group apart. As the largest owner / operator of lifestyle holiday parks in Australia they truly achieve accommodation options to suit everyone. Whether you’re seeking 4.5 star family luxury by the water or a simple camp site for two in the middle of nowhere, they cater to everyone within the one park.
While spoiled for choice, we opted for a superior cottage with views over the Bass Strait. Sleeping up to 6, this is an ideal choice for a large family or group of friends; a fully self contained cabin with two bedrooms (double bed in the main, and double bunks in the second), and a lounge/dining area for privacy and quiet time in the evening.
It was comfortable, clean and affordable, and we were impressed with the modern living and airy open plan design. There was a full kitchen, living space, air-conditioning, parking, and a sensational deck to soak up our ocean view. But we were most thankful for the gas log heater – a cozy addition which, during the middle of winter, was put to good use!
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The Grounds
The grounds themselves are expansive, and tempt you with plenty of reasons not to leave the site. In the two hours between having arrived and waiting for reception to open, we enjoyed a beautiful stroll along the waterfront, following the cycling paths along the coast as the sun rose.
As with most holiday parks, there is the obligatory jumping pillow and playground, though also outdoor BBQ’s, a new pizza oven, camp kitchen, kiosk, movie room, and of course, the waterfront. The grounds are perfectly manicured, and you can pick up walking trails from outside your cabin door which follows the coast.
So if you’re driving into Tasmania and thinking of skipping through Devonport, don’t. There are beaches, museums, and stunning surrounds, and in Discovery Parks Devonport you have the perfect base.
Practical Information
Discovery Parks Devonport is located at 13-19 Tarleton St. Office hours are from 9am – 5pm, if arriving after hours the staff will contact you to advise access to your keys via a locked security box.
Midway between Launceston and Burnie on Tasmania’s North Coast, you’re situated 30 minutes from Burnie and an hour and a half from Cradle Mountain. This is a great stop on your Tassie touring holiday, with other Discovery Parks at Cradle Mountain and Hadspen.
With over 60 park destinations across Australia, Discovery Parks have sought out the most outstanding locations; from the outback to the water front or nestled within national parks. Visit www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au to find accommodation for your next holiday.
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18 Comments
I would totally consider staying here. The accommodation looks clean, open and comfortable but I love the fact its near the sea, so I could possibly go for a good run here. I never heard of Discovery Parks before (as we dont have them in Euroland) so I would consider staying here when I eventually get to do my roadtrip around Aussieland. One day….the dream goes on :D Great write up and loving the photos Meg.
Discovery Parks are a great accommodation group here in Australia – highly recommend looking up their locations when you make it down, especially if you’re planning a road trip – apartment style accommodation with cooking facilities and room to spread out is always the best :)
Glad you enjoyed the post! Hope you have the chance to visit Aus soon.
The accomodations look really clean and comfy! We would definitely stay there too when we travel to Australia! Thank you for sharing this review, Meg!
Absolutely, highly recommend looking up Discovery Parks locations if you’re planning a trip through Aus – some great destinations and really excellent, affordable accommodation :)
I’ve been to Tasmania many times but have never taken the ferry across. Taking your car on the ferry is a great idea as a self-drive road trip is the best way to explore Tassie. You’d save heaps by not having to rent a car in Tasmania.
Absolutely – catching the Spirit was a given for us – we have a full review of the experience here if you want further info: https://www.mappingmegan.com/our-spirit-of-tasmania-journey/
I made a mistake of skipping that but now I wish i hadn’t. I feel like I’m due to go back to Australia anyway so maybe I would do it this time around.
Definitely recommend Devonport as a base for a couple of days on your next trip :) Let us know when you make it down, we’ll likely be around as living close by now.
I love the color palette of the rooms with the creamy tones, blues and whites – very chic and streamlined and it really matches the environment outdoors effortlessly in my opinion. I would stay here!
They do a great job keeping the interior chic and modern for sure, but without going overboard. It’s a very comfortable design :)
Staying in a cottage in Discovery Parks sounds like a wonderful idea! Tasmania looks like a beautiful destination. I hope I will make it there one day. It is very far from Europe, but one day, I will fly over there and discover it. The accommodation looks like an ideal place to stay given its proximity to the sea.
Tasmania really is one of the most beautiful destinations :) We’re excited to have now made it our home. Let us know if you swing by sometime! Definitely recommend Discovery Parks Devonport as a great base for the North :)
I love the cabin. So neat and well maintained and a view that opens to lush green grounds. That looks like prefect retreat.
Definitely the perfect retreat – wonderful place to stay if you find yourself in Devonport at any stage :)
Tasmania is the biggest regret of my Australian trip: 3 weeks was not enough to include this island on my itinerary :-( I want to go for hiking but it is cool to know that coastal places like Devonport are as interesting as the hikes. And you sold me Discovery Parks: comfortable, clean and affordable are magic words to me when looking for accommodation. If, in addition, they have a big choice of rooms, then it is done!
Just means you have a very good excuse to plan a return trip! If you’re a fan of Hiking, definitely include Tasmania on the next itinerary – such a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with many different hikes.
Discovery Parks is a great base for the best of the nature scene :) And absolutely on the choice / variety of rooms :)
Hope to see you in Tas soon!
What a lovely place to visit for the weekend. That cottage was surprisingly nice and comfortable inside. I love the modern amenities it provides. It didnt seem that way from the outside but wow.
Absolutely Janna – yes, that’s what I love about Discovery Parks – their cabins are always very simple on the outside, but the inside always packs a modern wow!