Things for the over-50s to do in Australia’s top tourist town

The charming town of Devonport on Tasmania’s north-west coast was this year named Australia’s Top Tourist Town.

In it’s summing up, the panel noted the appeal of the city’s new waterfront precinct and expansive parklands and the myriad of pedestrian and cycling pathways meandering through the city.

“Not merely a destination, Devonport invites you to immerse yourself in the fervour and pride of its locals. Linger, and discover firsthand the reasons to cherish, savour, and share this unique coastal gem,” it stated

With a mixture of natural beauty, a vibrant food and wine scene and a great base to explore the island, what’s not to love. So what’s to do for the over-50s? Here’s our guide.

Catch the ferry

The Spirit of Tasmania docks at Devonport and it’s a fantastic way to travel to the island.

You don’t have the immediacy of a flight, but you can take your car, enjoy a meal, watch a movie in the cinema or sip a beverage of your choice in one of the bars and then retire to your room.

Be warned, the most fascinating part of your trip may be watching the astonishing efficiency of the staff who park the cars in the cargo bay.

All aboard

Give in to your inner railway nerd and catch a ride on the Don River Railway. You can buy a standard 30-minute journey on the historic Melrose line on the eastern bank of the Don River to a junction at Coles Beach.

The line runs a mixture of diesel railcars, diesel-hauled trains and steam-hauled trains. Due to varying factors, they do not guarantee the type of train running.

The museum and retail centre are open daily, but the trains only run Thursday to Sunday. Tickets are as little as $13. Plan ahead for special event journeys including haunted tours and Christmas.

Discover more here.

Old gold

If you enjoy a fossick around an antiques, collectables and oldwares store, The Antiques Emporium is for you.

Be sure to block out a few hours, because by the time you get through all four levels you may need an IVF drip and a lie down. It’s like a toy store for adults.

If you are looking for something specific, be sure to ask the famously friendly and helpful staff, they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Day tripper

Devonport is an ideal base for day trips, and as Tasmania is an island, almost everything is accessible in just few hours.

If you need some more urban time and want to explore Launceston, you can be there in just over an hour.

Other good day trips include:

• Cradle Mountain, 1.5hrs
• Freycinet National Park and Wineglass bay, 3hrs
• Burnie, just over half an hour
• Tamar Valley wine region, just over an hour
• Leven Canyon, just over an hour

But if jumping in the car doesn’t appeal, a quick online search will deliver a rich choice of guided tours of Devonport including local history, chocolate, whisky, breweries, wine and restaurants.

Born to be wild

If nature and trees are your thing, a stroll around the Tasmanian Arboretum could be the highlight of your trip. I mean, who doesn’t like trees?

Set on 66 hectares, it’s a showcase of temperate trees and wildlife with the world’s largest collection of Tasmanian woody plants and the Southern Hemisphere’s conifers.

Take a whole day, there are picnic tables, coin-operated barbecues and a kiosk serving beverages and light snacks.

However, by the far away the best bit about the arboretum is the platypus viewing area. The park is considered your best chance of viewing these little beauties in the wild. Just be aware they are mostly nocturnal, so your odds of seeing them increase first thing in the morning or late at night.

Have you been to Devonport? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?

Also read: Australia’s surprising best city and its ideal attractions for the over-50s