Here in Devonport, Spring can feel like a distant memory while in the throes of Winter. You would be forgiven for forgetting the array of upcoming activities, restaurants and events while wrapped in at least two blankets in late August. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 things you can do, see or eat in Devonport this Spring.
1. Devonport Food and Wine
The upcoming food and wine festival provides a suite of eats and activities for everyone. Taking place between 15 and 31 October, the whole family can learn how to cook, try some local treats or learn about gardening. The official calendar will be released on the 20th of September 2021. For more information please visit www.devonportfoodandwine.com.au.
2. Take a walk around our city or a nearby nature reserve
Devonport hosts many natural attractions both within and beyond the city limits. To make the most of the fresh spring air, take a walk along the river and up to the Devonport Bluff where you can find Drift Café, Mrs Jones and Tiagarra Cultural Centre. Alternately, if you like to have a dirt path under your feet rather than pavement, check out the Don Heads conservation area, Narawntapu National Park or the Dooley’s Hill walk in Latrobe.
3. Devonport Orchid Society’s Spring Show
Spring has sprung, and all of the flowers are finally in blossom – witness the floral beauty of the Orchid Society’s Spring displays. If you’re too busy with the other activities on this list and don’t think you can make it, you’re in luck! The Devonport Orchid Society’s Spring Show runs over a few days, between 1 and 3 October. Read more on Whats On Devonport | Devonport City Council.
4. Current exhibitions at Devonport Regional Gallery
Don your finest beret and escape from the Spring winds in the Devonport Regional Gallery. There are three fantastic exhibitions currently showing: Undercurrent – City of Devonport’s Permanent Collection, The Surface of Things– Liam Fallon and Un/Touched Wilderness. Whether you view them all at once or pepper them throughout the season is up to you, but they’re sure to be inspiring. With only a donation of your choosing required for access, this option is great for everyone, from families to teenagers and retirees. Check out the paranaple arts centre site here to find out even more about the great art in Devonport.
5. Visit the Tasmanian Arboretum
Flowers not your thing? We’ve got you covered. The Tasmanian Arboretum, located only 10km out of Devonport is a fantastic springtime attraction. Witness the trees, plants, and maybe even a few platypuses this season. Take a stroll or go on an adventure through the 66Ha grounds. From October, you can even get refreshments from the kiosk. WIFI is also available at the Arboretum, so you can upload Instagram stories while you’re there to make all your friends jealous of your platypus and bird sightings in real time.
6. Home Hill Historic Site and Gardens
Home Hill, much like many creatures, has awoken from its winter hibernation and is now open for business. Take a guided tour through the property once owned by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and Dame Enid Lyons and absorb the historical Devonport site. To see tour times and book a tour visit the following site and begin your adventure.
7. Watch the march of the fairy penguins on Lillico Beach
The Northern Territory may have crocodiles on their beaches, but we have fairy penguins. Far less dangerous and arguably cuter, we are now coming up to penguin breeding season (September to May) which means your chances of a sighting are good. With a viewing platform available near the colony on Lillico Beach, you’ll have a chance to witness the evening march of the fairy penguins without straying too far from Devonport.
8. Have a coffee at a local café before jumping into spring cleaning
Devonport has many options for acquiring caffeine to inspire your spring cleaning. Try Laneway Café, Gioconda Coffee Roasters or Café XOXO amongst many others, for coffee and a snack. With nearly twenty cafes in Devonport, you can find a personal favourite or create a season-long itinerary and try them all.
9. Restock your wardrobe and cupboards after spring cleaning by supporting local retailers
Cupboards looking a little bare after enthusiastic spring cleaning? Devonport has a great range of clothing, homewares and furniture retailers. Stroll through the Rooke Street Mall, visit Four Ways or explore the Homemakers Centre to find exactly what you need. Check out the Providore Place Facebook page to find out when the closest Twilight Market is to grab some street eats and local products.
10. Enjoy a locally made beverage
When looking to sit down on a warm spring evening with a cold drink, look no further than our very own local distilleries and wineries. Southern Wild Distillery is located in the heart of Devonport in Providore Place and has a great range of locally distilled gins. Spreyton Cider Co. offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders so the whole family can enjoy their locally brewed products. For those who prefer wine, La Villa Wines and Blustery Banks Vineyard can offer you a selection of local wines.
So there you have it, 10 ways to turn over a new leaf in Devonport this spring. If you get halfway through the season and have already gotten through this whole list – wow, good for you! Luckily, we have a website especially for local go-getters where you can find even more exciting things to do in Devonport: Book Accommodation in Devonport – Visit Devonport
Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on events and local happenings.
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