School Holidays in Devonport are a fantastic opportunity to explore Devonport’s many attractions, parks and beaches.
Natures Playground
Pack a picnic and head to the Tasmanian Arboretum, a botanical tree park and nature reserve only a few kilometres out of Devonport. Set in a beautiful valley, the 66 hectares of landscaped and natural bushland offers the opportunity to walk among the collections of woody plants and see some of Tasmania’s wildlife.
The Arboretum offers three picnic shelters, two with coin operated electric barbecues. There are also two general shelters and a platypus observatory and bird hide on the shore of Founders’ Lake.
The Tree Park Kiosk offers light refreshments and audio tours. It is operated by volunteers and opens between October and May from 1100 to 1600.
Tasmanian Arboretum
46 Old Tramway Road, Devonport, Tasmania, 7310
03 6427 2690
http://www.tasmanianarboretum.org.au/
Open: Mon-Sun 9:00-20:00
Make a Splash
Take the kiddies to cool off at Splash Devonport Aquatic and leisure Centre featuring an outdoor 50-metre pool and waterslide and a 25-metre indoor pool and water play beach for the small ones.
There is also a cafe for mid-swim snacks and coffee for the grown ups!
Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Don Reserve, Steele Street, Devonport
03 6423 3007
http://www.splashdevonport.com.au
Open Mon-Thur 6:00-21:00, Fri 6:00-20:00, Sat 8:00-18:00, Sun 9:00-17:00
Indoor Fun
The largest family entertainment centre in North-West Tasmania, The Big Big House features an indoor play centre, cafe, rock climbing, arcade and laser tag. So if the weather is looking ordinary or you have just had enough f the sun and sand, The Big Big House is the perfect place to let the kids go wild and burn some energy!
The Big Big House
62 North Fenton Street, Devonport
03 6424 1333
https://www.bigbighouse.com.au/
Open: Mon-Tues 9:00-14:30, Wed-Sat 9:00-17:30, Sun 12:30-17:30
Bluff Beach and playground
One of Devonport’s best kept secrets, Bluff Playground is nestled between the Mersey Bluff headland and the mouth of the Mersey River framed by a terrific surf beach. Great for a family day-out. The ‘Bluff’ incorporates a BBQ area, skate park, toilets, Showers, a Surf Club, Cafe and Restaurant.
There is a fenced playground that is great for little kids with swings, climbing net, slides and other equipment. It is accessible to all, with wheelchair access for activities.
If the barbecue area is busy you can find a great spot to sit and eat in front of the surf club overlooking the beach.
Mersey Bluff Beach
Bluff Road, Devonport
Challenge the kids to a (mini) hole in one
Adjacent to the Waterfront Cafe and Function Centre, Waterfront Mini Golf is an 18-hole mini golf course featuring native gardens and water features in a picture-perfect setting.
Waterfront Mini Golf
17 Devonport Road, Devonport
03 6423 6464
http://waterfrontcomplex.com.au/minigolf/
Open: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00, Sat-Sun 8:00-17:00
Darkness is your friend
Sit back and relax in the dark, air conditioned comfort of a cinema for 2 hours of blissful quiet time whilst the kids are engrossed in a film at Reading Cinema. Grab some popcorn for them and a choc top for you and you will be transported to parental heaven.
Reading Cinemas
5-7 Best Street, Devonport
03 6420 2111
https://readingcinemas.com.au/locations/theatre/devonport
Explore Bass Strait without getting wet
Explore the stories of Bass Strait and its natural history, European exploration, shipwrecks, settlement and trade through a objects, images and interactive displays at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The Centre is located in the converted 1920’s Harbous Masters’s residence and features a simulator giving you the opportunity to ‘Take the Helm’ of the SS Woniora and test your skills bringing the 1910’s steamer into the Mersey River or the Heads of Post Phillip Bay.
The Centre also includes the Pearl Oyster bar serving coffee and meals.
Bass Strait Maritime Centre
6 Gloucester Ave, Devonport
03 6424 7100
https://www.bassstraitmaritimecentre.com.au/
Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00
