Devonport, Tasmania: Your Spirit of Tasmania Waiting Room

Heading home on the Spirit of Tasmania? Your waiting room comes with a lighthouse, cellar doors and some pretty good lunch options.

There’s no need to rush the goodbye. With a few hours before check-in, settle into Devonport and enjoy a little more of the North West before you sail. Stretch your legs, grab a bite amongst the vines and make sure you pick up something local to take home.

Stretch your legs at Mersey Bluff

A bit of sea air before a night at sea?

Head to Mersey Bluff for a walk to the red-and-white lighthouse and views across Bass Strait. Follow the coastal paths, spend some time by the beach or find a spot for a picnic. It’s an easy way to get everyone out of the car before boarding, especially if you’ve spent the morning on the road.

Local tip: Pick up lunch in Devonport before heading to the Bluff. A picnic with a sea view is a pretty good way to wrap up your trip.

Find a taste of the North West in Devonport

You don’t need to head out of town to find local makers. Devonport’s city centre brings together craft beer, Tasmanian gin and a providore worth leaving a little room in the car for.

Island State Brewing

Address - 17 Oldaker Street, Devonport, inside the Market Square Precinct. Around 10 minutes from the terminal.

Pull up a seat among the brewing tanks or settle into the undercover beer garden at Island State Brewing. This working brewery on Oldaker Street is a relaxed spot to try a locally brewed beer and take a breather before the journey home.

Hungry? Ask the team about the food available on the day, including visiting food trucks and options from nearby eateries.

Southern Wild Distillery

Address - 17 Oldaker Street, Devonport inside the Market Square Precinct. Around 10 minutes from the terminal.

Right next door is Southern Wild Distillery - is the home of Dasher + Fisher gin. Its mountain, meadow and ocean-inspired spirits give you another way to get to know the region, this time through what’s in your glass.

Try a tasting flight at the cellar door or choose a bottle to take home. A little reminder of the North West for another day.

Tasmanian Food and Wine General Store 

Address - 38 Steele Street, Devonport. Around 5 minutes from the terminal.

Coffee, cake, something for a picnic or a few additions to the pantry? The Tasmanian Food and Wine General Store on Steele Street has you covered.

Part café, part bar and part providore, it brings together Tasmanian food and drink in one handy stop. Browse the shelves, settle in for a platter or gather a few treats to enjoy by the water before you sail.

Parking - there is on street parking for cars however if you’re towing a caravan or camper, park at the Victoria Parade Boat Ramp and Car Park which is only a 2-minute walk away from Island State and Southern Wild, and 10 minutes from the Tasmanian Food and Wine General Store. If you choose to have a picnic at the Bluff, there is on street parking available for caravans and campers

Are there wineries or cideries near Devonport Tasmania I can visit before an evening sailing?

Make time for lunch beyond the city.

With an evening departure ahead, lunch can be part of the day’s plans. Just outside Devonport, orchards and vineyards give you a reason to slow down before heading to the terminal.

Spreyton Cider Co

Address - 6 Melrose Road, Spreyton. Around 15 minutes from the terminal.

An award-winning venue, Spreyton Cider Co has been producing craft cider from its onsite orchard for five generations. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu and tasting paddles as well as an ice cream stand serving freshly blended ice creams using what’s in season in the orchard. Bonus tip for families - there’s plenty of room for the kids to run around before you sail.

Parking - there’s plenty of parking onsite for vehicles, caravans and campers.

Ghost Rock WinesAddress - 1055 Port Sorell Road, Northdown. Around 10 to 15 minutes from the terminal.

Rolling vines, views towards Bass Strait and lunch made with Tasmanian produce. Ghost Rock Wines at Northdown makes a strong case for taking your time.

Book a table at the eatery or visit the cellar door to try the wines grown and made here. Find a favourite? Pick up a bottle to enjoy once you’re home and unpacked.

Plan ahead: Check opening days and kitchen hours before setting off, and book ahead for lunch or tastings. If you’re towing a caravan or travelling in a motorhome, check suitable parking and access with the venue.

Take the scenic and tasty way back with the Tasting Trail

Still making your way towards Devonport? Let Tasting Trail Tasmania help shape your final day.

The self-drive trail connects farm gates, cellar doors, distilleries and other growers and makers across the North West. Choose a stop or two along your route for one last taste of the region.

No need to squeeze in the whole trail. That’s a good excuse for another trip.

Before you head to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal

Build your day around the departure and check-in details supplied with your booking. Spirit of Tasmania advises that check-in closes strictly 45 minutes before scheduled departure, so leave enough time to reach the terminal and complete the required checks.

For current check-in opening times, terminal directions and vehicle boarding information, refer to your booking and Spirit of Tasmania’s check-in and boarding guide.

Then all that’s left is to say goodbye to the North West. For now.