Devonport is the main shipping port in Northern Tasmania It is ideally located about 100 km west of Launceston on the Bass Highway, on the banks of the Mersey River estuary. The Spirit of Tasmania car ferries dock in Devonport, bringing tourists from mainland Australia via Melbourne. Devonport also has an airport bringing passengers from Melbourne's Tullamarine airport, with links to other capitals in Australia. The location of Devonport in the heart of the North Central Coast Region of Tasmania means that it provides a wonderful base to use as a hub and explore the local heritage, nature reserves, unique wildlife, Aboriginal culture and wilderness areas of northern Tasmania, including the world renowned Cradle Mountain National Park, which is a pleasant and very scenic hour and a half drive from Devonport. All the entertainment, pubs, nightlife and events in Launceston are just a short drive away. The coastal areas to the east and west of Devonport showcases spectacular coastal scenery, majestic mountains, beautiful and secluded sandy beaches, lovely rivers, limestone caves and lots more. Places to stay include apartments and holiday houses, hotels and motels, delightful bed and breakfasts, cosy caravan parks and camping areas and excellent backpackers. Local attractions and venues include: # Devonport Maritime Museum # Historical Society # Don River Railway # Australian Weaving Mills Factory Outlet # # The famous Devonport Regional Gallery # Home Hill # Imaginarium Science Centre # Simon Martin Whips & Leathercraft # Tasmanian Arboretum # Mersey River Cruises # Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre # CMAX entertainment # Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre # The Warehouse Complex # Devonport RSL Club # Devonport Aquatic Centre # Devonport Golf Club.