Devonport, Tasmania
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Devonport Tasmania |
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Devonport and the Mersey River from the air
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 Devonport
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| Coordinates | 41°10′50″S 146°20′47″E / 41.18056°S 146.34639°ECoordinates: 41°10′50″S 146°20′47″E / 41.18056°S 146.34639°E |
| Population | 30,497 (2015) |
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10) |
| • Summer (DST) | AEDT (UTC+11) |
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| LGA(s) | City of Devonport |
| State electorate(s) | Braddon |
| Federal Division(s) | Braddon |
Devonport is a city in northern Tasmania, Australia. It is situated at the mouth of the Mersey River. Devonport had an estimated urban population of 30,497 at June 2015. Along with the slightly smaller city of Burnie, Devonport is the major regional centre of the north-western part of the state.
During the 1850s the twin settlements of Formby and Torquay were established on opposite banks at the mouth of the Mersey River. Torquay on the eastern shore was the larger community with police, post, magistrate, at least three hotels, shipyards and stores. A river ferry service connected the two communities. Between 1870 and 1880 the shipping industry grew and work was undertaken to deepen the mouth of the river. When the mouth of the river could support a shipping industry the first regular steamer services commenced, operating directly between the Mersey and Melbourne.
In 1882 the Marine Board building was built and remains the oldest standing building in Devonport.
In 1889 the Bluff lighthouse was completed and the turn of the century saw the railway make a significant difference to the Formby community. It combined a railhead and port facilities in the one place. A wharf was created on the west bank, close to the railway and warehouses. The railway brought a building boom to Formby. In 1890 a public vote united Torquay and Formby, and the settlements became the town of Devonport.
The Victoria bridge was opened in 1902 which enabled a land transport link between Devonport and East Devonport.
Devonport was proclaimed a city by Prince Charles of Wales on 21 April 1981 in a ceremony connducted on the Devonport Oval.
The cross river ferry service was discontinued in 2014 after 160 years of continuous service when the vessel the "Torquay" was taken out of service. It has since resumed operating.
The main CBD is on the west side of the Mersey River and includes a pedestrian mall, cinema, speciality stores, chain stores such as IGA and hotels. There are several local restaurants and cafes.
Local theatre and Conventions are held at the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre in the city's CBD.
The Devonport Regional Gallery evolved from the inception of The Little Gallery, which was founded by Jean Thomas as a private enterprise in 1966. The Gallery presents an annual program of exhibitions, education and public programs including events and workshops. Another smaller gallery is the Blue Apple Gift Store & Gallery.
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