Touring from Devonport using public transport
Devonport to Sheffield and Railton by Public Transport
With Devonport as your base, explore two of Northern Tasmania’s most artistic towns on this day trip using public transport. Stroll between the topiary gardens of Railton and admire the mural-adorned buildings of Sheffield while learning about the fascinating history of the region.
From Rooke St Stop A in Devonport, catch the 8:44 am Merseylink Devonport to Sheffield bus (8:20 am Saturday, 9:20 am Sunday/Public Holiday), which will take you south to Railton.
Nicknamed the “Town of Topiary”, Railton is a historic railhead settlement that centres around a wide main street designed to accommodate bullock teams. You can pick up a walking guide to discover the creative clippings that dot the town before grabbing a craft beer or mead at the Seven Sheds Brewery. If you’re ready for lunch, head to the Limestone Cafe Bakery or Railton Burgers and Bikes, making sure you are back at the Foster Street/Kimberley Road bus stop by 1:30 pm (12:50 pm Saturday and 1:30 pm Sunday/Public Holidays).
From here, you can catch the Devonport to Sheffield bus service south to Sheffield, which nestles in the foothills of Mount Roland. Aside from being a gateway to Cradle Mountain, Sheffield is famed for the more than 140 murals that decorate the town, depicting its fascinating history and natural surroundings. After admiring the artworks on display in Mural Park, take time to explore the artist workshops and studios that dot the town. For a dose of local history, don’t miss a visit to the Kentish Museum where vintage agricultural equipment and everyday artefacts are displayed.
From the corner of Main Street and High Street in Sheffield, catch the Sheffield to Devonport bus that leaves at 4:28 pm (5:25 pm Saturday, 5:48 pm Sunday/Public Holidays) for the return journey to Devonport.
Please note that bus timetables are subject to change, so check current services closer to your departure date.
Devonport to Ulverstone, Penguin and Burnie by Public Transport
Enjoy a scenic journey along the Bass Highway while discovering some of the North West’s fascinating towns on this day trip from Devonport using public transport. Discover the zigzag gardens of Ulverstone and the Dutch windmill in Penguin before getting your artistic fix in Burnie.
Catch the 9:00 am 708 North West Express Merseylink bus from Devonport’s Rooke St Stop B and alight in Ulverstone. Spend a couple of hours exploring the town, which is home to an engaging history museum that details the life of the area’s early pioneers. Don’t miss the award-winning zigzag gardens on Maud Street for panoramic views across the town.
Be back at the Wongi Lane Stop A bus stop at 11:20 am to continue your journey to Penguin. First settled in 1861 as a timber town, it is now dominated by a three-metre-tall penguin sculpture honouring the little penguins that nest on its beach. In Hiscutt Park, you’ll find a working windmill donated by the Dutch community and surrounded by beautifully landscaped flower beds. Coincide your visit with a Sunday when a lively market takes place and the Penguin Miniature Railway chuffs its way along the coast.
Be back at the bus stop in Penguin by 1:30 pm for the final stretch to Burnie and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its artist workshops, galleries and studios. Delve into the local history at the Burnie Regional Museum or just admire the town’s Federation and Art Deco architecture on foot.
Buses depart Burnie’s Cattley St Stop D at 4:00 pm and 5:15 pm (4:00 pm and 6:15 pm) for the return trip to Devonport.
Please note that bus timetables are subject to change, so check current services closer to your departure date.