Devonport (/ˈdɛvənpɔːrt/ DEV-ən-port;[3] pirinilaplu/palawa kani: limilinaturi)[4] is a port city situated at the mouth of the Mersey River on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia.

[10] Devonport holds the status of Tasmania's third-largest city, with an urban population of 26,150 at the 2021 Australian census,[1] encompassing a total of 48,293 residents living within the greater statistical area.

[11] Despite its relatively small size, Devonport has facilitated business for many pioneering industries that achieved notable success on a national scale.

Recognised for its historical significance, Home Hill has become a popular tourist destination and is registered with the National Trust of Australia.

The pirinilaplu, or Punnilerpanner peoples, along with other indigenous groups such as the Pallittorre and Noeteeler, are the original inhabitants of the Tommeginne territory, encompassing Devonport and the northern Tasmanian region.

[25] Torquay, the larger of the two, thrived with various amenities, including police, post offices, magistrate services, hotels, shipyards, and stores.

[26] Supercharged by abundant limestone deposits and Railton's proximity to shipping outlets, the company pioneered advancements such as the development of bulk cement transportation by sea and boasted the first fully automatic mill in Australia.

Constructed by Hansen Yuncken, Ovaltine opened its second-largest factory in Devonport to facilitate the demands of the Australasian and Southeast Asian markets in 1943.

[30][31] The 1950s witnessed prosperity and expansion as Devonport attracted many secondary industries, leading to the growth of transport and service sectors, businesses, and a steadily increasing population.

In 1952, the opening of the aerodrome at Pardoe marked a new era in air travel, with regular airline services connecting Devonport and Melbourne.

The establishment of the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminal at East Devonport in 1959 further enhanced transportation capabilities, with the Princess of Tasmania ferry service commencing operations.

The following two decades witnessed the town's residential area expanding west across the ridge into the Don Valley, north along the heights of Coles Beach, and south on both sides of the river.

Featuring an indoor play area, rock climbing, laser skirmish, skate ramp, and diverse science-focused exhibits, the centre catered to all ages, promoting health through active participation and recreation.

The Imaginarium Science Centre located within the complex provided visitors with dynamic hands-on exhibits, programs, and changing displays.

From 2001 until its closure in 2009, it hosted compelling traveling exhibitions from renowned science centers, such as 'Body in Action' from Te Manawa and 'Dinosaur Eggs and Babies' from Otago Museum and Gondwana Studios.

[35][36] The town received national attention on 16 December 2021, when a jumping castle and two zorbs were lifted into the air by a gust of a wind at Hillcrest primary school, killing six children and injuring three.

September to December usually features cool to mild, windy weather with frequent showers, and occasional warm, sunny breaks.

Devonport's political landscape is marked by a blend of conservative and progressive influences, reflecting the region's broader social dynamics.

[52] The centre also includes gallery, studio and rehearsal spaces, a theatre, and multipurpose areas designed to host diverse arts-related activities.

A broad range of selected local artisan works are displayed at the North West Regional Craft Centre and gift store in the CBD.

In 2010, the Devonport City Council assumed ownership and management from the volunteer-based organization, leading to the present-day Bass Strait Maritime Centre.

The collection, comprising 4500 objects, 200 artworks, photographic prints, negatives, and archival material, explores Devonport and Bass Strait's stories from the early 1800s to the present.

Devonport Airport, located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) east of the city at Pardoe Downs, is a vital transportation hub, accessible within a 15-minute car ride.

Due for completion in 2027, the $240 million Quaylink project, a TasPorts investment of new berths and terminal facilities, is expected to further boost the port's freight operations by 40%.

These RORO ferries are crucial for transporting passengers, vehicles, and freight between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, providing an essential link across the Bass Strait.

Despite the region's spatial limitations, Devonport has been a linchpin in Tasmania's vegetable cultivation, yielding substantial quantities of beans, onions, peas, and potatoes.

The post-World War II era witnessed a transformative phase marked by the establishment of processing factories, with a specific emphasis on peas.

These facilities assumed a crucial role in the canning, freezing, and dehydrating processes, not only bolstering local sustenance but also fundamentally influencing Tasmania's broader agricultural and food production paradigm.

[67] Devonport has since emerged as a key contributor to Australia's agricultural production, with a significant supporting dairy industry, cereals, poppyseed oil and pyrethrum.

In soccer, Devonport City Football Club plays in the National Premier Leagues Tasmania and fields a reserve team in the Northern Championship.