IT’S about time I introduced you to my own backyard – as in Devonport in Tasmania’s North West not the jungle out the kitchen window. There are so many places I could take you (sorry, but the Warehouse Niteclub is not on the list). However, I thought I’d steer you in the direction of a favourite haunt that is family friendly, has had a major facelift (could go for one of those myself) and also happens to be free.
For those who haven’t been to The Bluff in Devonport for, say, six months, you may be a little shocked. It now looks like this:
If only they could do that for me. The redevelopment means better playground equipment, under shade cloth and for a more varied age range,
quality barbecue facilities,
Drift Burger Bar,
modern toilet facilities and the skate park. Sorry, the kids looked too scary to go and photograph them.
The Bluff is now more than just a playground, picnic spot and sheltered beach area. The real highlight thought is seeing the superb architecture of the building that houses the surf club, toilets and showers and Drift Burger Bar. In the near future, upstairs will also be home to the North West Coast’s most popular restaurant, Wild Restaurant. The hubby and I are excited about that one and can’t wait to see the views from up there.
At the moment, you can dine at Drift. It’s in a beautifully sheltered spot, with indoor cafe-style seating or alfresco dining.
You can even just pull up a piece of grass (sorry, sound like an old man writing that).
The menu was highly tempting and having to decide on just one burger was quite difficult. To think there are so many burger options. Although I must admit my satay chicken burger was a tad oily.
I think regardless, this will become an extremely popular spot come summer because of its relaxed atmosphere. In the past we’ve always done picnics before going for our bike rides, but we may spoil ourselves occasionally during the January break.
During the week, we also went for a walk up to the lighthouse, which is actually quite an easy walk – unless you’re sporting a walking cane.
Ella’s favourite spot is the soundshell area, where we are regularly treated to a concert of the Wiggles, Hi-5 and PlaySchool songs. The soundshell also comes alive for carols each December. We plan on taking Ella for the first time this year and just pray she doesn’t head for the stage to bust a move.
This Friday is Devonport Agricultural Show day, so there’ll be a public holiday here. Chances are The Bluff is going to be rather busy.
What is your favourite place for picnics?
Learn more about the My Tasmanian Backyard series.
I spent many of my teenage years living in Devonport. (Hello Don College) The bluff certainly looked very different then. I haven’t been back for years and years… and I can’t believe the warehouse is still there!
Oh really? I didn’t know that, Naomi! I was a Hellyer College girl and hubby was Don College, so there’s quite a bit of banter goes on in this house!
The redevelopment at The Bluff is very recent, as in only a few weeks ago. You wouldn’t recognise the place if you visited. Looking forward to Carols there this year and the Australia Day festival is being moved there as well.
And the warehouse… Well, what can we say about that? LOL! It’s been a long time, I must say. 😉
I don’t remember much of devonport from our trips over. Looks interesting thou. Any place is good for a picnic in my opinion ~ especially if someone else pack and brings it 🙂
Oh, for sure, Caz. We are big on picnics here. A picnic at The Bluff just became that much better now the redevelopment is complete! 🙂
Oh wow ! Looks like a great place to visit ! Did I ever tell you we went to Tassie over Easter ? Our first family holiday. Never made it to Devonport. Will definitely be on the list for next time !
Oh, I hope you make it this far next time, Grace. As long as it’s in February/March – always the best time to visit, I think! Your family would love it.
I do recall you mentioning it! Actually, I think I might have read one of your posts on it? Was that the Honey Farm? 🙂
I was born and bred on the NW coast (I’m a Hellyer girl too) but now live in Melbourne. I haven’t been to the Bluff for a couple of years now and your photos look fantastic. I think my little one would have a lovely time playing on the new equipment. Will definitely have to visit next time we are home (our families live in Leith and Burnie)
Hi Caroline, It’s always so nice to come across former North-Westers via the blog. You would be quite shocked when you saw what The Bluff has become. The kids equipment is far superior to what it was. There’s so much more choice for them now. Your children would love it. The new surf club is such a stunning building too.
Am now off to check out your site. x
Changed? OMG – I wouldn’t have recognised the place! It was quite a few years ago (BO) but I remember we got pies and Mr Di-licious posed in one of the window cavities of the lighthouse and managed to get sauce all over his bum! The things you remember!
LOL!! Oh, I love that, Di. The lighthouse area all remains the same, including the walk up to it. Hopefully the sauce has gone though!
But the park area is very different. There’s been a lot of money invested into making it a pretty sensational family spot. It’s going to be hard to keep us away this summer, I think! 🙂
It looks gorgeous.
It certainly does, V. They’ve done an incredible job! 🙂
Hi Kel,
So love to see your Tasmanian backyard..it looks so green, and so pretty 🙂
My all time favorite spots are at the beach…I love the water!
Cheers
Lisa
Same here, Lisa. I think, no matter where I end up in life, I’ll always be living beside the seaside… so to speak! 😉
There’s something in me that needs to see the beach or I just don’t feel like I’m home! x
Wow it looks fantastic. Haven’t been for a while. I remember the old playground, used to go when I stayed with my Grandparents as a kid, it was awesome. I used to sit in the spinning egg till I felt sick. The equipment looks pretty good, but not as good as the spinning egg.
LOL! Oh, nothing can beat a spinning egg, Nicole! There are two different hurdy gurdy spinning things there now (technical term, of course!) and Ella’s pretty keen on those! There’s nothing like making yourself feel sick! Hehe! 😉