Expressions of interest open for novelty tourist train linking Devonport attractions

Tasmania’s sea gateway could soon have the tourist attraction it needs to compel people to head into its revamped CBD complete with $40m luxury hotel. DETAILS >>

• Iconic Eastern Beach tourist ride up for sale
• Council considers sell-off of key CBD sites

TASMANIA’S sea gateway could soon have the “captivating” tourist attraction it needs to back its recent investment in its CBD - a tourist train to take visitors from the city to the beach, restaurants and playgrounds at the Bluff.

The Devonport City Council has invited expressions of interest from individuals, service clubs, commercial and not-for-profit organisations to operate the tourist train experience.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said he “loved the concept” and it was good to see the council backing up its massive investment in the CBD which a much-needed tourist attraction.

“The investment in the city and the new luxury hotel need to be backed by a captivating reason for tourists to hang around,” Mr Martin said.

“A tourist train could provide just that, a half-day experience which would show off the city and the beach and other attractions at the Bluff.”

He also thinks extending the existing Don River Railway experience from Don into the CBD would also work well.

Devonport Bluff. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

The North West city has spent up big in recent years to turn its heart to the river which brings tourists in on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries from Melbourne.

The Fragrance Group's $40m new Devonport hotel is well underway as the council’s Living City Master Plan works towards generating over $57m in construction activity in the CBD.

Devonport’s potential new tourist train would be based at the redesigned Waterfront Park and run it and the Bluff precinct.

When complete, the Waterfront Park, which is under construction will consist of a nature based play space, elevated walkway, attractive open space and a 200-bed hotel.

New Waterfront Park. Source: Devonport City Council.

The Bluff precinct includes a popular beach area, children’s playground, a restaurant

and café and is located adjacent to the Mersey Bluff Caravan Park.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said the council was “very excited” to receive expressions of interest for what the city hoped would become an iconic attraction.

“An operator who will theme an experience relating to Devonport and its history would be considered an advantage. Likewise, an electric powered vehicle would be preferred by council, but is not essential,” she said.

Expressions of interest close on September 24.

Full details, including selection criteria, can be found here.