# Devonport

> city in Tasmania, Australia

**Wikidata**: [Q705705](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q705705)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devonport,_Tasmania)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/devonport

## Summary
Devonport is a coastal city in Tasmania, Australia, founded in 1890 and serving as the administrative center of the City of Devonport. It is the third-largest urban area in Tasmania, known for its maritime connections, including the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service, and its role as a key regional hub in northern Tasmania.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in northern Tasmania at coordinates -41.18° latitude and 146.3502777777778° longitude, with an elevation of 0 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: 23,046 (2016 Census) and 24,591 (2021 Census), with a 2016 gender breakdown of 10,829 males and 12,217 females.
- **Area**: Covers 116 square kilometers.
- **Inception**: Officially established in 1890.
- **Governance**: Capital and located within the City of Devonport local government area.
- **Electoral District**: Part of the Braddon division for both the Australian House of Representatives and the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
- **Identifiers**:
  - UN/LOCODE: AUDPO
  - Geonames ID: 2168943
  - WOEID: 1101669
  - VIAF ID: 151289731
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n82009462
- **Aliases**: Also known as Formby, Torquay, or デヴォンポート (Japanese).
- **Website**: [Official City of Devonport website](https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/)
- **Census Data**: Population statistics sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016 and 2021 Censuses.

## FAQs
**Where is Devonport located?**
Devonport is located in northern Tasmania, Australia, at the mouth of the Mersey River. It is a key coastal city with coordinates -41.18° S, 146.35° E and serves as a major port for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry connecting Tasmania to mainland Australia.

**What is the population of Devonport?**
As of the 2021 Australian Census, Devonport’s urban center had a population of 24,591, up from 23,046 in 2016. The 2016 data further broke this down into 10,829 males and 12,217 females.

**When was Devonport founded?**
Devonport was officially established in 1890. It has since grown into one of Tasmania’s largest cities and a critical administrative and economic hub for the region.

**What is Devonport’s role in Tasmania?**
Devonport is the administrative center of the City of Devonport local government area and a vital transport hub, hosting the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. It also falls within the Braddon electoral district for both federal and state governments.

**What are some alternative names for Devonport?**
Historically, Devonport has been referred to as Formby and Torquay. In Japanese, it is known as デヴォンポート (Devonport) or ダベンポート (Davenport).

## Why It Matters
Devonport plays a pivotal role in Tasmania’s connectivity and economy as the primary port for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, linking the island state to mainland Australia. Its strategic location in northern Tasmania makes it a gateway for trade, tourism, and migration, while its status as the third-largest urban area in the state underscores its importance in regional governance, infrastructure, and community development. The city’s growth reflects broader trends in Tasmania’s demographic and economic evolution, particularly in coastal and maritime industries.

## Notable For
- **Maritime Gateway**: Home to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, facilitating critical passenger and freight links between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
- **Historical Evolution**: Originally known as Formby and Torquay before adopting the name Devonport in 1890.
- **Population Growth**: Experienced steady population growth, increasing from 23,046 in 2016 to 24,591 in 2021.
- **Electoral Significance**: Located in the Braddon electoral division, a key region in both federal and state politics.
- **Multilingual Recognition**: Referenced in multiple languages, including Japanese (デヴォンポート), reflecting its international visibility.
- **Zero Elevation**: Situated at sea level, making it a flat, accessible coastal city.

## Body
### **Geography and Location**
Devonport is a coastal city in northern Tasmania, Australia, positioned at the confluence of the Mersey River and Bass Strait. Its coordinates are -41.18° latitude and 146.3502777777778° longitude, with an elevation of 0 meters above sea level. The city spans 116 square kilometers and is characterized by its flat, low-lying terrain, typical of coastal settlements. Its strategic location makes it a natural hub for maritime transport, particularly via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service, which connects Tasmania to Melbourne.

### **History and Founding**
Devonport was officially established in 1890, though its origins trace back to earlier settlements known as Formby and Torquay. The name "Devonport" was adopted to reflect its maritime significance, drawing inspiration from the English city of the same name. Over time, Devonport evolved from a small port town into Tasmania’s third-largest urban center, driven by its role in trade, shipping, and regional administration.

### **Demographics**
Devonport’s population has shown consistent growth, with census data recording 23,046 residents in 2016 and 24,591 in 2021. The 2016 Census provided a detailed breakdown, identifying 10,829 males and 12,217 females. These figures are based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ definitions of "urban centre and locality," highlighting Devonport’s status as a significant regional population hub.

### **Governance and Administration**
Devonport serves as the capital of the City of Devonport local government area, which oversees municipal services, infrastructure, and community planning. Politically, the city falls within the Braddon electoral division, representing it in both the Australian House of Representatives and the Tasmanian House of Assembly. This dual representation underscores its importance in state and federal governance.

### **Economic and Transport Role**
The city’s economy is closely tied to its port facilities, particularly the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, which is a lifeline for passenger and freight transport between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. The port supports tourism, trade, and logistics, making Devonport a critical node in Tasmania’s economic network. Additionally, the city’s flat terrain and coastal access facilitate industrial and commercial development.

### **Cultural and Linguistic Recognition**
Devonport is recognized internationally, with references in multiple languages, including Japanese (デヴォンポート or ダベンポート). Its Wikipedia presence spans over 40 language editions, from Arabic to Vietnamese, reflecting global awareness. The city is also documented in major encyclopedias, including the *Encyclopædia Britannica* and the 1911 *Britannica* edition, further cementing its historical and cultural significance.

### **Identifiers and Digital Presence**
Devonport is assigned numerous identifiers across global databases, including:
- **UN/LOCODE**: AUDPO (for trade and logistics)
- **Geonames ID**: 2168943
- **WOEID**: 1101669 (Yahoo! Where On Earth ID)
- **VIAF ID**: 151289731 (Virtual International Authority File)
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n82009462
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 10632642

These identifiers ensure Devonport’s visibility in geographic, administrative, and academic systems worldwide. The city’s official website ([devonport.tas.gov.au](https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/)) serves as a central hub for local governance, tourism, and community information.

### **Electoral and Statistical Classifications**
Devonport is part of the Braddon electoral division, a key region in Tasmanian and federal politics. It is also classified under multiple Australian statistical geographies:
- **2011 ID**: 6002, UCL612001, ILOC60100101
- **2016 ID**: UCL612001 (urban centre and locality)
- **2021 ID**: UCL612002

These classifications are used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for demographic and economic reporting, providing standardized data for policy and planning.

### **Notable Features and Landmarks**
Devonport is home to several notable landmarks, including the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, which is a major tourist attraction and transport hub. The city’s waterfront and Mersey River precinct are central to its identity, offering recreational and commercial opportunities. Additionally, Devonport’s historic connection to earlier settlements like Formby and Torquay adds layers to its cultural heritage.

### **International and Academic References**
Devonport is referenced in academic and bibliographic systems, including:
- **WorldCat Entities ID**: E39PBJd3JvpfXJpbDCxXkKYgKd
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: place/Devonport-Tasmania
- **MusicBrainz Area ID**: b593e57c-5f99-4831-a813-6446727a004f

These references ensure the city’s inclusion in global knowledge bases, facilitating research and cross-referencing.

### **Community and Infrastructure**
Devonport’s infrastructure supports a growing population, with investments in transport, healthcare, and education. The city’s flat topography and coastal location make it accessible, while ongoing development projects aim to enhance its role as a regional center. Community initiatives focus on sustainability, tourism, and economic diversification, reflecting broader Tasmanian priorities.

### **Future Outlook**
As Tasmania’s third-largest urban area, Devonport is poised for continued growth, driven by its strategic port, expanding population, and regional significance. Future developments may include infrastructure upgrades, tourism expansion, and deeper integration with mainland Australia via enhanced ferry and logistics services. The city’s role as a gateway to Tasmania ensures its enduring importance in the state’s economic and social fabric.

## References

1. [Source](http://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC60155)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/UCL612001)
6. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/UCL612002)
7. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
8. GeoNames
9. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/au.htm)