Explore the History of Torquay
Welcome to the Torquay Heritage Trail in East Devonport, Tasmania, Australia.
This webpage is your guide to exploring the rich heritage of Torquay, one of Devonport’s most historic villages.
Here we provide details of each of the seven stops along the walking trail, including historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural attractions, such as Torquay Beach where you can see the iconic Mersey Bluff Lighthouse.
Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, the Torquay Heritage Trail has something for everyone. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the hidden treasures of Torquay.
Click the maps below to enlarge them.
The Torquay Heritage trail was opened in 2023, by Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. The Trail is a joint project between Rotary, Devonport City Council and The Bass Strait Maritime Centre.
Pioneering spirits
SIGN NUMBER 1 – Pioneering spirits The first Church of England services in the area were held at Police Point in the early 1850s at
Crossing the River
SIGN NUMBER 2 – Crossing the River The first ship builder on the Mersey was John Drake who built barges in the 1850s to lighter
Securing the port
SIGN NUMBER 3 – Securing the port Access to the sea baths was by a life membership of five shillings. There were nine female and
Developers and dredges
SIGN NUMBER 4 – Developers and dredges Dredging of the Estuary Attempts to dredge the Mersey River were ineffective, so in 1880 the Marine Board
Experiments and estuary training
SIGN NUMBER 5 – Experiments and estuary training Training Wall The training wall at East Devonport is a breakwater made of stone. Situated on the
Rounds, wrecks and railways
SIGN NUMBER 6 – Rounds, wrecks and railways Devonport Golf Club This early Tasmanian golf club originally opened in 1921, because of a group of
Legacy of Tea Tree Lane
SIGN NUMBER 7 – End of Tea Tree Lane Directly in front of you, are the remains of a small bay where Edward Higgs built
