Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park & Backpackers
Situated in Bells Parade at Latrobe, near Devonport, the park provides for the motoring tourist (no permanent residents) with Hostel and Cabin accommodation, 40 powered sites, numerous unpowered camping sites and a camp kitchen.
The complex is conveniently situated so as patrons are able to enjoy the pleasant gardens and park settings alongside the Mersey River but also enjoy the convenience of being able to walk to the CBD which offers fine restaurants, clubs, hotels, shopping, etc.
The Park is a convenient central base for visiting the state’s northern attractions and is only eight minutes drive from the Ferry Terminal and only 1 and a half hours from Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park.
Enjoy the evening platypus tour with a Landcare guide through Warrawee River Reserve where you are guaranteed to be able to observe Platypii in the wild along the river bank, going about their business of diving and rising in search of food. The Landcare group has created pleasant tree-lined grass pathways alongside the river where Platypus work the river banks for food at dusk and early morning and can be easily observed going about their routine of diving and rising in the shallow edges and eddies.
Opposite is the ‘Axemans Hall of Fame’ and the ‘Trout and Platypus Interpretation Centre’ where patrons can view displays of Tasmania’s timber history and the biology and habits of the Platypus. Visitors can also see the amazing display centred on Tasmania’s renowned recreation activity of trout fishing, take a lesson in fly fishing, have the trout fishing experience explained in detail in the theatrette or just enjoy a meal or coffee in the restaurant.
Next to the Axeman’s Hall is ‘Sherwood Hall’, the restored pioneer cottage of Dolly Dalrymple, the aboriginal wife of settler Thomas Johnson, which gives a wonderful example of life in that era and an account of how the early pioneers and the Tasmanian Aboriginals struggled to accept each other’s culture and live harmoniously which often created great conflict. Some of these conflicts are described in detail during the tour through the cottage.
Bells Parade is a 100-year-old garden creating a picnic setting under old English Oaks beside the banks of the tranquil Mersey River and features a wood–chopping arena where competitions are a regular event during the summer months and an under cover free BBQ facility is available for public use.
‘Unisex’ ensuite styled amenities, modern laundry, flat level parking and excellent TV/digital reception are features of the Caravan Park along with the quiet, pleasant surrounds and the ease of access to the town. The security offered by managers who live onsite and the ease of parking make this park a very pleasant experience for the weary traveller or a family camping holiday where the family dog is also welcome.
