A spate of shipwrecks and groundings necessitated the construction of a lighthouse atop Mersey Bluff to guide ships to the busy docks of Devonport. In 1889, a spire of bricks anchored by a stone base was put up, illuminating the way ahead for ships. That very structure can still be seen standing proud atop Mersey Bluff till today. Its rocky promontory overlooks the Southern Ocean from the western end of the Mersey River and is a visible feature from across the harbor. Fresh coats of paint preserve the original rustic elements of the lighthouse, right down to the four precise stripes of red running down its seaward side. The bluffs themselves are a short walk away from sandy shores and beach towels, a string of diners and gastronomical adventures lining the path up. There’s even a small play area splashed with color and contraptions of string and steel for the children while you’re there. As you reach the bluff by pedal or foot, remember to time it with the blazing trail of the sun as it submerges into the vast ocean. The tranquil Devonport shores and rocky headlands tinted orange with the fading breath of daylight is a highlight for even the most amateur of photographers. Filled with historical charm and natural wonder, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is a true manifestation of the Tasmanian spirit.