Ulverstone

Ulverstone is a coastal town at the mouth of the Leven River, supported by agriculture and tourism. The town has a population of about 10,000. Inland are several small farming communities, many breeding dairy and beef cattle. Many parks along Ulverstone's coastline and beaches are a hub of activity in the summer months, with lifesaver patrols and a waterslide. There are cycleways and walkways through parklands and Shopshire Park's footpath is inscribed with Royal Australian Navy History. The War Memorial clock at the entrance to Ulverstone is a feature of the town. Further inland, the Gunns Plains Caves operate tours regularly. The limestone caves have an underground creek, and occasionally lobsters and other wildlife can be found. If the animals are shy at the caves, you are sure to find them at Wings Wildlife Park, a short drive away. If you aren't afraid of heights, the Leven Canyon is well worth the visit and views of the 400 metre (1,312 foot) gorge are spectacular. There are several waterfalls in the area and some can be reached by car, others require some bushwalking. Lillico Beach on the Bass Highway is home to a penguin colony, and you can watch them scamper up the beach at night. Ulverstone was settled in 1840 by James Fenton, but the first shop didn't open until 1854. Its slow development was due to a lack of accessibility, but it grew quickly once a railway reached the town in 1890. Sawmills operated in early days and as timber was cut down, rich underlying soil was discovered, providing ideal conditions for potato farming. Ulverstone's average maximum temperature is 21.5 degrees Celsius (70.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 13 degrees Celsius (55.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June. It is 15 minutes' drive west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.