Coastal Living
Northern Tasmania's coastline — uncrowded beaches, affordable land, and the coastal lifestyle you've been searching for.
Tasmania's Best-Kept Coastal Secret
While most Australians think of Hobart when they think of Tasmania, the real coastal lifestyle is on the north coast — a stretch of sheltered, north-facing beaches that get more sun, warmer water, and calmer conditions than anywhere else on the island.
From Hawley Beach's white sand to Penguin's charming seaside village, northern Tasmania's coastline offers something the mainland lost decades ago: genuine coastal living at an accessible price point. No traffic jams to the beach. No million-dollar entry fee for a fibro shack. No crowds.
Here, you can build an architect-designed coastal home — with ocean views, high-performance building science, and premium finishes — for what a basic renovation would cost in most mainland coastal towns. And you get clean air, clean water, and a community that actually knows your name.
The northern coast faces Bass Strait, which means north-facing blocks get maximum sun exposure — a significant advantage for passive solar design and Passivhaus principles. The combination of coastal views and optimal solar orientation makes this one of the best places in Australia to build a high-performance home.
Why the North Coast?
Uncrowded Beaches
Even in peak summer, northern Tasmania's beaches feel private. No parking battles, no crowds — just sand, sea, and sky.
North-Facing Aspect
The coast faces north across Bass Strait, giving coastal blocks maximum sun exposure — ideal for passive solar design and living.
Sheltered Waters
The Port Sorell inlet and Hawley Beach area offer sheltered, calm water perfect for families, kayaking, and year-round swimming.
Spectacular Views
Elevated coastal blocks offer panoramic views across Bass Strait to the mainland — sunsets that stop you in your tracks.
Mild Coastal Climate
Northern Tasmania has the mildest climate on the island — warmer summers, milder winters, and lower rainfall than the west or south.
Connected, Not Remote
Devonport Airport, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, hospitals, schools — all within 15–25 minutes of most coastal communities.
Coastal Communities We Build In
Hawley Beach & Shearwater
15 min from DevonportSheltered, family-friendly, north-facing beach with calm waters. Shearwater adds marina, golf course, and café.
Read the full area guide →Port Sorell & Greens Beach
20 min from DevonportInlet living with protected waters, walking trails, and a growing community. Greens Beach has a wilder, more remote feel.
Devonport Foreshore
Regional centreUrban coastal — restaurants, the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, Bluff headland walks, and the convenience of a regional city.
Ulverstone & Turners Beach
15 min west of DevonportRiver-meets-coast charm. Ulverstone has a vibrant main street, while Turners Beach is a quiet, family-oriented coastal village.
Penguin & Sulphur Creek
25 min west of DevonportCharming seaside town with a strong community feel, protected swimming beach, and proximity to Dial Range walks.
Designing for the Coast
A great coastal home doesn't just sit on the coast — it responds to it. Every Davies coastal home is designed to capture the views, harness the sun, protect against the weather, and frame the landscape as a living, changing artwork.
Through Align Architecture, we design homes that:
- Maximise north-facing glazing for passive solar gain and ocean views
- Use marine-grade materials that age beautifully in the salt air
- Create protected outdoor living spaces that extend the home to the landscape
- Achieve airtightness that handles coastal winds while maintaining fresh air through MVHR
- Blend into the coastal environment rather than competing with it