Building in Ulverstone
A picturesque coastal town on Bass Strait where the Leven River meets the sea — and where the Central Coast lifestyle is within genuine reach.
Where the Leven River Meets Bass Strait
Ulverstone is one of those towns that people discover and immediately understand. Sitting at the mouth of the Leven River on the shores of Bass Strait, with a population of around 13,000, it strikes a balance that's increasingly rare: a genuine town centre with real amenity, a beautiful foreshore, and a community with roots and character — without the tourist crowds or inflated prices of more famous coastal destinations.
It's 21km west of Devonport and 12km east of Penguin — well-positioned on the highway, but with its own distinct identity. Ulverstone Plaza houses Coles, Big W, and a cinema. Fourways Shopping Centre adds Woolworths and specialty retail. Everything a family needs is here, without the sprawl or sameness of a bigger city.
The Leven River is the town's natural heart — watersports, kayaking, riverside walking tracks, and some of the best bream fishing in northern Tasmania. Bicentennial Park and Button's Beach round out an enviable lifestyle offering that's attracting a growing wave of entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families who've found that Ulverstone delivers far more than its size suggests.
Central Coast Council's "Our Homes, Our Future" housing vision reflects a community actively planning for growth — this is a town that wants to grow well, not just grow fast. Building here now means being part of that story from the beginning.
Why People Choose Ulverstone
River & Coast Combined
The Leven River and Bass Strait coastline offer two distinct natural environments — river kayaking, fishing, and watersports alongside beach walks, swimming, and coastal running tracks.
Real Town Amenity
Ulverstone Plaza (Coles, Big W, cinema) and Fourways Shopping Centre (Woolworths) mean you don't need to drive to Devonport for everyday needs. A genuine town centre with cafés, restaurants, and services.
Growing Community
Ulverstone is becoming a magnet for entrepreneurs and young families who want community roots, coastal access, and affordability. Central Coast Council's housing vision signals a council actively investing in the town's future.
Parks & Recreation
Bicentennial Park, Button's Beach, and the Leven River foreshore provide recreation on your doorstep. The surrounding area also connects to the Dial Range walks and mountain biking trails.
Central Location
Positioned between Devonport (21km east) and Burnie (22km west) on the Bass Highway, Ulverstone sits at the heart of the north-west coast corridor — well-connected without being part of either major city.
Affordable Coastal Land
Ulverstone offers some of the best value coastal lifestyle land in Tasmania. Semi-rural blocks west of town, river-view positions near the Leven, and foreshore-adjacent allotments all remain accessible compared to east-coast equivalents.
What to Know About Building in Ulverstone
Central Coast Council manages planning for Ulverstone, Penguin, Turners Beach, and surrounding communities. Applications are lodged via the PlanBuild Tasmania portal. Key planning considerations include:
- Residential areas in Ulverstone are subject to a two-storey building height limit — important at the design stage to maximise the floor plan and connection to the landscape within this parameter.
- Permitted development applications are typically assessed within 28 days, giving you a clear timeline for planning your build schedule.
- Coastal and riverside blocks may require attention to flood and coastal hazard overlays — worth investigating early in the site selection process.
- The Leven River foreshore is subject to specific riparian setback requirements — generally 30 metres from the top of bank, though this varies by location.
- Salt air exposure on coastal blocks requires marine-grade material specification for cladding, roofing, and hardware — something Davies specifies as standard for all coastal builds.
Our Sheffield headquarters is 45 minutes south. We know the Central Coast well — our Barn House Penguin project is just 12km from Ulverstone, and we have established trade relationships across this corridor. We're not learning the region on your job.
Davies Projects in the Region
Our Central Coast work includes some of our most celebrated homes — each designed to make the most of its specific site and lifestyle.