Aikenhead Point is located on the western bank of the Mersey River. Providing open ground, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Avenue, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a bbq picnic area and Spirit of the Sea Statue. Occasionally locals can be found in the area fishing or surfing in the mouth of the Mersey River.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Avenue commemorates Tasmanian servicemen who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The Rotary Club of Devonport South East created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Walk of 17 plaques on plinths in 2014 (and Norfolk Island Pines, Luck’s Parade), they commemorate the 17 Tasmanian servicemen who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
Spirit of the Sea was sculpted by Aden and Karena McLeod to reflect the elements of the wind and sea. Devonport Lions Club raised the funds for the statue through fundraising and a State Government grant.
Aikenhead Point is named after William Aikenhead, 7 May 1842 -3 April 1902. Born in Launceston, he moved to what was known as Formby in 1887, where he established his home “Malunnah” on Victoria Parade. He was the Chairman of the first Devonport Town Board, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Fire Brigade, Library, School Board of Advice, Licensing Bench, elected to the State House of Assembly, Coroner and Justice of the Peace, an avid photographer and horticulturalist.
