Deloraine, at the foot of the Great Western Tiers mountain range in Tasmania’s central north, is an historic town classified by the National Trust, and you’ll soon see why with its streetscape lined with beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings. The bridge over the Meander River at the entrance of town, Bonney’s Inn and the Baptist Tabernacle are just a few of the historic structures that give this riverside village its laid-back charm.
With a resident population of nearly 2000, this number swells by 30,000 around November each year when Australia’s biggest working craft fair comes to town. With more than 200 exhibitors, four days is hardly enough time to take it all in. Indulge in some of Tasmania’s finest food and wine; try your hand at candle wicking; watch as kites and kaleidoscopes are crafted before your eyes and talk to the creators of fine silkscreen paintings, woodcarvings, lead lights, and hand-blown glassware.
If you can’t make it during fair time, you’ll find a wide selection of fine arts and crafts year-round at the many local galleries, craft and antique shops.
Nearby to Deloraine are the fascinating limestone caves of Mole Creek Karst National Park.
Other activities include a visit to Liffey Falls, watching the feeding of Tasmanian devils at Trowunna Wildlife Park and enjoying delicious berries at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. Also nearby is Stephens Honey, where you can taste Tasmania’s distinctive leatherwood honey and Ashgrove Cheese selling traditional cheeses such as Lancashire alongside contemporary flavours including pepperberry and wasabi.
Deloraine was explored in 1823 by Captain Rolland and was named after a character in a poem by Sir Walter Scott.
Deloraine is a 40-min drive (51 km) from Launceston or Devonport.