Deloraine, at the foot of the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania’s central north, is classified by the National Trust, and you’ll see why the moment you enter. The bridge, Bonney’s Inn and the Baptist Tabernacle are just a few of the historic features that give this riverside village its charm.
Deloraine’s resident population of just about 2,000 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 seem 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.
In an easy day-trip from Deloraine you can tour the limestone caves of Mole Creek Karst National Park with its limestone caves, visit Liffey Falls, watch Tasmanian devils being fed at Trowunna Wildlife Park and still have time for a delicious meal of berries with everything at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. Also nearby is Stephens Honey, where you can taste Tasmania’s distinctive leatherwood honey, and Ashgrove Cheese Factory selling both traditional cheeses such as Lancashire and contemporary flavours including pepperberry and wasabi.
Just north of Deloraine, past Elizabeth Town, stop in at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for all this raspberry picked on site and then drop in at Ashgrove Cheeses.
Deloraine was explored in 1823 by Captain Rolland and was named after a character in a poem by Sir Walter Scott. Tasmania’s first rail link was laid between Launceston and Deloraine.
Deloraine’s average maximum temperature in January is 21.5 degrees Celsius (70.5 degrees Fahrenheit), while in June it’s 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit).
To get to Deloraine, take Highway 1 from Devonport or the B54 from Launceston. It’s a 30 minute drive from either direction.
