Things to do in Deloraine, from crafty shopping to ‘50s-style diner

One of the best places when travelling in Tasmania’s north is When travelling in Tasmania’s north you’ll likely find yourself in Deloraine, 55 kilometres south of Devonport and 52 kilometres west of Launceston. This historic town is great for road-trip breaks, or base yourself here for adventure further afield, including Cradle Mountain and the Central Highlands.

Deloraine was named in 1824 after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel. Georgian-style buildings from its formative years and later Victorian structures still stand proud, which is why the streetscape is classified by the National Trust.

What to see and do

Deloraine is renowned for arts and crafts, including as the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail’s starting point. Fun little metal sculptures in the heart of town give way to large, often daring public artworks set against the dramatic mountain bluffs nearby called the Great Western Tiers.

It also hosts the four-day Tasmanian Craft Fair each November, attracting 30,000 visitors who explore hundreds of stalls showcasing everything from jewellery to woodwork. Year-round at Deloraine’s Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre, see Yarns Artwork in Silk, a massive four-panel representation of the area conjured from 10,000 hours of stitching, weaving and quilting.

The visitor centre is also home to the Folk Museum, which includes an 1863 inn and other reclaimed and reproduction buildings that reveal colonial farmers’ lives. Discover more heritage architecture around the town, including St Mark’s church and the Deloraine Hotel, which is decked out with fancy iron lacework. Pause by the Meander River at Deloraine Train Park, so named because there’s a big steam locomotive permanently parked here. Kids love it!

Eating and drinking

From leisurely eggs Benedict to quick fixes like cheese platters or coffee and cake, Deloraine Deli is reason enough to stop here. This cafe’s sophisticated city-style fare driven by fresh country produce extends to picnic hampers and gourmet products for souvenirs and self-catering.

Feeling nostalgic? Let your blue-suede shoes lead you to Cruzin the 50s Diner. It’s stuffed with genuine American vintage and memorabilia, and serves diner classics like burgers and milkshakes. Explore Tassie’s emerging craft cider scene at Red Brick Road Ciderworks, which opened in 2018. Have a taste, maybe buy a bottle, or even kick back at this shed’s humble bar.

Deloraine’s two big Victorian pubs are always good for drinks and tucker. At the Empire Hotel’s Cycles dining room, dishes including Tasmanian quail and Meander Valley porterhouse steak raise the bar on country pub grub. Both hotels offer heritage accommodation, as do the area’s many charming B&Bs.

Shopping

The town’s best shopping reflects its arts-and-crafts flair. Deloraine Creative Studios has a quality mix of locally handmade treasures, including drawings and textiles. Chances are you’ll meet the makers at this co-operative store, exhibition space and studios. Artist Bec Watson’s oil paintings are just part of what makes her shop, Brush Rabbit, so gorgeous. There are also antiques, vintage wares and beautifully designed contemporary objects from near and far.

Other top shops along the main drag, Emu Bay Road, include Colour Drop, which sells distinctively designed homewares, fashion and accessories. A few doors down at the colourful Seppenfelts emporium, eclectic clothing and gifts spill out onto the street, luring in nearly every passerby.

What’s nearby?

As well as hiking the Great Western Tiers – including the easy Liffey Falls walk – Mole Creek Caves’ subterranean wonders and Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary’s native animals are also nearby. Tackle nature head-on by river sledding with Meander Wilderness Experiences, or ease into it at Ashgrove dairy and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.