dELORAINE

Backed by the dramatic escarpment of the Great Western Tiers, Deloraine is a picturesque town on the banks of the Meander River. It sits roughly midway between Launceston and Devonport, making it an ideal spot to break up a journey through Tasmania’s north.

With its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, Deloraine is the kind of place that oozes charm. Art and creativity are woven into everyday life here, with sculptures, galleries and studios dotted throughout the town. The town is particularly famous for the annual Tasmanian Craft Fair, which draws artisans and visitors from across the state and beyond.

Surrounding Deloraine is some of Tasmania’s most fertile farmland, so many of the local cafes and restaurants highlight regional produce. Within easy reach are working farms, vineyards and other small-scale producers, offering plenty of opportunities to taste the region. Additionally, there are fascinating natural attractions on Deloraine’s doorstep, including tumbling waterfalls and the limestone caves of Mole Creek.

Below is a list of the most popular things to do in Deloraine and recommended accommodation options for all budgets.

Best things to do in dELORAINE

  • One of the easiest ways to get acquainted with Deloraine is to follow the Deloraine River Walk, which hugs the banks of the Meander River. The walk combines peaceful riverside scenery with flower-filled gardens and several rotundas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Additionally, the route is dotted with sculptures and other pieces of public art. Keep an eye out for local birdlife and, if you're walking around dawn or dusk, you may even be lucky enough to spot a platypus.

  • This community-created textile installation is located at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre and depicts the landscapes, people, wildlife and changing seasons of the Meander Valley. Yarns Artwork in Silk comprises four enormous quilted panels that were created by more than 300 community members. An accompanying audio and lighting presentation brings the artwork to life while explaining the stories and techniques behind it.

    • Opening hours: 9:30-16:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00-13:30 Saturday and Sunday.

    • Entrance fee: $10 for adults and $8 concession (combined with Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum) or free on the 30th of each month.

  • The Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum offers a unique glimpse into the region's pioneering past and local way of life. Housed alongside the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre and Yarns Artwork in Silk, the museum brings together historical objects and stories that highlight the development of the Meander Valley. You can wander through the 1863-built Family & Commercial Inn and admire the museum’s collection of heritage buildings set within flower-filled gardens.

    • Opening hours: 9:30-16:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00-13:30 Saturday and Sunday. 

    • Entrance fee: $10 for adults and $8 concession (combined with Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum) or free on the 30th of each month.

  • Deloraine has long attracted artists and craftspeople, and wandering through town reveals plenty of evidence of its creative spirit. In addition to several antique shops, there are galleries, studios and boutiques selling locally made artworks and crafts. Deloraine also hosts the annual Tasmanian Craft Fair, which brings together makers, artisans and visitors for one of the region's best-known creative events.

  • The Great Western Tiers provide the backdrop to Deloraine and are a walker’s paradise, with rugged dolerite formations, gorges and waterfalls to explore. Trails range from gentle rainforest strolls and waterfall walks to more challenging climbs along the edge of Tasmania’s Central Plateau.

    Highlights include the short walk to Tulampanga/Alum Cliffs and the 6-kilometre return trail to Quamby Bluff, which offers spectacular views across northern Tasmania from its summit. For an even more demanding adventure, Meander Falls is a 10-kilometre return walk through wet forest to a two-tiered waterfall.

  • A short drive from Deloraine, Liffey Falls is one of the most popular short walks in the Great Western Tiers. The falls tumble through moss-covered temperate rainforest within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and can be accessed along a two-kilometre return (45 minutes) walk. Along the way, you’ll pass four main cascades - Alexandra Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Albert Falls and Victoria Falls - with viewing platforms making it easy to enjoy the natural scenery.

  • Deloraine is a convenient base for exploring Mole Creek Karst National Park, which is located around 30 minutes’ drive west of the town. Beneath the forested landscape lies an incredible world of limestone caves, underground streams and spectacular formations. 

    Entrance to the caves is by tour only (roughly 45 minutes) and bookings are strongly recommended. Guided tours of Marakoopa Cave reveal glow worms, crystals and reflective pools, while King Solomon's Cave is known for its colourful formations and chambers.

    • Tours cost $32 for adults and $16 for kids (under 5s are free) or $80 for a family of four. 

    • Bookings open 14 days prior and can be made by calling (03) 6363 5182. 

    Marakoopa Cave tour times

    Underground Rivers and Glow Worms Tour: Daily at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.

    Great Cathedral and Glow Worms Tour: Daily at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00.

    King Solomon's Cave tour times

    Daily at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30 and 15.30.

  • For a distinctly Tasmanian foodie experience, book a guided truffle hunt at The Truffle Farm. You’ll head out with trained truffle dogs to learn how black truffles are cultivated and harvested, followed by the opportunity to taste and purchase local truffle products. Guided experiences need to be booked in advance, while the farm gate shop is open to visitors without a tour.

    • Farm gate shop opening hours: 10:00-15:00 daily

    • Truffle hunt tours start from $140 per person

  • Just a five-minute drive from Deloraine is this family-run boutique vineyard, which grows cool-climate Tasmanian wines such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and unique Baco Noir. Set amidst rolling green hills, the cellar door at Meander Valley Vineyard is a lovely place to enjoy a tasting, paired with a wood-fired pizza or local produce platter.

    The property also offers overnight stays, including the luxurious Vintners Rest villa and the new Barrel & Bloom glamping tents overlooking the vineyards.

    • Opening hours: 11:30-16:30 Thursday to Sunday

Best places to stay in deloraine

LUxury aCCOMMODATION

Blakes Manor is a beautifully maintained heritage property that dates from 1838 and is set within peaceful gardens a short walk from Deloraine’s main street. It offers several self-contained suites, including the Old Convent, Blakes Mews, Georgian and Gannons Rest, as well as Quamby Cottage. The suites combine period details with modern kitchenettes, and stays include a complimentary breakfast hamper featuring freshly baked bread.

Arcoona Manor occupies an 1892-built Edwardian house that’s located just across the Meander River from the town centre. The property has been lovingly restored while retaining original features, such as stained-glass windows, fireplaces and ornate timber ceilings. Aside from five suites, each with its own personality, there’s a period-furnished drawing room, a ballroom-style breakfast room and three acres of garden to explore. 

Mid-range accommodation

The Empire Hotel is a character-filled property with uniquely themed rooms that boasts an enviable setting on Deloraine’s main street. Built around 1900, it was originally established as a tourist hotel for travellers heading from Launceston towards the Mole Creek Caves by horse. Aside from its rooms, the hotel is home to Cycles at The Empire restaurant, which focuses on seasonal, Tasmanian produce and was recommended in the 2026 Australian Good Food Guide

Deloraine Hotel is a good option for travellers looking for affordable accommodation with plenty of traditional country-pub atmosphere. This historic hotel offers single, twin, double and family rooms, with a choice of shared or ensuite bathroom facilities. Downstairs, the hotel serves hearty meals with a Tasmanian twist, including wood-fired pizzas and classic pub favourites.

Budget accommodation

Mountain View Country Inn is a family-owned motel at the northwestern edge of town. It has a range of affordable rooms, including twins, doubles and family suites, as well as a two-bedroom apartment. Aside from free Wi-Fi, on-site parking and laundry facilities, one of the biggest advantages of staying here is the Settler’s Restaurant, decorated with rustic timber furniture, a large stone fireplace and 1800s-inspired memorabilia.

Deloraine Apex Caravan Park offers a peaceful riverside setting for campers, caravaners and motorhome travellers. It has both powered and unpowered sites, including drive-through sites suitable for larger vehicles, as well as tent sites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, barbecue areas, laundry and shower facilities.