Deloraine is a pretty town built around the Meander River. The town is a handy base for exploring the surrounding area including Mole Creek, Sheffield, Liffey Falls and the spectacular Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake area. The town has a Baptist Tabernacle which was built in 1880 and a bridge dating from 1877. The bridge has panoramic views of the river and main street.

Just downstream there is a pedestrian suspension bridge near a spillway on the river. Deloraine resembles very much an English town and established European trees are everywhere. The town boasts a folk museum and Tourist Information Centre. You can fish (with a fishing licence) in the river for trout and there are smaller streams and rivers everywhere (hint - the Mersey River just west of Mole Creek is very pretty and full of fish).

St Mark's Church of England was built in 1859 and has an organ imported from London in 1878 which is still in working order. The town has its fair share of historic buildings in excellent state of repair and a number of fine pubs. Don't miss out on a game of pool and a tasty meal at the Bush Inn (near St Mark's church).

Everything in Deloraine is in walking distance. There is a Woolworths which opens every day and has long trading hours, but it is low-rise and doesn't disturb the overall character of the town. There are no traffic lights and the views of the Great Western Tiers and Quamby Bluff is magical.

It is 30 minutes drive to Launceston and Devonport and really a great home base while you explore the top half of Tasmania.

The town and its surrounding area have a number of features, including:

Chrismas Hill Rasberry Farm and Cafe

Christmas Hills Rasberry Farm is located 10km North West of Deloraine on the way to Elizabeth Town. They have frozen raspberries available year round and fresh raspberries in season.

The cafe is open daily from 7am - 5pm

See www.raspberryfarmcafe.com for more information

Ashgrove Farm Cheese

Ashgrove Cheese produces a range of boutique handmade cheeses. It is located on the Bass Highway close to Elizabeth Town, just north west of Deloraine.

They have a gourmet cheese shop, viewing of the cheese production and tastings.

They are open weekdays 7.30am - 6pm and weekends from 8am to 6pm.

See www.ashgrovecheese.com.au for more information.

Markets

Markets are held at the Deloraine Showgrounds on the 1st Saturday of each month. The Showground is located on Lake Highway in Deloraine and you will be able to find all sorts of goodies and homecrafts to take back from your stay at Silverbirch Cottage.

Trowunna

Trowunna Wildlife Park is a great place to interact with all kinds of Tasmanian and Australian wildlife, including Tasmnian Devils.

It is a different type of park, with the majority of its inhabitants naturally residing on the property rather than being 'brought in' to be exhibited.

The park is 18km from Deloraine along Mole Creek Road.

You can read more about the park and the animals you can view on their official website. www.trowunna.com.au

Art

Deloraine is home to the renowned 'YARNS' artwork in silk. The work consists of four large panels depicting the four seasons. The work was created through the combined effort of more than 300 people from the region, taking a total of 10,000 hours and 200 metres of hand dyed silk to complete.

Yarns can be viewed at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre in Deloraine, which is open 9am - 5pm daily.

The Big Coffee Pot

The Big Coffee Pot is located 4km out of Deloraine on the Deloraine-Chudleigh Road. There is a cafe and a pottery shop, so for all those coffee and craft lovers, this is a great place to visit, enjoy and take a memorable photo!