Weekend Escape: The Best Things to Do in Deloraine

The northern part of Tasmania has so much to offer, and if you’re keen to explore this beautiful region, Deloraine – perched on the banks of the Meander River – is the perfect town to base yourself in for a weekend.

With stunning mountain views of the Great Western Tiers, warm and friendly locals, a thriving art scene, and hikes and wineries just minutes from Deloraine’s main street, you’ll be instantly charmed by this little town and find plenty to do over the weekend.

From visiting local cafes, craft breweries, and vineyards to meeting wildlife and trekking to waterfalls, here’s your ultimate list of things to do in Deloraine and its idyllic surrounds.

Frank & Lotti

Rustic-chic cafe Frank & Lotti on Deloraine’s main street draws in loads of locals and visitors thanks to its top-notch coffee and hearty breakfasts – not to mention all the tantalising housemade sweet treats at the counter! Outside the cafe you’ll find organic local produce to stock up on, like bread, heirloom tomatoes, honey, and the juiciest apples you’ve ever munched on. 

Sitchu Tip: Frank & Lotti has also branched out into monthly mezze nights (check out its Instagram for dates), so if your trip happens to coincide with one, make sure you book a table.

116 Emu Bay Road, Deloraine

Deloraine Deli

Local fave Deloraine Deli is the ideal spot to fuel up before a northern Tasmanian adventure. Dine in and dig into breakfast staples like the brekkie burger or croissant with housemade berry jam, or stop for a lunchtime pizza or fish ‘n’ chips. If you’re on the move, you can grab a tub of takeaway salad or baguette, a Tassie cheese and some local olives to enjoy on the road. Or, just order a Cradle Mountain picnic hamper to pick up, filled with the best local sustenance for your big adventure.

81 Emu Bay Road, Deloraine

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Give your growling tummy back for its buck with a stop at Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm Cafe, just 10 minutes out of Deloraine in Elizabeth Town. Set on the grounds of a working farm, the café is perched on a small lake with countryside views to die for and a menu that makes the most of its own produce – think poached eggs on sourdough with house raspberry vinegar hollandaise for breakfast or for lunch, the slow-cooked pulled beef steak sandwich with pepperberry cheese and smoky raspberry BBQ sauce. 

Sitchu Tip: After lunch, pop across the road for some of Tassie’s best ice-cream at Van Diemen’s Land Creamery. The range of flavours will have you feeling seriously indecisive.

9 and 10 Christmas Hills Road, Elizabeth Town

Bush Inn Brewhouse

In a historic 1848 building you’ll find Deloraine’s Bush Inn Brewhouse, a friendly and cosy pub serving up small-batch craft beer, sourdough pizzas, and live music. With a roaring fire to perch yourself near during winter and a sun-drenched beer garden to make the most of in summer, the Bush Inn is the perfect place to while away an afternoon, no matter the time of year. Not a beer drinker? There’s loads of local wines on the list, and the bar team gets creative with cocktails and other seasonal concoctions, like hot gin punch in winter and an orange sorbet gin fizz in summer.

7-9 Meander Valley Road, Deloraine

Meander Valley Vineyard

Family-run Meander Valley Vineyard is a must-visit for fans of the good grape. Nestled in the Cradle Coast region of northern Tasmania, it’s just six minutes drive out of Deloraine. Producing incredible cool-climate wines, the award-winning winemakers’ specialties are sparkling Rosé, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and an unusual French-American hybrid called Baco Noir – the only wine of its kind in Australia. The cellar door is open from Thursday to Saturday, so pull in for tastings, platters heaving with local cheese and produce, spectacular mountain views and live music on weekends.

46 Montana Road, Red Hills

The British Hotel

Beloved Deloraine main street pub The British Hotel is your classic neighbourhood establishment with a twist – it’s also the home of Little Green Men Brewing Co., a popular Tasmanian small-batch craft beer. Grab a tasting paddle of Little Green Men’s finest or if you’d rather wine, there’s a huge selection of local drops on the list. If you’re hungry, the British has you covered with seven different burgers on the menu (try the Maple Butter Cheeseburger for something a bit left-field) and other pub classics.

80 Emu Bay Road, Deloraine

Wandering Trout - Gourmet Stays

Found in Mole Creek, just a stone’s throw from Deloraine, Wandering Trout is a place that whispers of slow mornings and indulgent evenings. Here, you can sink into the warmth of rustic, yet sophisticated, dining—seasonal Tasmanian fare paired with a glass of something local. The sprawling views of Cradle Mountain and the Great Western Tiers invite deep breaths and a renewed connection with nature. Stay in simple, welcoming accommodation and let the pace of life at Wandering Trout transport you to a simpler time. It’s a quiet indulgence in the Tasmanian wilderness.

100 Pioneer Drive, Mole Creek

Meander Valley Vineyard

Come for the visit and stay for the magic. Hidden among the vines, this blissful vineyard stay offers a retreat of understated luxury, designed for the discerning traveller. Inside, a king-size mattress with European linen promises restful nights, while the bathroom’s underfloor heating and natural Australian products offer a warm embrace. The kitchenette is stocked with essentials, but it’s the Weber barbecue and sunken bathtub on the sun-soaked deck that steals the show.

There’s no rush here—guests can check in, make themselves at home, and let the surrounding landscape, a tapestry of vines and star-studded skies, draw them in.

46 Montana Road, Red Hills

Naivasha Escapes

Navaisha Escapes offers two types of accommodation in the beautiful bushland hamlet of Reedy Marsh – the Cottage and the Tiny House. The three-bedroom cottage is ideal for a friends, couples or family getaway as it comfortably sleeps six. The only issue you’ll run into is fighting over who gets to use the antique outdoor bath first! With beautiful views of the lake and bush and resident chooks and ducks to feed, this is the perfect place to recharge on a Tassie adventure. 

For a more intimate stay on the same property, the Tiny House – purpose-built from reclaimed cedar in a private bush clearing – might be more your scene. Cosy up in front of the fire or in the wood-fired hot tub and enjoy the solitude.

210 Wadleys Road, Reedy Marsh

The Eco Cabin 

Scandinavian-inspired A-frame The Eco Cabin may be set on 1.5 acres but you don’t need to trek to find it – it’s right in the heart of Deloraine. With views over the town itself stretching across to Quamby Bluff and the Great Western Tiers, you can enjoy the vista from the outdoor cedar hot tub. This one-bedroom sustainably-built property is perfect for a couple or even a solo trip. The cabin has a kitchenette, but if cooking isn’t your thing you can request a Tasmanian Tasting Tray on arrival, stocked with the best local produce, as well as locally-distilled gin and Tassie wines. 

6 Tower Hill Street, Deloraine

The Milkman’s Shack

Self-contained studio The Milkman’s Shack is set on farmland in Dunorlan, just 10 minutes drive from Deloraine. Positioned perfectly as a base for central northern adventures, you’ll love the complimentary cheese platter on arrival after a long day of exploring – and even better, the outdoor bath with luxe bath salts to soak your tired bones. With quaint farmland views, friendly cows and ducks waddling past, this relaxing rural stay is the ultimate Tassie home base.

1123 Weegena Road, Dunorlan

Forest Hall

Transport yourself back to 1800s rural life at Forest Hall, a beautifully restored convict-built Georgian country home in Elizabeth Town – around 10 minutes from Deloraine. Great for a group trip with three bedrooms, the antique furniture and trimmings make it feel like stepping into a period drama – only the washing machine, dryer and electric panel heaters will snap you out of your step back in time! With glorious views of the Great Western Tiers, the home is set on 26 acres – nine of those are established gardens for you to wander around featuring more than 300 varieties of roses and a daffodil lawn.

5494 Bass Highway, Elizabeth Town

Deloraine River Walk

Take a leisurely 30-minute stroll along the Meander River in the heart of Deloraine, where natural beauty meets cultural heritage. This scenic loop takes you over two suspension bridges, past a heritage train, and through charming riverside parklands. Discover a series of captivating sculptures by local artists and follow the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail to immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous history of the area. Keep an eye on the water—you might spot wild platypus in the river. Perfect for all abilities, this short walk offers a diverse and enriching experience in Deloraine.

Chase Waterfalls

Outdoorsy types will love Deloraine’s proximity to Tasmania’s stunning wilderness – in particular, its waterfalls. Some of the state’s most spectacular cascades are within an easy drive of Deloraine, including Liffey Falls (35 minutes away), Montana Falls (10 minutes), Bridal Veil Falls (one hour 10 minutes), Lobster Falls (nine minutes), and Parsons Falls – another one-hour drive but with a swimming hole as an added bonus. Other great spots to wander around are the Mole Creek limestone caves (30 minutes away) or make a day of it and head to the iconic Cradle Mountain, just over 90 minutes drive from Deloraine.

Art Appreciation

Deloraine is known for its arts scene, and each November it hosts Australia’s biggest working craft festival, the Tasmanian Craft Fair, attracting hundreds of talented makers to the town for the four-day event each year. If your visit doesn’t coincide with the fair, no matter – there’s still plenty of culture to soak up around Deloraine. 

You’ll find several galleries and stores lining the main street showcasing local craftspeoples’ work, and if you follow the Meander River you can take in the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail and spot as many creative structures as you can. For more wandering, follow the kooparoona niara cultural trail, featuring planting and artwork inspired by local Indigenous culture.

Animal Magic

Tasmania is home to some very cute critters, which are all on show at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, less than 20 minutes drive from Deloraine. Get up close to wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons and potoroos and admire feisty Tasmanian devils from a safer distance. Unlike a zoo, Trowunna is a true sanctuary – rehabilitating injured animals, engaging in breeding programs and “soft releasing” those that are able to go back into the wild. So by visiting, you’re also supporting Trowunna’s important conservation work.

For a slightly different animal experience, head to the Truffle Farm (just eight minutes out of town) to join the cute and clever resident dogs – led by chief hunter Doug – on a hunt for black truffles. Toast to your hard work with a truffle pizza enjoyed in the Tassie sunshine.

1892 Mole Creek Road, Mole Creek and 844 Mole Creek Road, Deloraine

Now that you’re all set for a delightful adventure in Deloraine, why not extend your journey into Tasmania’s wild and rugged beauty? We’ve handpicked the finest national parks and most beautiful walks to make your experience truly unforgettable.