Deloraine Tasmania
Population:	2032 (2001)[1]
Postcode:	7304
Location:	50 km (31 mi) from Launceston 52 km (32 mi) from Devonport
LGA:	Meander Valley Council
State District:	Lyons
Federal Division:	Lyons

Deloraine is a town on the Meander River, in the central north of Tasmania, Australia. It lies 50 km west of Launceston and 52 km south of Devonport along the Bass Highway, and has a population of 2,032 (2001 census). It is part of the Meander Valley Council.

The region was explored in 1821 by Captain Roland, who was searching for farm land. The land was granted to new settlers, and the town is now a major agricultural centre, with a large number of farms of all types in the area.

The town won the State Tidy Towns award in 1992, 1993 and 1995, and the Australian Community of the Year award in 1997.^[2]

The town was bypassed by the new Bass Highway in the early 1990s. However the town has not suffered from this, and is a popular rest location for travellers. It also serves as a base to explore areas such as Cradle Mountain, the Great Western Tiers, Mole Creek and the Central Highlands.

It is also the educational centre for the region with both primary (Deloraine Primary School and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School) and high schools (Deloraine High School), with students from other near towns attending school by taking daily buses.

[edit] Sister cities

Deloraine has one sister city, according to the Australian Sister Cities Association.

• Hokitika, New Zealand

[edit] References

1. ^ "Population distribution". Government of Tasmania Department of Justice. 2006-12-14. http://soer.justice.tas.gov.au/2003/indicator/55/index.php. Retrieved 2007-03-12. 
2. ^ ""Deloraine" Tasmania - a town on a mission". http://www.regional.org.au/au/countrytowns/ideas/pyke.htm. 

Coordinates: 41°32′S 146°40′E / 41.533°S 146.667°E / -41.533; 146.667

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