DELORAINE Deloraine is a very pretty valley town and is one of the nicest towns in Australia. This quite a boast, but the visitor will quickly see why. Deloraine is also a modern town with all of the essential services. Deloraine is a charming, historically interesting and attractive town located on the banks of the Meander River 228 km north of Hobart, 48 km west of Launceston and 253 m above sea level. While not attracting tourists in the same numbers as Ross or Richmond it has been classified by the National Trust as a town of historical significance. It is likely that the town, which lies near the Great Western Tiers, was named after Sir William Deloraine, a character in Sir Walter Scott's long poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805). It was a kinsman of Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Scott, who first surveyed the district in the 1824. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1823 when Captain Rolland travelled through the area searching for new agricultural lands. There are quite a number of heritage buildings. Not the least the four pubs which are all well over 100 years old. The xxx was clearly built by convicts where there is ample proof in the brickwork. The Anglican Church is a masterpiece, with the Catholic not far behind. The Methodist historic also and the United being a modern building. The Deloraine War Memorial is at the eastern end of the town. This is a quite significant acknowledgement. The Bridges are well over 100 years old. The town has cast iron sculptures along the main street. The 1884 Melbourne Cup winner, Malua has a great story to tell. The statue is just by the museum. Allow plenty of time when visiting, and an overnight will have to be the minimum stay. Heritage diary