Create your own itinerary.

Rivendell Retreat is perfectly located for you to explore the best of this extraordinary region of great food, wine, hiking trails and more.

  • Just a short, scenic drive from Rivendell Retreat, the historic township of Deloraine makes an easy stop for a proper meal or a leisurely coffee. For an afternoon wine and a delicious woodfired pizza Meander Valley Vineyard is always a good choice. With a thoughtful selection of Tasmanian wines they make for a perfect to settle in for an afternoon after exploring the Central Plateau (open Thursday to Sunday, 12pm–4pm - note hours vary seasonally, so it's worth checking ahead).

    If you're after something more relaxed, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm if a Tasmanian luminary. Serving up a hearty, casual fare in a charming farm setting, ideal for a laid-back lunch on the way through (open 7 days a week, 7am–5pm, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).

    And for your coffee fix before heading into the wilderness, swing by Deloraine Espresso - a local favourite run by yours truly for a well-made brew to fuel the journey ahead. Open from 7.30am, closed on Sunday.

  • Beyond the walking trails, the surrounding region has plenty to keep adrenaline seekers and animal lovers entertained.

    Just 20 minutes from Deloraine, Mole Creek Karst National Park is home to Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves - striking limestone cave systems with glow-worm displays, underground streams and guided tours suited to all ages. Nearby, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary offers up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils, wombats and free-roaming kangaroos, with free guided tours running daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. For something a little more high-flying, head to Hollybank Treetops Adventure near Launceston (around an hour's drive), where you can zipline through blue gum forest canopy on one of the longest ziplines in Australia, or take on the treetop ropes course for a different kind of thrill.

  • Deloraine is well known for it’s arts and crafts community (home to the biggest craft fair in the Southern Hemisphere ever year on the October/November long weekend).

    When it comes to shopping we recommend stopping by Divine Objects is a standout, packed with striking Tasmanian art and craft from local makers - a firm favourite with visitors. For something truly local, SEPPENFELTS Emporium, Gifts & Books stocks an ecclectic range of clothing, candles, oils, jewellery, books and much more. Art lovers should also duck into Yarns Artwork in Silk, a beloved Deloraine institution known for its intricate silk artworks depicting the region's history.

Want to just take a long walk in nature?

On your doorstep

For a gentle immersion into ancient rainforest, the Jackeys Marsh Trail winds through towering myrtle beech and sassafras, with a good chance of spotting a pademelon or echidna along the way - an easy 1.5–2 hour return walk.

A more challenging affair

For those chasing bigger views, the Quamby Bluff summit walk is a rewarding 4–5 hour return climb through eucalypt forest and alpine scrub to the northernmost peak of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, with sweeping views across the Central Plateau and Great Western Tiers from the top. Bushwalking experience recommended for this one.

For history buffs or those chasing waterfalls

History buffs and hardier walkers can also tackle the historic Warners Track, which climbs from Jackeys Marsh itself up to the Central Plateau via Burnies Creek. And a little further afield, Liffey Falls offers a beautiful, more accessible walk through cool temperate rainforest to a stunning tiered waterfall - great for a half-day outing.

Woman relaxing on a outdoor deck with a glass of wine, secured by a glass wall, with a snack platter of cheese, crackers, grapes, berries, and spreads in front of her.
Two people on a balcony enjoying a sunny day with trees in the background. One person is sitting on a wooden bench holding a drink, while the other is standing facing away from the camera near a grill.