Deloraine is a friendly farm town on the banks of the Meander River about 45 minutes west of Launceston. It’s the gateway to the Great Western Tiers, the Central Plateau and Cradle Mountain territory.
Meander River as it flows through Deloraine
There is a path that goes along the Meander River on both sides and is connected by two footbridges, enabling anyone to run the path as a circuit. The circuit is quite scenic and very pretty no matter which season you find yourself in. The run is very flat and approximately 1.87 KM long. It follows a concrete path for most of the way apart from the two wooden footbridges.
This run is not intended as a challenge but rather serves as a way to get a run in before or after work, to unwind and relax the mind, and to see what’s going on in Deloraine. It’s a good way to get some speed training or intervals done, and is perfectly suited to multiple rounds, or as a part of a more extended run through Deloraine, which could include some hill training in the hillier sections of town :)
Start off at the Apex Train Park on the western side of the river and make your way under the car bridge, along the river and up to the swimming pool. Along the way you’ll see some lovely old trees, native gardens and animal sculptures.
One of the little animal sculptures
At the swimming pool the path will merge with the driveway which belongs to the caravan park. From here you’ll soon see the footbridge, which you’ll take to get to the other side of the river.
These trees were cut down by the council much to the outrage of the community as they were habitats for platypus
On the eastern side, the path takes a slightly hillier course and as it snakes its way back down to the river - after bypassing a few dozen turbo chooks, who may even try to pace with you - the path will head under the car bridge, past the arts centre and around the back of the police station where there’s a tiny skate park.
Autumn colours with the car bridge in the background
Turn left here and follow the footpath a few dozen metres until you turn left again to head across the second suspension footbridge. It’s worth to stop, ponder and soak up the amazing view of the weir and Deloraine from here.
The weir
The weir provides a spectacular backdrop, with some brave souls using it to train their kayaking skills in summer. In winter after heavy rains the river is prone to flooding, rendering some parts of the run impossible, unless you bring a snorkel.
The first footbridge from the caravan park is prone to flooding after heavy rain
There is plenty of birdlife living around the river, including native hens (‘turbo chooks’ in the local lingo), ducks, geese, water fowl and more. Some people fish in the river but it’s not recommended as run off from local farms empty directly into it.
Mr and Mrs Turbo Chook
It usually takes me about 10 minutes to run this circuit.
P.S. The photos above were taken on a winter’s day.