Deloraine River Walk | Wild Woods
Deloraine
Directions - Located right near the centre of town, the Deloraine River Walk starts and finishes at Train Park on River Road, with plenty of parking available nearby. Wander down to the river and find the trail head outlining the walk.
The Walk - Having scheduled in a few days in Deloraine before my Overland Track adventure, this walk would mark the end of me exploring the Great Western Tiers, and a sample of all the trails found in this lovely area of Tasmania. With my day starting with a visit to the natural beauty of Meander Falls, and a mid afternoon hike at Lobster Falls, the finish would see me walk through the curated landscapes of Deloraine.
Tasmania to me has always been much more of a English countryside clone than anywhere else is Australia, and the fact that it was the middle of summer and everything still looked lush and green while I was driving through the Great Western Tiers is a good reason why. Happy to be experiencing something a bit different, I do enjoy a good urban walk when the scenery is delightful, with botanical gardens one of the first places I seek out when in a different city. With Deloraine being located right on the banks of the Meander River, this provides a peaceful backdrop for a riverside walk, that also has an intriguingly named Wild Woods nearby. Combining the two walks would give me a four kilometre trail that would hopefully be a memorable experience. Starting at Train Park, I would have just over a couple of hours before sunset, plenty of time to get in the walk, and get home for a very late dinner.
Walking down to the edge of the river, I would be doing the walk in an anti-clockwise direction, so I would get to Wild Woods as soon as possible, to get it in the best light. Spotting plenty of birds enjoying the grass next to the river, this just added to the English countryside vibes that Deloraine gives off. The river walk is all on pavement, and being next to the water, very flat, so this would be a relaxing meander in the extended golden hour glow of a Tasmanian summers evening. Passing under the first of two bridges along this section, the first being an industrial looking railway bridge. The second bridge is more visually appealing with rounded stone columns supporting the main road crossing of the Meander River that I'd used a couple of times to reach various hikes during my time here. Walking along the edge of the river, you pass under weeping branches of trees, past the town swimming pool and along grassy parks.
Arriving at the Rotary Bridge, a people only crossing of the Meander River, this is where the River Walk crosses over and continues on the other side. Wanting to get in the Wild Woods Nature Trail, I kept following the river as the footpath ends, and you must follow the road leading into the Caravan Park. Being summer holidays, it was at capacity, and I felt like a bit of an intrusion as I stuck to the road and not the grass running along the river where there were plenty of caravans and tents setup. It was nice to see a few bikepackers camping here, taking in the Tasman Trail that runs north-south through the heart of Tasmania, and one I'd been intrigued by after spotting lots of signs for it driving through the countryside. Eventually reaching the end of the road, the trail continues through a set of gates, where you'll find a sign for Wild Woods, indicating you are still on the right path. A cool bridge that doesn't look like it's connected to the railway anymore provides a cool photo opportunity.
After walking along the railway line for a little bit, you turn off to the left as the railway departs into the vegetation to the right, reminding me of the Jarrahdale Railway Heritage Trail back home. Entering the Wild Woods, it lives up to the name almost immediately, with a footbridge crossing a creek that flows into the Meander River providing a fantastic scene. Large trees with sweeping branches over the water welcome you, and I could have stayed here for a while just observing the water and photographing the tranquil nature of the river. Following the single trail to the left, I would be a little crazy and do this loop in a clockwise direction. The section leading along the edge of the river transports you into a different world and it was easy to forget that I'd just walked through a messy collection of 4x4s, caravans and gazebos a few minutes ago. The trail is easy to follow as you amble around the bends and meanders of the Meander River, eventually reaching an area that provides a side trail leading down to the water.