Deloraine wins Tassie’s Top Small Tourism Town Award 2026

The Rotary Club of Deloraine is celebrating alongside the wider Meander Valley community after Deloraine was named Tasmania's Small Tourism Town for 2026, securing the prestigious title for the second consecutive year.

As the organisation behind the Tasmanian Craft Fair, one of the region's most beloved annual events, the Rotary Club of Deloraine sees the award as a welcome recognition of everything that makes the town such a drawcard for visitors - including the Fair itself.

The award was announced on 29th of July during the Tasmanian Tourism Conference in Launceston, the state's flagship tourism industry event hosted by the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania. Meander Valley Mayor Wayne Johnston said the achievement was a source of great pride for the entire community and highlighted the dedication of those who continue to promote the region as a premier visitor destination.

"To see Deloraine recognised as Tasmania's Small Tourism Town for a second year in a row is a tremendous achievement and something our whole community can be proud of," he said.

"It was also wonderful to see Westbury recognised among this year's finalists, showcasing the strength of tourism experiences right across Meander Valley.

"This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and collaboration of so many people, from local businesses and community groups to volunteers and residents who help create the welcoming, authentic experiences visitors remember long after they leave."

For the Rotary Club of Deloraine, that description rings especially true. Each year, the Tasmanian Craft Fair draws thousands of visitors to the town, showcasing local makers, artists and producers while raising vital funds for community projects - a contribution the Club believes reflects the very qualities that earned Deloraine its award.

The Mayor also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Meander Valley Business and Tourism Association, which prepared and submitted the nominations.

"Council congratulates the Meander Valley Business and Tourism Association for the enormous amount of work that goes into preparing these nominations and promoting our region. Their advocacy, commitment and belief in our towns is its own source of pride."

In accepting the award, the Association described the win as recognition of the people who give Deloraine and the wider Meander Valley its unique character.

"What an incredible honour for Deloraine and the wider Meander Valley, and a wonderful recognition of the passionate volunteers, businesses, makers, artists and locals who give our community its unmistakable heart," the Association said.

"We are incredibly proud to share Deloraine's authentic sense of place with the world and sincerely thank the judging panel, our fellow Top Tourism Town finalists, and the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania for celebrating the communities that make regional Tasmania so special.

"We now look forward to proudly representing Deloraine on the national stage for the second consecutive year this September."

Situated on the banks of the Meander River and beneath the Great Western Tiers, Deloraine is renowned for its heritage charm, vibrant arts scene, natural attractions, local produce and genuine country hospitality - qualities the Tasmanian Craft Fair has helped showcase for decades.

As Tasmania's 2026 Small Tourism Town winner, Deloraine will now represent the state at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later this year, with the Rotary Club of Deloraine proud to play its part in the town's ongoing tourism story.