Clarendon Renaissance

Clarendon, the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)’s flagship property ten minutes south of Evandale is undergoing a renaissance. In addition to major building conservation works made possible by a Tasmanian Government Built Heritage Maintenance grant, extensive grounds conservation work has been ongoing. Nick Brady has joined Pete Long in the Clarendon maintenance team. With two people on deck, considerable improvements have been made, including pruning and maintaining the hawthorn hedges and elms that are a key part of Clarendon’s landscape design. Nick has also been removing weeds on the South Esk river frontage, reopening beautiful vistas. Clarendon’s excellent garden volunteers have continued to meet weekly and the beauty of the carriage loop, walled garden and south-western garden are testimony to their dedicated work.

Clarendon recently hosted a Victorian picnic on Sunday 18 February following Evandale’s famous penny farthing race. The Sunday event involved penny farthing riders doing a circuit from Evandale south to Nile and back to Clarendon where they were greeted by the West Tamar brass band and picnickers wearing 1890s costume. The Evandale penny farthing race committee has approached the Trust for this to be an annual event, together with the launch of the penny farthing festival. Clarendon lends itself to a range of events including horse drawn vehicle displays, vintage car rallies, antique and garden fairs. It is also a marvellous wedding and film location.

Book for upcoming events!

The National Trust has advertised for a high-end food and beverage operator capable of delivering a range of experiences – weddings, themed events such as the Victorian picnic and café service during museum open hours.

Clarendon is promoted as part of the Northern Midlands Reassign network (through Visit Northern Tasmania) which also includes Woolmers, Brickendon, Glover Country and the Clarendon Arms, Evandale. Each site has Reassign digital content and complementary interpretative experiences.

Property Manager, Ken Richards, is aiming to increase Clarendon’s volunteer base across a range of roles including guided tours, running education programs, events, gardening, collection management and conservation housekeeping. According to Ken, ‘We are aiming to make volunteering fun and Clarendon as a social hub for northern Tasmania. Volunteering for the National Trust enables people to give back to their community, while meeting like-minded visitors from around the world.

To Volunteer click here or email us at admin@nationaltrusttas.org.au