Evandale - North East, Tasmania.
Evandale is situated 20 kilometres south of Launceston on the South Esk River, an easy five minute drive from Launceston Airport or only a couple of kilometres detour from the Midland Highway.
Evandale is a a charming colonial village with a population of nearly 1100 residents, Evandale is a popular destination for history lovers with many of the original buildings now housing quality craft galleries, antique shops and cafes.
Evandale was established as a military post in 1811 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie , and was known originally as Collins Hill, and Morven before the town's name was changed to Evansdale and eventually to Evandale in 1836 in honour of Tasmania's first Surveyor-General, George W Evans.
The village has many landmark buildings including St Andrews Church (1872), the Uniting Church (1839), Blenheim (1832) originally built as a Hotel, Royal Oak Hotel (1840) and adjoining stables now Evandale Antiques, Clarendon Arms Hotel (1847) and Fallgrove (1826), Solomon House (1836), and the Saddler's Shop (1840).
Evandale is associated with several famous people, John Batman lived here before setting off in 1835 to found Melbourne, John 'Red' Kelly the father of Ned Kelly, infamous Australian Bushranger was sentenced to seven years of penal servitude and transported to Van Diemen's Land (1843) where he served time in Evandale.
The picturesque countryside inspired the early Australian landscape artist John Glover, who settled in nearby Mills Plains, Deddington in 1831. Glover is best known now for his paintings of the Tasmanian landscape, a memorial statue to John Glover is located in Falls Park.
Things to see around - Evandale
The Evandale market is held each Sunday morning. It offers everything from bric-a-brac to antiques, local farm produce to fine Tasmanian cheeses and gourmet foods and there is plenty to do for the children.
The Evandale light railway runs every second and last Sunday of each month.
Tasmanian Gournet Sauce Co - The Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company uses the freshest Tasmanian produce to create their range of jams, chutneys and mustards.
Surrounded by a stunning topiary garden and nursery, tours and tastings are open to groups of any size, lunches, teas or cooking demonstrations are available to groups of 10 or more.
Telephone: 03 6391 8437 Location: Leighlands Road, Evandale, Tasmania.
Website: www.gourmetsauce.com.au
Evandale Light Railway and Steam Society Inc - The Evandale Light Railway and Steam Society began evolution in the 1980's driven by the late Greg Waddle. His dream was to bring together a group of railway, and steam, enthusiasts and build a track, on his property at Evandale, such that they could enjoy their hobby and serve the community. The Club was officially formed in 1989 and some of the founding members are still part of the club today.
The railway is open to the public on the second and last Sunday's of the month, weather permitting. The trains start running at 9:30am and the last one leaves the station at 12:55pm.
Website: www.evandale-light-rail.org.au
Evandale Village Fair & National Penny Farthing Championships - Held annually in February the Evandale Village Fair features a full program of Penny Farthing bicycle racing including the National Penny Farthing Championship.
Penny farthing enthusiasts converge on Evandale from throughout Australia and overseas to compete in a series of races, held on a triangular circuit in the centre of the village. Market stalls situated in the streets and parks surrounding the race circuit provide a variety of entertainment creating the ambience of a colonial country fair.
Location: Evandale, Tasmania.
Website: www.evandalevillagefair.com
Evandale has a temperate climate averaging a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius (74.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June, with an annual rainfall of 689mm each year.
St Andrew's Church of England
Evandale, Tasmania
