What's on

MAY

Enjoy a delicious two course lunch in the serenity of the garden at Eryldene and hear about the making of this magnificent book about old and contemporary cool climate gardens on the basalt capped mountains of Mt Wilson, Mt Tomah and Mt Irvine. The authors explore the social and botanical history of the gardens made within what Peter Valder describes as the ‘extraordinary horticultural richness of this fascinating part of the country’, and give voice to their gardeners. Bookings essential.

getting here | Cost: $65 | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

As Eryldene moves towards its Centenary in 2014 come and share its beauty with your mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, family and friends and take tea in its beautiful gardens. Guided tours throughout the house on both days. There will be a display of the courtship letters between Gowrie Waterhouse in Sydney and Janet Kellie in Scotland, as fresh as they were written 100 years ago. Eryldene celebrates the centenary of their wedding this year.

Our traditional home cooked Celebratory Teas are served on embroidered linen in fine Royal Doulton china. Book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings essential for celebratory teas. THE GENERAL CAFÉ WILL NOT BE OPEN. Booked teas only are available. Celebratory Teas: $30 non members; $22 members, $15 child (6-15 years) includes entrance fee.

getting here | Cost: $8 Adults / $6 Concession / $4 Child / $18 Family | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

As Eryldene moves towards its Centenary in 2014, come and share its beauty with your mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, family, friends and take tea in its beautiful gardens. 
View display of the courtship letters between Gowrie Waterhouse in Sydney and Janet Kellie in Scotland, as fresh as they were written 100 years ago. Our traditional home cooked Celebratory Teas will be served both days on embroidered linen with fine china. 
Bookings are essential for Celebratory Teas. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Celebratory Teas: $30 non-members; $22 members, $15 child (6-12) includes entrance fee.
The Garden cafe will not be open but there will be a coffee cart on site.
House and Garden entrance only without booked Celebratory teas:
Cost: $8 non-members; $6 conc.; $4 child (6-15); $18 family (2 adults, 2 children)

getting here | Cost: Adult $8.00, Conc $6.00, Children $4.00, Family $18.00 | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

The Governors their households left Parramatta in 1855 but their presence still haunts the house. Explore this 212 year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear strange tales from the site's long history, revisit the scene of a tragic accident and witness places within the house where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Reflect on your own experiences over supper.

getting here | Cost: $27 NT Members / $30 Adults, including guided tour, food and drinks | Bookings: (02) 9635 8149 or email

Enjoy the ambience of this the oldest buildings in the Blue Mountains. Marvel at the fireplace and bread oven in the colonial kitchen - amongst the finest surviving in New South Wales.
Check out the early 20th century school rooms and the parlour from the Fairfax era.

getting here | Cost: Members Free / $6 Adults, $4 Conc, $3 Children | Enquiries: (02) 4758 7809 or email

Come and be part of Riversdale's new monthly event on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Tour the historic 1840's Georgian house and then come and sit in the beautiful gardens of Riversdale and enjoy a Devonshire morning or afternoon tea of homemade scones, jam and cream for the low cost of $5.50 for tea and coffee and 1 scone or $7.50 for tea and coffee and 2 scones.

getting here | Cost: For house and garden tour: Free NT Members / $5 Adults / $3 Concession & Children / $12 Family | Enquiries: Dawn Giles (02) 4821 4741 or email

A fully costumed, audience-participation, concert of all your favourite Gilbert and Sullivan numbers with a scrumptious Devonshire Afternoon Tea. A wonderful gift for Mothers’ Day.

getting here | Cost: $40 NT Members / $45 Adults | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: (02) 9635 8149 or email

See and hear the history of Campbells Hill, Maitland, when guide Wayne Campbell takes a walk through the contrasting elements of this top part of Maitland - a former orphanage and nearby Sacred Heart church; historic Maitland Hospital; the Family Hotel which refreshed generations of saleyard patrons; as well as some very fine houses. The walk is followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea at the National Trust Brough House, in historic Church Street, Maitland.

Cost: $15 NT Members / $20 Adults | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: 02 4934 4314

On June 6th 2012 - The Transit of Venus will be clearly seen from Woodford, NSW. In 1874, Woodford House, owned by Alfred Fairfax, was one of the four sites in NSW selected for astronomers to observe this event. You can join the NT Branch to walk this historic track, which visits three falls, Edith, Mabel and Hazel Falls. Both Edith and Mabel Falls were named after Fairfax's daughters. Possible extension to Paradise Pool. Enjoy the walk! Hear the History! and finish with a delightful BBQ lunch at Woodford Academy (ex Woodford House).

Cost: $30 Adults, $25 Conc | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: (02) 4739 3003  or email

JUNE

Enjoy Eryldene as the Camellia japonicas come into bloom. Tours of the house available throughout the day. Share the centenary of the Waterhouse wedding by viewing their courtship letters. 
GARDEN CAFE WILL NOT BE OPEN.
High Teas available on Sunday from 2.00 pm, bookings essential. 
Cost for High Teas: $22 adult; $10 child (6-12) – does not include entrance fee. 

getting here | Cost: Adult $8.00, Conc $6.00, Children $4.00, Family $18.00 | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

The Governors their households left Parramatta in 1855 but their presence still haunts the house. Explore this 212 year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear strange tales from the site's long history, revisit the scene of a tragic accident and witness places within the house where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Reflect on your own experiences over supper.

getting here | Cost: $27 NT Members / $30 Adults, including guided tour, food and drinks | Bookings: (02) 9635 8149 or email

Enjoy the ambience of this the oldest buildings in the Blue Mountains. Marvel at the fireplace and bread oven in the colonial kitchen - amongst the finest surviving in New South Wales.
Check out the early 20th century school rooms and the parlour from the Fairfax era.

getting here | Cost: Members Free / $6 Adults, $4 Conc, $3 Children | Enquiries: (02) 4758 7809 or email

The Parramatta Lecture Series 2012 will highlight the history of women's work in its many facets, with a focus on colonial times. The third talk is presented by Gay Hendrikson - curator, writer, educator and museum director with the focus on the women of the Female Factories.

The Parramatta Female Factory is the earliest surviving of the 13 convict female factories in Australia. The convict female factory women are a part of our early history, our bloodlines and our storylines and the Australian character. The factory women have been described as a grand source of moral corruption, insubordination and disease. Discover the real story of these women from their perspectives and their lives in the female factories of Australia.

Cost: $15.00 | Enquiries: (02) 9635 8149

Join historian Ed Tonks who will lead this outstanding heritage tour of the pits and pubs of the local South Maitland Coalfields. The development of the rich Greta coal seams at the beginning of last century saw the building of large hotels in the expanding towns of the coalfields, such as Abermain, Cessnock and Kitchener. The tour takes in mine sites and significant other sites in the area, and the cost includes morning tea and lunch. Meet at the Maitland Court House car park for a 9.00 am departure. women from their perspectives and their lives in the female factories of Australia.

Cost: Members $55, Non Members $60 | Enquiries: Holly  McNamee 02 49344314

Celebrate the Winter Solstice and join us for a very special evening with entertainment by Des Kelly of 'Tales of the Swag' fame. We will be serving a three-course dinner, of a somewhat 'bush' style, with drinks included. So how about making up a party with family and friends and come along for a great evening.

Please send a cheque made to the NT Blue Mountains Branch, PO Box 75, Blaxland 2774.

Cost: $45.00 Members, $50.00 Non Members| Enquiries: (02) 4739 3003 or email

Enjoy the ambience of the Art Deco dining room at the recently restored 1930's property at Leura. A scrumptious home made high tea follows a welcome punch and nibbles. Leaf Tea and plunger coffee will be served. Wander around the garden before or after the tea.

getting here | Cost: $25 NT Members / $30 Adult / $10 Child | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Anita 02 4784 1974  or Liz 0418 206 899 or email

JULY

Explore Japan’s 20th century art of flower sculpture in the garden spaces and in the house, installed by the New South Wales Sogetsu Teachers Association.
A perfect time to see Eryldene’s camellias in bloom and to enjoy tours of the house and exhibition on both days. Garden Café open both days. 
High Teas available on Sunday from 2.00pm. Bookings essential. 
Cost for High Teas: $22 adult; $10 child (6-12) – does not include entrance fee.

getting here | Cost: Adult $8.00, Conc $6.00, Children $4.00, Family $18.00 | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

Prior to European settlement, Glenbrook was inhabited by the Dharug Aboriginal people, who sheltered and hunted in the area. Red Hands Cave is believed to have been decorated by these people and is one of the finest examples of Aboriginal rock art in the Blue Mountains or the Sydney area. The fine hand stencils and hand prints were created approximately 500 to 1600 years ago. 
Join the Blue Mountains branch of the National Trust on the walk to Red Hands Cave, situated in the Blue Mountains National Park, this will be followed by a delicious Bastille Day lunch.
Meet at the Causeway, Blue Mountains National Park, Glenbrook. 10.00am

Cost: Members $25.00, Non Members $30.00, Children $10.00 | Tickets/Enquiries: Kate  Blakeney on 02 47394379

Celebrate Bastille Day with a delicious luncheon with a French Flavour, a 3 course meal served in the beautiful Art Deco dining room at Everglades Gardens, 37 Everglades Avenue, Leura.
Cost: $50 p.p. $45 National Trust members. BYO. | Bookings essential: Phone 4784 1938

The Governors their households left Parramatta in 1855 but their presence still haunts the house. Explore this 212 year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear strange tales from the site's long history, revisit the scene of a tragic accident and witness places within the house where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Reflect on your own experiences over supper.

getting here | Cost: $27 NT Members / $30 Adults, including guided tour, food and drinks | Bookings: (02) 9635 8149 or email

Christmas in July luncheon, a home cooked three course Christmas Feast at Everglades Gardens, 37 Everglades Avenue, Leura.  Bring your friends and celebrate Yuletide. 

Cost: $50 p.p. $45 National Trust members. BYO. | Bookings essential: Phone 4784 1938

Enjoy the ambience of the Art Deco dining room at the recently restored 1930's property at Leura. A scrumptious home made high tea follows a welcome punch and nibbles. Leaf Tea and plunger coffee will be served. Wander around the garden before or after the tea.

getting here | Cost: $25 NT Members / $30 Adult / $10 Child | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Anita 02 4784 1974  or Liz 0418 206 899 or email

AUGUST

The discovery of the continent of Australia with its exotic plants unknown to the rest of the world, caused a sensation to Botany scientists. Mt Annan Botanic Garden displays over 4000 of these plants, in acres of hills and lakes. Join the BM Branch of National Trust on a bus tour to Mt Annan with your choice of staying in the bus and driving around some of the roads or taking an interesting walk to scenic lookouts and lakes or the bird hide.

Cost: $35 | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Sandra 02 4739 3003  

The Governors their households left Parramatta in 1855 but their presence still haunts the house. Explore this 212 year old Georgian mansion by candlelight and hear strange tales from the site's long history, revisit the scene of a tragic accident and witness places within the house where psychics and guides have had ghostly encounters. Reflect on your own experiences over supper.

getting here | Cost: $27 NT Members / $30 Adults, including guided tour, food and drinks | Bookings: (02) 9635 8149 or email

Andrew Tink will talk on Lord Sydney the subject of his recently highly acclaimed biography.Lord Sydney was the Minister responsible for choosing Arthur Philip to establish the colony which was to be named Albion but became Sydney, He believed the he owed a duty of care to the convicts and directed Philip to treat the aborigines withamity and kindness

There will be a musical program on the Bevington organ followed by high tea

Cost: $20 | Bookings: (02) 9816 1794

SEPTEMBER

*Showcasing the National Trust Property "Everglades Historic House and Gardens" *Up to ten gardens open to the public *A wide range of indigenous and exotic plants available from the festival nursery.

Cost: NT Members $10.00, Non Members $15.00 | Bookings: 02 96358149

*Showcasing the National Trust Property "Everglades Historic House and Gardens" *Up to ten gardens open to the public *A wide range of indigenous and exotic plants available from the festival nursery.

Cost: The inclusive ticket price is $20 per person or $5.00 per person for each garden

NOVEMBER

Our early pioneers in the rural and remote areas of Australia had little or no access to health care. Emeritus Professor R Lynette Russell will describe the state of our bush health care prior to the establishment of the NSW Bush Nursing Association in 1911. Once established the role of the Bush Nurses was to give emergency care; care for mothers and babies; and care for the elderly and sick in the community. Their work, in these isolated areas, demanded creativity, resilience, determination and courage. Professor Russell will expand on the stories of these women, their work and their lives. 

Cost: NT Members $10.00, Non Members $15.00 | Bookings: 02 96358149

One of the best ways to enjoy the world famous, Blue Mountains is by visiting the National Trust property, Everglades. The weekend of the 17th and 18th November will a fabulous time to visit as Everglades will be hosting its second Vintage and Retro Weekend. This year, vintage and retro fashion parades will be featured. While the ladies relish the fashions of the 30’s and 40’s, the men can lust over polished vintage vehicles.

There’s plenty of lush green lawns to sprawl over while watching your kids play hopscotch or quoits. Throughout the day, you will be able to try Croquet, enjoy a tour of the Art Deco home, wander through 8 acres of gardens or find that perfect spot for a picnic. We encourage everyone to dress the part. Once you’re done, you can learn to move and groove. All this and a lot more will be up for grabs.   

Cost: Adult $14.00. Members $10.00, Conc $12.00, Children $8.00. Family $35.00| Tickets/Enquiries: 02 47841938