What's on

FEBRUARY

Join the After Hours Committee for a relaxed evening of conviviality in the fabulous heritage setting of Don Bank House, a well conserved cottage and garden that tell so much of the early history of North Sydney. This is also a chance to view the latest exhibition and hear 2011 Zonta Woman of the Year, Dr Zeny Edwards, talk about her most recent architectural heritage projects. Swoon to the mellifluous vocal chords of Steve White who will charm you with his repertoire of popular jazz and swing melodies while you sip your wine as the sun goes down.

getting here | Cost: $35 | Enquiries: Ron Bottrill 0418 112 018 | Bookings: essential (Ticket Application Sheet)

As part of the Roaring Twenties... And all that Jazz Festival, Everglades Historic House is hosting a Cluedo Game Party, bring some friends, get into costume and enjoy this popular murder / mystery deduction board game set in a mansion in Hampshire, England in 1928. Excellent home cooked lunch will be served on arrival, followed by the game, a coffee break and finally the big ending.

getting here | Cost: $22 NT Members / $25 Adults | Bookings Essential: Fran on 02 4787 7945 or Anita on 02 4784 1974 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

The Parramatta Lecture Series 2012 will highlight the history of women's work in its many facets, with a focus on colonial times. The first talk with be by renowned Macquarie expert and author Robin Walsh.
Escaping Colonial Life: European women and the challenges of life in Australia, 1800-1830. Danger, adventure, loneliness, hardship, deprivation, domestic duties, marriage, childrearing and grief were amongst the many hardships as well as pleasures faced by European women in colonial NSW and Van Diemen’s Land.

Robin Walsh will examine the lives of some of these women in the years 1800-1830 – and highlight the diversity of their experiences and their responses to life in the Great Southern Land. He will draw upon a selection of letters and journals by these remarkable pioneers and explore the question that ‘a woman’s work is never done’.

getting here | Cost: $10 NT Members / $15 Adults | Bookings: essential | Enquiries: OGH (02) 9635 8149 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

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

MARCH

The Friends of Old Government House, Opera Bites and Lachlan’s (restaurant) invite you to an evening of fine dining and the enchanting music of Purcell’s opera, The Fairy Queen in the courtyard of the property. The evening will be themed as an Australian fairyland and the opera, which will be sung in English, will feature some distinctly hilarious Australian fairies.

getting here | Cost: Premium tickets $105, including a three course meal and opera. Standard tickets $40 – opera only; chair provided | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: (02) 9635 8149 or email

'Looking at Architecture' with the National Trust Women's Committee. A private House Inspection programme open to members ONLY. Randwick was opened for private development in the 1880's - and has now been given new life with dedicated owners rejuvenating the great houses of yesteryear.

getting here | Cost: $30 NT Members / $20 Youth (16-20yrs) | Bookings: essential (Ticket Application Sheet) | Contact:  National Trust Womens Committee secretary on (02) 9363 2401

In the twilight of a later summer’s day, bring a picnic and enjoy another great jazz performance on the lawn court with the unforgettable Julien Mueller and his dynamic band, The Full House.  Exchange your entry ticket for a glass of Wombat Crossing wine. Gourmet rolls can be pre ordered. Coffee, tea and home-made cakes can be purchased from the Garden Café.

getting here | Cost: $20 NT Members / $25 Adults / $10 Children / $60 Family / $20 Concession | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

Imagine yourself at the turn of the 19th century in this elegant rural homestead which, with its grounds and gardens, will be presented to reflect life at that time. Displays will include ploughing of the front field using the ploughs of the era. Food stalls and live music will ensure that this is a fun family day.

getting here | Cost: Free NT Members / $5 Adults / $3 Concession & Children / $12 Family | Enquiries: Dawn Giles 0409 953 859 or email or leave a message at (02) 4821 4741. 

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

The Crooked R Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit two of the most significant remaining buildings from the early colonial period of NSW – Old Government House Parramatta and nearby historic Rouse Hill House and Farm. The tour will also provide a rare insight into the life and times of Richard Rouse (1774– 1852) who played an important role in the development of both properties (1813-1820). Descendants of Richard Rouse will accompany the tour and add to the commentary of the day. Enjoy lunch at the historic Lachlan's Restaurant, former garrison building at Old Government House Parramatta. The tour commences at Old Government House, Pitt St entrance.

getting here | Cost: $70 NT Members / $80 Adults. Price includes guided tour of two properties, lunch, luxury coach, souvenir booklet | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Brian Powyer (02) 9686 1873 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

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

Hawkesbury Artists’ Trail

A number of well-known Australian artists, including Joseph Lycett, Arthur Streeton and Charles Conder have drawn inspiration from the beautiful Hawkesbury River. Thirteen sites from which these and other artists painted their scenes have been identified on what is known as the Artists’ Trail.
The Blue Mountains Branch is planning a bus trip around this trail together with a visit to the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. The tour will start opposite 33 Moore St Glenbrook at 9.30am and morning tea and a delicious picnic lunch will be included. Please send a cheque made to The NT Blue Mountains Branch at PO Box 75, Blaxland, 2774 with a self-addressed stamped envelope or email address for acknowledgement.

getting here | Cost: $35 NT Members / $40 Adult | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Sandra Partridge 02 4739 3003

Talks and workshops for children and adults with Australian book authors and illustrators. Guest appearance by Emily Rodda at 12 noon. See website for this years speakers

getting here | Cost: $12 NT Members / $18 Adults / $15 Concession / $12 Children / $45 Family | Enquiries: (02) 4751 1067 or email

Join us for a glass of champagne in Eryldene’s beautiful garden whilst enjoying a demonstration of the art of Sogestsu Ikebana, followed by a delicious High Tea. Ikebana is synonymous with Eryldene: Mrs. Janet Waterhouse studied Ikebana from the 1920s through her friendship with Professor Arthur and Mrs Sadler.  Eryldene’s picturesque garden offers a wonderful selection of material and inspiration to practitioners of the art of Sogetsu Ikebana.

getting here | Cost: $40 NT Members / $45 Adults / $15 Children / $45 Concession | Tickets/Enquiries: Anne Davey on (02) 9498 2271 or email

Bridal Fair and Wedding Open Day...
Meet with Wedding Service Professionals, view a collection of gowns from over the decades, a live model catwalk of latest bridal and wedding attire, and to finish the day, a Belle of the Brides Competition in which past Brides get a chance to put on their wedding dress again and appear before a panel of judges to see who is the Belle of the Brides.. Prizes tbc.. weekend away... something romantic.. Cost to enter competition is $50 which includes entry fee. Enjoy our tasty light Meals, Fresh Sandwiches, Cakes and Coffee available.

getting here | Cost: $15 | Enquiries: Lynda Prescott on (02) 4964 8959 or email

APRIL

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) After Hours Committee in association with Meera Bell-Thomson presents The Fabulous Jazz Babies.  Enjoy their songs as they salute the music of cabaret, jazz and contemporary song. The show opens at 7pm sharp! Entrance payable at the door. Refreshments (not included in the entrance fee) are available from 6.30pm. Free parking in the National Trust grounds. The Trust's principal wine sponsor, Lindemans Wines have again pledged a fabulous wine pack which will be raffled on the night.

getting here | Cost: $15 | Contact: Steve White 0425 274 745 or email

'Looking at Architecture' with the National Trust Women's Committee. A private House Inspection programme open to members ONLY. Visit three houses in Wahroonga's distinguished Fox Valley Road.

getting here | Cost: $30 NT Members / $20 Youth (16-20yrs) | Bookings: essential (Ticket Application Sheet) | Contact:  National Trust Womens Committee secretary on (02) 9363 2401

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

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

Miss Porter’s House (Newcastle’s only National Trust House) is a free standing Edwardian house that contains a century’s worth of history. Visitors to the House see furnishings, furniture, clothes, needlework, and millinery and household goods used daily by Florence Porter and her daughters Ella and Hazel in the years 1910 to 1997.

getting here | Cost: Free to NT Members / $7 Adults / $5 Concession / $20 Family | Enquiries: Geoffrey Farris (02) 4952 9376 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. Dr Annette Gero, historian and author of “The Fabric of Society - Australia's Quilt Heritage from Convict Times to 1960” has been documenting and collecting quilts since 1982. She curated a stunning exhibition shown at Old Government House in 2000.

The thread that holds this patchwork of Australian history together is that every story told includes the making of a quilt. Each story draws on women's memories, diaries, their letters to relatives, official records, newspaper and magazine articles reflecting the current domestic influences.

On display during the talk will be an exact replica of a coverlet held in the National Trust collection, originally made by Frederica Josephson and beautifully recreated by The Sydney Quilt Study Group. Dr Gero will have copies of her books for sale.

getting here | Cost: $10 NT Members / $15 Adults | Bookings: essential | Enquiries: OGH (02) 9635 8149 or email

“Saumarez Farm Fair” - Art, Craft and Animals with Food Stalls and Activities from 10am to 4pm. Guided House Tours and Guided Farm Tours, Music and other attractions including classic & antique cars, antique farm machinery and heavy horse demonstrations throughout the day. Free Entry to the grounds. House Tours on the hour from 11am to 3pm and Farm Tours 11.30am & 1.30pm. National Trust Open Day at Saumarez Homestead will be held on Sunday 22nd April.

getting here | Cost: Free Entry to Grounds and Gardens. House and Farm Tours: NT Members Free / $5 Adults / $4 Concessions | Enquiries: (02) 6772 3616 or email

Explore some of the buildings of Newcastle West that were the very latest thing when Hazel Porter and her sister Ella were growing up at 434 King Street. Finish the tour with afternoon tea at a nearby cafe. Tour led by Dr Roland Bannister, Chair of Miss Porter's House Management Committee. Inspection of Miss Porter’s House not included.

getting here | Cost: $15 Adults (afternoon tea not included) | Enquiries: Roland Bannister (02) 4967 4273 or email

'Molly' the maid will lead a group of visitors though parts of the house not usually seen. She tells her amazing story from the point of view of one of the Saumarez families who work at the homestead, and visitors will be guided through the kitchen, laundry, scullery, cellar, storeroom and other areas not seen on a regular tour. It will be followed by a delicious Brunch of fruit, coffee and croissants. Early Tour starts at 9am with Brunch at 10am. Those who prefer a later tour can begin with Brunch at 10am before joining Molly's second tour. Later tour starts with Brunch at 10am and tour at 10.30am.

getting here | Cost: NT Members 10% discount / Adults $20 / Concessions $15  | Enquiries: (02) 6772 3616 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

Learn about the history of Strathfield’s heritage conservation areas as you walk along its distinct streetscapes and boulevards full of Victorian, Federation, Californian Bungalow and Post War housing.  Listen to Strathfield’s resident heritage expert, Cathy Jones, tell you about the many famous Australian families who lived there – such as the Arnott Family. Finish with afternoon tea.

getting here | Cost: $30 Adults | Bookings: essential | Tickets/Enquiries: Tony Bastow 0404 292 208 or email

'Saumarez Homestead, 230 Saumarez Road - Enter via Armidale Airport
A unique opportunity to discover the innovation and use of inventions that occurred on a rural property from the 1830s well into the 1900s. During the farm tour, experience the amazing stories of how a farm and its families developed through the days of bullock and horse drawn vehicles and equipment and then through the transition to mechanised equipment and vehicles. After lunch you will be taken on a tour of the Edwardian mansion that is Saumarez Homestead. During the special House Tour you will explore the innovation and inventions that were utilised in the house as it developed from its beginnings in 1888, extension in 1906 and renovation into the 1950s.

getting here | Cost:Both Farm and House Tours with Lunch: NT Members 10% discount / Adults $35 / Concessions $27 | Enquiries: (02) 6772 3616 or email

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

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

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