Evandale is a town that has retained its historic atmosphere in the form of numerous Georgian buildings, as a result of which the town is classified by the National Trust.

Famous historic luminaries such as colonial artist John Glover, John Batman - the founder of Melbourne, and the father of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly served time in Evandale prison.

The town was named after the first State surveyor general, G. W. Evans, in 1836 and was originally known as Collins Hill.

Settlers from Norfolk Island arrived in the area in 1816, and although the town was founded in 1829 some of the buildings that remain date from 1809, due to the presence of a convict station employed in the construction of a water supply scheme for Launceston. The Launceston and Western railways intersected at Evandale in 1876.

Perfectly preserved Georgian streetscapes and an Olde Worlde atmosphere await the visitor to Evandale. The town is a 19 kilometre drive from Launceston. Today the district is noted for fine sheep and cattle, and horse studs.

Historic Sites

The village has a plethora of historic buildings, such as St Andrews Uniting Church constructed in 1838 and St Andrews Anglican Church, built in 1871.

Many of the shops and stores in Evandale have retained their original shopfronts, and now serve as arts and crafts stores, tearooms and galleries.

Clarendon House was constructed in 1838, and is a splendid example of Georgian architecture. Built in a style similar to that of an English Country Manor, the house is set in beautiful gardens of majestic oaks and elms, and fragrant roses and herbs.

Visit the home of artist John Glover and the Dedding Chapel he designed. Murals in the Clarendon Arms Hotel (1847) depict the early history and development of the area. The Prince of Wales Hotel was founded in 1836.

The Circulating Library which opened in 1847 allows visitors to research more on the history of the area.

The Tourism and History Centre in the main street of Evandale is open to assist the public with general and tourist information, as well as to provide heritage walk maps of the area.

Other Attractions

Every Sunday, Evandale becomes filled with market stalls featuring bric-a brac, Tasmanian arts and crafts and local homemade products such as jams, homebakes, vegetables and fruit. Each February, the National Penny Farthing Championships and Village Fair are held in Evandale, proving a great attraction for visitors who flock to watch the antics of the Penny Farthing races.

Many of the old-style shop fronts are filled with treasures such as jewellery, crafts, antiques, stained glass and bronze work to tempt the browsing shopper to wander inside.

Evandale is also a nice short drive away from the Ben Lomond National Park - a green luscious landscape in the summer time, and a totally transformed ski resort in the winter months.

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