Celebrate International Dog Day

Come along to two events that are sure to get tails wagging.

TRAINS, TUNNELS AND TOMBSTONES: A TOUR OF CENTRAL STATION

CENTRAL STATION, SYDNEY

31 AUGUST, 10AM – 12:30PM

Join this expert-led tour to learn about Central Station’s original construction, its renovations and extensions, and the site’s former use as the Devonshire Street Cemetery for the dearly departed. Morning tea included.

Tickets: Members $65, adults $80

HERITAGE WALK IN HORSESHOE BEND

HORSESHOE BEND, MAITLAND

3 SEPTEMBER, 2PM – 5PM

Discover the fascinating stories of this little historic area of Maitland, tucked away beside the Hunter River. Hear how floods, agricultural and residential development have shaped this unique community over the past 250 years. Includes afternoon tea at Brough House.

Tickets: Members $25, concession $25, adults $28

RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL

26 AUGUST, 10AM – 4PM

From photographs to paintings and statues, James Fairfax’s love of dogs is evident throughout Retford Park. Join us this Dog Day to pay homage to our furry friends in historic surrounds. Take a guided garden tour, browse doggie clothing and treats plus a range of gifts, have your pet’s pawtrait taken at The Bark Room’s pop-up studio, and so much more.

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five (and dogs!) free

NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE

27 AUGUST, 10AM – 4PM

Calling all Pawcasso’s in the making - Dog Day is returning to Norman Lindsay Gallery. Look forward to dog paw painting, a photo booth with artist costumes, a stick and ball library, entertainment and a photographer on-site to capture the fun. Pack a picnic or enjoy refreshments at the cafe.

Tickets: Free. Gallery entry $10

The National Trust has four pet-friendly properties you can visit with your dog on leash throughout the year – Retford Park, Harper’s Mansion, Dundullimal Homestead and Saumarez Homestead. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/nsw for property opening hours.

‘PERCEPTIONS’ BY NATASHA DANILOFF AND RAEWYN PROCTOR

EVERGLADES HOUSE AND GARDENS, LEURA

3 – 24 SEPTEMBER, THURSDAY – SUNDAY 11AM – 3PM

Artists Natasha Daniloff and Raewyn Proctor present unique interpretations of their connections with the coast and the country, inspired by John Olsen’s quote: ‘’To see the landscape, not as real estate, but as a place of enlightenment and magic’’.

(Artwork: Hartley Valley 1 by Natasha Daniloff).

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free

LINDESAY AFTER DARK

LINDESAY, DARLING POINT

26 SEPTEMBER & 28 NOVEMBER, 6PM – 8PM

Ever wished that walls could talk? Uncover the stories of the past at a special after-dark tour of historic Lindesay. Enjoy a glass of wine and canapés in the garden overlooking Sydney Harbour before exploring this spectacular 1830s property as night falls.

Tickets: $35

Unmissable spring celebrations

Mark your calendar! Our special places will put a spring in your step when the weather warms.

Everglades Flowerfest

EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA

1 SEPTEMBER – 30 OCTOBER, WEDNESAY – MONDAY, 10AM – 4PM

Bursting with dazzling displays of flowers, the spring gardens at this stunning National Trust property are not to be missed. From cherry blossoms to rhododendrons, bluebells to tulips, the floral spectacle and botanical beauty will amaze and delight.

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free

WOODFORD ACADEMY’S GARDEN CELEBRATION

WOODFORD ACADEMY, WOODFORD

16 SEPTEMBER, 10AM – 4PM

Once renowned for its orchards and pleasure gardens, Woodford Academy welcomes spring with a celebration of garden memorabilia held in conjunction with local garden groups. Take a house tour and enjoy refreshments in the cafe.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

Springtime

AT RETFORD PARK

RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL

21 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER, THURSDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM

Pack a picnic and soak up the milder weather on a walk through Retford Park’s stunning gardens, awash with spring blooms. Make the most of extended offerings including guided garden tours and extra weekend house tours.

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free

ORANGE IN BLOOM: GARDEN WEEKEND

ORANGE DISTRICT, 3 – 5 NOVEMBER

Brought to you by The Women's Committee

Visit a colourful array of private gardens during their spring glory, in a district renowned for its temperate climate and rich basalt soil. Meet us there or join an all-inclusive coach journey.

Tickets: Self-drive (two and three-day options) tour from $150, optional light lunch $25; three-day coach journey from $995

THE ADVENTURES OF SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE

RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL

28 & 29 SEPTEMBER, 11AM – 12PM

The iconic Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie returns to Retford Park in a funny and enchanting outdoor production that introduces contemporary audiences to the wonderful world of May Gibbs.

Tickets: Ages three+ $22, children under three free

Southern Highlands Botanical Art Prize And Exhibition

THE WHITE COTTAGE, RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL

30 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER, THURSDAY – SUNDAY 10AM – 4PM

Don’t miss this stunning exhibition of botanical paintings and drawings by some of Australia’s best botanical artists, hand-selected by jurors of this highly regarded art prize. Subjects include native and exotic flowers, fruit and vegetables.

(Artwork: Papaver orientale by Rosemary Wade).

Tickets to exhibition: Free

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ELIZABETH AND ELIZABETH

Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair scandalises Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons. When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, armed only with her parasol.

Author Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of colonial Sydney’s women, with another fascinating and meticulously researched historical novel.

BUY YOUR COPY AT OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE OR ONLINE AT shop.nationaltrust.org.au