The town's population of nearly 1,100 is sustained by tourism and farming - particularly wheat, barley, oats, cattle and wool. It is only four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the Launceston Airport.

Every year in February, avid cyclists suit up in skin-hugging Lycra for a national championship road race. But wait till you see their bikes - you'll never associate penny farthings with straight backs and top hats again.

The town also puts on a village fair and model rail exhibition each year. There are plenty of antique galleries, craft shops and even a stained-glass workshop to visit. Many of the arts and crafts made in the area are showcased every Sunday at the Evandale Market, with more than 100 stalls of crafts, food and amusements.

Look out for the statue of renowned 19^thcentury artist John Glover, who lived and died in nearby Deddington. Clarendon House, a Georgian mansion owned by the National Trust, is just beyond the village. The Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company produces delicious berry, pasta and chocolate sauces, as well as many relishes and chutneys. The company's tasting centre and factory are at Evandale, set amongst the Ericvale Gardens. You can roam the beautiful gardens and see Tasmania's largest display of topiary.

The region was discovered in 1811 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie but the town was not settled until 1816. It was named after George William Evans, a painter and surveyor, and was home to John Kelly, whose son was the bushranger Ned Kelly.

Evandale has an average maximum of 23 degrees Celsius (74.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

The town is just off the Midland Highway, a 15-minute drive from Launceston on the C416. Launceston Airport is just beyond Evandale.