In the early 1950’s I often travelled between Hobart and Launceston by train. The first half of the trip was interesting winding around the hills until going through the tunnel and emerging at Parattah for a pie and hot tea served in glass cups and saucers. Then the next dreary four hours across the plains towards Western Junction were only broken by passing the Calendar House
It was a popular name for Mona Vale, a country mansion in the Tasmanian Midlands – so called because, according to folk lore, it has 365 windows, fifty two rooms, twelve chimneys and seven entrances. The home is built of freestone. It cost £40,000 and was completed in 1868. Many famous guests including King George VI, have stayed there.
Charles G
