MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, so close to Cleburne, is very exciting for us. We think it is the most audacious cultural event and will change forever how Tasmania is viewed by tourists and travellers.

We offer sumptuous accommodation with breakfast in Heritage-listed buildings, only fifteen minutes from the Hobart GPO.

Cleburne is a jewel of authentic Colonial architecture, hidden in a loop of the East Derwent Highway. Known previously as Mount Direction Homestead, it was placed in the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission. It is also registered with the National Trust.

Cleburne consists of four separate sandstone buildings - Homestead, Cottage, Barn and Outhouse - built in the 1830’s, and set on four acres of the original estate beside the Derwent River.

In 2001, we established Edinburgh Gallery Bed and Breakfast, in Macquarie Street, Hobart. Edinburgh successfully combined modern art and accommodation. At Cleburne, we combine modern art, colonial heritage architecture and accommodation with a semi-rural lifestyle and a growing collection of farmyard animals.

Our collection of animals is now five Alpacas, nine geese, three chickens, two wild ducks, one turkey and two dogs, Sassy and Matilda. (see our Guest Book page) We also have a number of rabbits, and at least one Potaroo. We grow many of our own vegetables and fruit. Our garden includes an ancient but prolific Mulberry tree, whose vivid fruit appears regularly in guests’ breakfasts.

We welcome singles, couples and children by arrangement. We accept pets by arrangement. Dogs must be well trained, or, at least, harmless to our animals and fowl. We are gay-friendly and are registered with GALTA. We are also fully accredited with the Tourism Council of Tasmania.

Your Hosts

Penelope Ann With degrees in Education and Fine Art, Penelope taught art in secondary schools for many years. She opened a vegetarian café restaurant in Yarraville, a neglected, post-industrial suburb in the west of Melbourne, where she pioneered the renewal. She exhibited her paintings and drawings a number of times in Melbourne and also curated exhibitions by other artists. Recently, Penelope opened Global Kitchen, a multi-cultural café, across the river in Moonah – another pioneering venture. Penelope’s extensive experience with food is reflected in the quality of Cleburne breakfasts. Our own produce is used when possible. During 2010 Penelope stood for both State and Federal seats as a candidate for the Tasmanian Greens and for the Australian Greens. She continues working with the Tasmanian Greens.

David Lander David trained as a teacher in England and gained a degree in Theatre in Canada, before migrating to Australia in 1974, where he has worked in education, theatre and journalism. Since moving to Tasmania, he has directed ‘It’s a Dad thing’ the comedy about fathering he co-devised for two successful seasons in Hobart and a Tasmanian tour. More recently, he has written and directed ‘Mate’ for Old Nick and directed David Allen’s new play ‘Burbage’. He is currently enrolled in the University of Tasmania's Master of Contemporary Arts. His most recent play "Anniversary" was produced professionally by the Tasmanian Theatre Company, September 2011.