Learn a rare trade: how to make soap & botanical distillations & soap making history

The atmospheric Anderson's Mill comes alive with displays of heritage crafts, machinery and historical exhibitions whilst the heritage iron waterwheel turns majestically transporting all who see it back to the days when the bluestone mill machinery ran quietly and used the creek as its power source.

The Alchemy of Gold is a special forum which brings together experts, historians and the community to explore how the discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s reshaped the state.

Embark on a slow travel adventure! Explore hidden gems in quaint laneways, discover unique local shops, and immerse yourself in enchanting historical tales of the city on this 2.5 hr tour + coffee.

Screening of this classic film of the San Francisco underworld of the 1920s, with live music, presentation and cocktails.

Until now there has been no family history of Walter Withers (1854-1914), a notable but underestimated Australian landscape artist of the Heidelberg school.

Ballarat Antique Fair will be held in the wonderful Art Deco Civic Hall.

A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute and it's people.

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours!

A remarkable Australian talent - The Age | Inspired by a True Story

How did a young Parisienne mother, celebrated for her beauty and glamour, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author.

Sometimes in life, a seemingly inconsequential event can nudge our life along a new and exciting pathway.

Join us for an evening to celebrate Dame Nellie’s birthday, with foods named in her honour and music to match from the Melba Opera Trust artists. There will be performances by the Melba Artists during the course of the five course dinner.

An afternoon of song, arias and duets… with some of the 2025 Melba Artists

The Amazing Lucas Girls is a beautiful story of women courageously and caringly banding together in adversity.

Visitors can inspect the recently restored Old Ballan Courthouse, built in 1873.

Join Uncle Rick for this unique tour out on Djaara Country in the Castlemaine region where you will visit significant trees and sites that Uncle Rick has specifically selected. A Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony is part of this tour as a cleansing to ensure you walk with good spirit.

Join Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson on Country for a guided tour of sites he has specifically chosen as significant in the Castlemaine and surrounds areas. His tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with the land and the living culture of Dja Dja Wurrung people.

Dig in to a delicious hot soup lunch as Buda’s Curators unearth the life and gardens of Goldfields legend, Ernest Leviny, plus in-House exhibition that continues throughout the Heritage Festival.

Come walk with us - who knows who you will meet along the way?

A celebration of silent movie star Claire Adams and Scobie Mackinnon, their (National Trust) home Mooramong and the music and style of the 1930s. Enjoy created cocktails and canapes, based on their own recipes, an exhibition and presentations, while contributing to the restoration fund.