The curious case of the missing lions of Sunshine…..
H V McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine once had two beautiful lions gracing the entrance to this historically significant Edwardian ‘oasis’. One night they disappeared! Find out more during this tour conducted by the Friends of H V McKay Gardens

Charles Joseph La Trobe, Victoria's first Governor, lived with his wife Sophie and their four children for nearly 15 years in the family’s elegant prefabricated cottage. Take a tour of La Trobe's Cottage and hear some fascinating stories about life in early Melbourne

This exhibition tells the story of a ‘for women by women’ network that provides political, financial, and personal support to progressive Labor women candidates and politicians in Australia. It celebrates how positive change can be created when we take action.

This map records some of the live music heritage and the places, bands and characters who have contributed to St Kilda’s history.

‘We are the newest caretakers and custodians of this ancient land that we now call ‘Home’. Our Home, Our Time, Our Turn!’
Dean Stewart, Wemba Wemba-Wergaia man.
Join Dean in getting to know your long forgotten ecological neighbours and discovering the rich natural treasures of your own backyard.

Devonshire Tea at the Altona Homestead, Altona’s oldest residential building built around 1842.

Join a guided tour of Altona with the Hobsons Bay QR Walks

Enjoy a guided tour of Altona’s oldest residential building, the Altona Homestead which was built around 1842.

A fully immersive Victorian experience at the Altona Homestead with the Late Victorian Society of Melbourne and the Altona Laverton Historical Society

Join artists Richard and Judith Young (Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara) as they share their Songlines, their family’s way of doing business, and the impact art has had on their lives. Learn about Aboriginal living Culture in this special hands-on session.

Fashion and design returns to Villa Alba Museum in an exclusive display of costumes and textiles from the nationally significant costume and textile collection of Kew Historical Society.

Curious about what was worn under the hooped skirts in the 1850s? How did women achieve those impossible waistlines?

Open Day at the historic Truganina Explosives Reserve

Hear the 1000-year-old story of gunpowder, its place in world history, civilian and military. Discover 100 years of explosives production in Melbourne's West. Learn about the heritage significance of the Black Powder Mill. See the restored Mill machinery. Experience a demonstration of Black Powder.

Come on a guided tour of this architectural wonder and discover the magnificent features, exquisite interiors and opulent rooms of this internationally significant Toorak mansion, ending with a cup of tea or coffee and a glass of sparkling wine.

Not sure what a Tobin tube ventilation system is? What about a pole screen? Have you ever wondered about the story behind Rippon Lea’s ornate wallpaper, or seen an authentic Royal Doulton toilet bowl? Then this is definitely the tour for you.

Rippon Lea’s grand hallways and varied domestic interiors contain an eclectic array of furnishings spanning various design styles from the mid-nineteenth century through to the post WWII period. Curious to find out more? Take this tour for an in-depth look at key pieces from the collection.

Rippon Lea’s art collection encompasses several different styles, periods and mediums. This in-depth tour is a must for anyone curious to find out more about this superb collection.

The trees at Rippon Lea play an important part in the Estate’s history, with some dating back to the 1880s. This walking tour will provide a fascinating insight into the work required to manage and nurture this magnificent collection for the enjoyment of both today’s visitors and future generations.

Rippon Lea’s kitchens are a rare example of a 19th century kitchen complex. The original kitchens were enlarged in 1882 and remained in use for fifty years. Abandoned when a new kitchen was installed on the ground floor, they now offer a glimpse into the lives of those who lived “below stairs”.

Once upon a time, Rippon Lea’s gardens provided the backdrop to the games and adventures of children who lived in the house. Now it’s your turn to explore of Rippon Lea’s secrets. This self-guided journey of discovery is suitable for families with primary school aged children aged 6 and over.

During the Australian Heritage Festival, the Kew Historical Society will explore community spirit in action through an exhibition at the historic Kew Court House, displaying items from their collection and archives. 

Join us as we celebrate the women who lived at Labassa over two centuries. Take a walk through time and experience some of these stories as told through imagery, costume and objects. Explore the extraordinary, ordinary and sometimes invisible lives these women lived.

Learn how to access a variety of resources and records relating to military history

Do you have a family history collection at home? Individuals, families and community groups hold a significant amount of cultural heritage material. In this talk, Ainslee shows you how you can preserve your family history collection at home, from safe storage to disaster recovery.

Heritage Talk at the historic single room school

As part of the FLAG Commemoration where we will have 50 Australian Flags attached to a pole at the side of Veterans graves to publicly commemorate the role of our Men and Women as part of the Australian war effort from 22nd April to the 2nd May

No heritage in the suburbs - think again!
Westgarthtown - where Victoria’s oldest German immigrant buildings and suburbia meet.

This event will cover the basic steps on researching the history of your house or a significant property. It covers key resources, the steps and processes involved, and includes some case studies in the workshop to practice these skills.

Explore our current exhibition, 'The Studio of Karl Duldig - a Living Legacy.' Take an insightful guided tour of the original heritage rooms and Artists' Studio and enjoy a Viennese afternoon tea.

This presentation will focus on the various architectural styles and buildings within the City of Boroondara.

Do you want to recognise the shapes of the constellations? Want to know what that bright star is called? Would you like to hear the stories of the stars? Then come along to a night of.... Observing the Constellations with Perry Vlahos and others.

Are you part of Melbourne's elite? For one afternoon step back in time and enjoy this fabulous bayside retreat at Black Rock House. A visit will be very special to you, your friends and family. You will be warmly greeted by costumed volunteer guides who will share the myths and legends of days gone by.

Gold was discovered in Warrandyte in June 1851! This was the first official published goldfield in Victoria. See a fascinating display at the Warrandyte Historical Society Museum that tells the story of Pure Gold.

Take a tour of Lozzbert Reserve, where Toolern Creek meets the Werribee River. Explore the ancient landscape and learn about the local creatures who call it home.

We're thrilled to launch Eynesbury’s Heritage Trail, where we celebrate the wonderful heritage of this unique land. Whilst there are over 60 heritage sites, we've hand-picked the top 16 which we believe will give you the best understanding of the history & functioning of the land from the 1800s.

Do you have a story to tell? Learn how to write your very own memoir so that you can preserve your memories for future generations to treasure.

James McAra Mitchel managed William John Clarke's Rockbank Sheep Station for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the Shire of Melton. This is the story of how Mitchel's legacies were almost lost in the admittance papers of the Kew Insane Asylum.

Celebrate 150 years of the City of Melton at the 2022 Heritage Festival. With live entertainment, craft activities and food for the whole family, this twilight event is sure to spark your curiosity.

This rarely seen property offers visitors the opportunity to explore an intact 1930s Roy Grounds waterfront holiday house set amidst a faithfully reconstructed landscape of native coastal vegetation, located in the Victorian Heritage listed Ranelagh Estate, designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1924

Come and explore Camp Manyung's historical grounds & buildings with a guided tour lead by one of the YMCA's staff, followed by a complimentary morning tea.

Learn about some of the camp's significant buildings like the 'bunkhouses & Manager's residence that feature distinctive elements, such as rusticated corners, pointed gabled ends and Burley Griffen 'Knitlock' roof tiles.

This State Significant Fossil Beach precinct's importance includes Victoria's first cement works as well as other scientific and cultural interest.
In the 1960s, an archaeological excavation occurred over about two years to explore this cement manufacturing by James Moller Robertson in 1862-63.

Cranbourne Cemetery has so many stories to tell. Join us for a walk and talk around historic Cranbourne Cemetery as we explore some of its history and tell the stories of twenty-six people and their families who never got the chance to say goodbye.