You are invited to the April gathering of the Kirribilli Writers Group. Be entertained as this diverse group of writers share personal and researched local heritage stories and songs. Enjoy a Q&A and discussion over a cup of tea or coffee and refreshments.

Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery is the oldest general cemetery on Sydney's north shore dating from 1868. It is an oasis of open green space in the midst of a busy growing commercial area. Join an intriguing tour of this heritage cemetery and unearth its stories.

Discover the history of Chowder Bay as you join Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks on a historical walking tour, delving into the past and sharing stories that make our surroundings so special, before enjoying a delicious 2 course lunch with bread and snacks at Ripples Chowder Bay.

Built in 1832, Sydney’s oldest maritime building and the birthplace of scouting in Australia will be open to the public and Custodian, Colleen Godsell will be on hand to share her stories and the story of what a committed community can achieve.

Tell your story in your own way. Draw, write, type on a vintage typewriter, to tell us your memories and experiences of North Sydney. We will add it to a scrapbook for our historical archive collection. Share your story with us today, so we can share it with others in the future!

Travel back in time to when Australia was part of Gondwanaland and to a land of dinosaurs. We'll learn about Australian dinosaurs and have a roaring good time being a paleontologist for the day. We'll be going on a bush walk to discover who were the dinosaurs that roamed Australia.

Join North Sydney Council’s Historian Dr Ian Hoskins on a walking tour which explores the cultural and natural history of the area of Wollstonecraft, down Shirley Road around Berry Island and through Badangi Reserve.

Enjoy twilight at May Gibbs' harbourside house in Neutral Bay. The house museum and garden will be open to the public for a special after-hours experience.

Join us for a mixed media collage workshop incorporating natural materials from Nutcote’s delightful gardens. Create your own bush fairy tale artwork, inspired by May Gibbs’ work and the beauty of the local landscape.

Experience what life was like in the 1880s at Carisbrook Historic House and gardens. The house is a survivor of a time when land around the Lane Cove River was a world away from Sydney Town. Enjoy a tour and a Devonshire tea in the courtyard and a walk through the gardens down to Burns Bay.

Always expressing a particular interest in people, Robyn specialises in portraiture. Her style and media are eclectic. Equally proficient with paint, charcoal and pencil, she draws different qualities from each medium to create a diverse output of work. Celebrity portraits include Russell Crowe.

Join Dr Ian Hoskins, award winning author of 'Sydney Harbour: a history', on an intimate walk from Bennelong Point, the site of the iconic Opera House, to the city's newest and most controversial development at Barangaroo. Discover the back streets of the Rocks and Millers Point along the way.

Discover the history of Sydney’s Walsh Bay as historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks rewinds the clock to an earlier age, leading guests on a historical walking tour and exploration through time before returning to enjoy a 2 course lunch with bread and snacks at Ventuno.

Take a leisurely 90 minute stroll through The Rocks with one of our friendly specialist guides within this unique heritage precinct of beautifully restored buildings situated in its picturesque harbourside setting.

Discover the history of East Balmain as Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks whisks you away to an earlier era, sharing stories of Balmains culture, mystery & colourful characters before returning to The Fenwick for an indulgent 2 course lunch.

The City Archives holds vast swathes of documentary evidence of past events, people and places in the City of Sydney council area. Join us in person or online to uncover stories from the archives and learn some tips to search the catalogue so you can be the detectives and find your own stories.

Celebrate the Coronation of Charles III with morning or afternoon tea in the garden and take a tour to view the unique display of Coronation memorabilia on display.

Uncover the stories of the past at a special after dark tour of historic Lindesay at Darling Point.

The Balmain Association, a community not-for-profit organisation housed in the historic sandstone Watch House at 179 Darling Street, will be sharing stories from the donated collection of family history books and presenting a photographic display of where these stories evolved from.

Get ready to explore behind the scenes at the Museums of History NSW with our Mint open day. Come and explore the heritage site, see the collections close up, hear from experts on a range of fascinating topics, take a behind-the-scenes tour and relax with good food and coffee.

Visit Willandra for displays of memorabilia of Ryde’s history. Images of Ryde’s origins and history will be on display.

Join author Larry Writer for a discussion of his new book, The Shipwreck, a definitive account of the loss of the Dunbar in 1857. This talk brings together stories shared generation by generation of one of Australia's worst maritime disasters, set against Writer's meticulous research.

Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922), renowned Anglo Irish Antarctic Explorer never achieved his life goal to reach the South Pole. In 1915 his Imperial Antarctic Expedition foundered when his ship The Endurance sank in the Weddell Sea. His leadership skills enabled him to escape the ice against all odds .

Explore Sydney's hidden dark side with comedian-led tours. Delve into sinister history, convict brutality, Mardi Gras origins, and thrilling crimes. The walking tour ends at Circular Quay. Unearth the metropolis' forgotten tales.

Join Bondi resident and Aboriginal elder, Walangari Karntawarra on his popular Bondi Aboriginal Walking Tour. See ancient rock carvings and traditional bush foods still growing wild. Hear how Aboriginal people used the area’s bountiful resources and the geological and social history of Bondi.

Self-guided outdoor exhibition – Callan Park’s Shared Stories – highlighting the curious, complex history of Callan Park. Former patients and staff share their stories of living and working in Kirkbride.

Join us for a historical walking tour of Callan Park. Learn about life at Callan Park from its establishment as a private estate, to its recent past as a psychiatric institution, and contemporary plans for its future.

Many a body has washed up on the shores of Sydney Harbour over the last 235 years. In this talk you will hear the dark stories of horrifying murders committed on our fair harbour. Over a glass of wine, you will hear the details, investigate the evidence and consider the court proceedings.

Enjoy a glass of wine while listening to the forgotten dark stories of the murders, mysteries and scandals that took place in Woollahra, one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs. The talk is hosted in the stunning art deco Woollahra Hotel. It too has its own macabre past.

As a group we will explore historic houses, churches and parklands, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Sydney's picturesque skyline. Join us to unearth the forgotten stories of the most influential buildings in Sydney, and the amazing anecdotes of some of the city's past residents.

Spend an intimate night with Kate Leigh, the underworld Queen of Surry Hills in her old home. Hear her regale her exploits and tell secrets of the 1920's 30s razor gang days. Kate is joined by Snowy Mackenzie her number one henchman and Bludger McGurk on banjo. Antipasto plate and dessert included.

Free Organ Recitals, Free Church History Talks, Display of Church History Memorabilia, Bicentennial Commemoration of Rev. Dr. John Dunmore Lang, Devonshire Teas ($5), 2pm Local History Walk ($20)

Join Dr Phillip Drew who will discuss the sculpturer Thomas Wran’s significance in Australian art history and role of sculpture.

Join us for a fun afternoon as we go back in time and learn some interesting facts from Yesteryear.

Join a leisurely walk as we travel back in time to when Newington Armory was the major naval depot on the east coast of Australia.

Haberfield is noted as a Federation Garden Suburb. Many of its residents share their relationship with God in churches designed by notable architects such as Thomas Rowe, Burcham Clamp, Hennessy and Hennessy, and Booker, Wilson and Debenham. Each of these four churches will be visited on our walk.

Once the site of the former State Brickworks at Homebush Bay, this powerful and dramatic landscape now has a quieter pace. Join the Behind the Scenes tour and be engaged in the layered history of the site from its industrial past to its current role as a biodiversity haven.

Get up close and personal with all things dinosaurs. If your child loves dinosaurs, this is the ultimate school holiday adventure show that is both exciting and educational. Full of dinosaurs, displays, fossils, an erupting volcano and activities to keep your kids busy, busy, busy.

Your presenter will reveal some surprises in detailing the historic associations of many properties as you stroll along this street, the people and enterprises which made their mark over most of the last 200 years.

The State Abattoir at Homebush was once one of the largest and most modern in the world. Explore the history, heritage and stories of the precinct today.

Celebrate 100 Years of Burwood’s Iconic War Memorial Arch 11 April - 14 May through our photographic exhibition.

Have you always wanted to write your life story? How do you get started? And what should you include? Join us to learn tips on writing your own memoirs from expert, Keith Whelan.

Join Historian Sue Castrique as she talks about recovering Gumbramorra Swamp and the hidden landscape of Marrickville Valley.

Hear new research about Penelope Lucas and John Macarthur

Learn about Margaret Catchpole, an important chronicler of life in the NSW colony

Wander through the Parramatta CBD discovering the locations and stories behind some of the earliest hotels in our "Cradle City" and the new high-rise development that are now taking over.

A fascinating talk about how we share stories.

Special Heritage Festival & ANZAC powerpoint presentation with Morning Tea by John Brock, tells the amazing story of an ANZAC hero, Sir William Throsby Bridges and his horse Sandy.

#7 in a series of stand alone powerpoint presentations that brings tombstones 'alive', as you hear the stories from beyond the grave from some of Australia's oldest cemeteries.

Journey through the early years of NSW as the Halloran family forges alliances with the Governor, a famous poet and a Federation politician, after their serial conman patriarch founded Sydney’s oldest and most prestigious private school. Hear about the city planned in a Canberra style at Jervis Bay.

Discover the incredible history of Parramatta North while you explore beautifully restored heritage buildings. Plus, enjoy a wide offering of family friendly activities like live music, markets, great food, and children's activities.

Children are being transported to the early 1800's and hear about children's stories of the time.

Visit the oldest remaining cemetery and see the earliest gravestone in Australia

Walk in a World Heritage listed landscape and hear intriguing stories of scientific advances.

Head to Old Government House to attend the official book launch of a fascinating and meticulously researched new novel, That Bligh Girl by Sue Williams.

Explore the history of the Parramatta River over its centuries of use as a transport route and food source, and as a site for colonial houses, industrialisation and recreation, and become involved with the campaign to make the River swimmable again.

Bring the kids on our Easter school holiday special family tour of new exhibition, The River, led by Old Government House’s Curator Anna. Explore the history of the Parramatta River over its centuries of use for transport, food, fun and indigenous culture. Kids of all ages welcome!

Bella Vista Farm is a special place. The Farm sits as an entire farm complex on a hill top with sweeping 360 degree views. With its rich history, the stories of the people who lived and worked here are a reflection of the history and development of New South Wales.

A leisurely walk through one of Parramatta's historic cemeteries, which just ‘oozes’ with stories ‘from beyond the grave’ where a few common words on a tombstone can reveal an amazing tale. Some of which may have you in laughter, while others may bring a tear to the eye.

A leisurely walk through one of Parramatta's historic cemeteries, which just 'oozes' with stories 'from beyond the grave' where a few common words on a tombstone can reveal an amazing tale. Some of which may have you in laughter, while others may bring a tear to the eye.

A guided walk that tells the story of Bruce Cole Reserve (BCR) as we know it from being part of the Governors Domain with extensive land clearing for farming and orchards to its controversial journey of becoming a unique reserve with an Ecologically Endangered Community and open park play space.

Join us for a guided tour of Mays Hill Cemetery and hear about the Remarkable, Wonderful and Terrible stories from the lives of the people buried there. They include explorers, soldiers, sailing captains, nobility, relatives of Kosciusko who fled Russian military aggression and yes, murderers!

Join a National Parks and Wildlife Service Volunteer Guide and step back in time to learn about the adventure, suffering, achievements and humour of the convicts of early 19th century New South Wales.

Join local historians from Cape Banks Family History Society to discover the fascinating history of Pioneer Park located within the grounds of Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park.

Uncover your family story! Have you always wanted to trace your family tree? Here is your chance to start a fascinating journey.

Have you ever wondered about the history of your home? Who lived in it before you, what events occurred within its walls, or what secrets it may hold?

Explore the rich history of the Kogarah Business District and Central Kogarah during a walking tour exploring the stories of the past.

Linnwood is a NSW State Heritage Listed house (1891) on 5 hectares at Guildford. The house will be open on 2 days with a presentation on the story of Linnwood, together with displays of local and historic interest. Devonshire tea provided and visitors are free to roam the house and grounds.

Yarramalong's natural, cultural and indigenous shared stories will be stunningly reflected through artwork, music and indigenous activities presented against our historic backdrop of 1890's sandstone buildings at Yarramalong Old School among the stately trees in beautiful Yarramalong Valley.

This is a day when you can learn more about the fascinating story of Australia’s oldest church - Ebenezer Church. You will hear about the people who built the church, pioneers such as Andrew Johnston, the architect and builder of the church, John Grono who was a ship-builder and sea captain and more!

'Street Photography' explores the heyday of this once popular but now forgotten genre. During the mid-20th century, street photographers were a familiar sight on Sydney's streets, capturing moments in the lives of countless people. Explore this fascinating exhibition of candid images.

'Charlie's Angles' showcases the varied building styles within the St George region designed by local architect and nursery owner Charles Halstead between 1889 and 1915. Through historic photographs, the exhibition highlights aspects of the work of Halstead in south-western Sydney.

Celebrate Australian Heritage Festival by starting on the road to finding out who you are and where you came from in this immersive writing workshop.

Are you curious about your family’s history and want to learn more about your ancestors? Join us for an introductory workshop on tracing your family roots using library resources.

Join us for a walking tour of Hurstville, where you will discover the rich history of the area and its significance as an economic and cultural hub of the community.

Join Muruwarri artist, Virginia Keft, for an interactive weaving, collage and creativity workshop for children and families.

The tour will begin at the Blacktown City Council, you will then embark on a day of discovery visiting a range of historical sites and houses around the Blacktown Area, to mark Heritage Week!

Muruwari artist, Virginia Keft, invites you to join her for a free drop-in weaving and yarning workshop. Weaving Connections is a free interactive weaving and yarning circle that supports cultural connection and builds understanding through collaborative weaving.

The Australiana Pioneer Village offers a unique look at lifestyle back in the 1800s, share our stories on the families that lived the cottages, participate in our demonstrations highlighting how our ancestors lived in this period of our history.

Learn about the resources that can be used to trace your Indigenous family history.

Shire Creativity is a joint exhibition of the Continuum Art Society Inc and the Ceramic Makers. Both these groups have a long-standing history in the Sutherland Shire.

Discover your Heritage and share their stories.

Brinsley's Joinery Shop will be open to the public for hourly tours. You will experience an unforgettable event witnessing working word working machinery from a forgotten era.

Discover the dramatic tale of Sydney's longest-serving hangman, Robert ‘Nosey Bob’ Howard, as told by true crime expert, Dr Rachel Franks in her captivating new book, An Uncommon Hangman.

A fun concert filled with Highlights from Gilbert and Sullivan and many more!
Presented by Louis Vinciguerra and friends.

Discover Woronora Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Take a tour through time or embark on your own self-guided history tour.

Join local history expert Clive Baker and other guides from the Shire Military History Club and discover the interesting military and civilian people of the Shire now resting in Woronora Memorial Park. Select from three different tours throughout the festival period (join one or join them all).

Extra operating day - Saturday 22nd April 2023, 10am-4pm
In addition to every Sunday - 10am -5pm and Wednesday - 10am-3pm

All volunteer operated.

Cost: All-inclusive (incl. tram-rides) - Adult $20, Concession $15, Child $10.

Event especially for Aust. Heritage Festival.

All volunteer operated.

The Sutherland Shire Citizens' Festival is a joining of many varied groups within the Shire that share in the rich history of the area.
Our festival covers the Arts, the Music, the people and the History. there are many stories to be told throughout our festival. please come and join us!