Curious about the interred occupants of the Melbourne General Cemetery? You will be amazed at some of the stories our local historian has to share on this incredible tour.

The story of 1903 tall ship Alma Doepel service during WW2 in the Australian Army as part of the Army Water Transport (AWT) division of the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE).

Wattle is the only oil fired steam tug operating in Australia. Here is a chance to see the 90 year old ship being restored and prepared for operation on Port Phillip by a team of dedicated volunteers. Bring back memories of Victoria Dock as the major shipping port for Australia and busy tugboats.

A walk along the the heritage listed Upfield Railway line looking at the unique railway infrastructure and talking about the people who operated the level crossing gates until the late 1990s.

Shoes - Footsteps in the House of Discovery, a house tour featuring selected shoes from the National Trust collection of historical fashion, as well as footwear-related decorative arts and idiosyncratic curios.

Meet at the PMI for a guided walk to discover the former department stores of Chapel Street, Prahran, during an accessible, family-friendly walk.

The Romance and Development of the Australian Wool Industry in the Nineteenth Century: Some Trends in the Growth of Time.

In a foreign climate and environment, how did women adapt to living in rural Victoria and the emerging suburbs of Melbourne. Explore and delight in the opulent tastes and styles adopted by women through the extraordinary collection of 19th century gowns in the Kew Historical Society collection.

Richmond's Industrial Heritage saw the development of a wide range of industries. These industries changed the shape of manufacturing, innovation and growth in producing goods for local and global markets. The companies provided a wide range of employment opportunities for men and women.

View the beauty of the first church built south of the Yarra. Hear the story of the citizens who built it and it’s early school.

Held at the historic ES&A bank in Ascot Vale, join us for an exciting presentation about The Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, hosted by English-Speaking Union grant winner and MMHN Chair, Dr Jackie Watts OAM and Michael O'Brien CSC.

This event will introduce participants to gardeners who designed many of Melbourne's famous gardens

Explore the newly restored areas of the architectural wonder that is Mandeville Hall, and discover the magnificent features, exquisite interiors and opulent rooms of this internationally significant Toorak mansion. End the tour with a glass of sparkling wine.

Come on an elevated bus ride through the City of Stonnington and discover the architectural wonders in Armadale, Malvern and Toorak, with architectural historian and former Mayor of the City of Stonnington, Steve Stefanopoulos OAM.

Footscray Park: An Edwardian Paradise

Take a guided walking tour through this wonderful Edwardian Park, to learn its history. Hear its unique story of community advocacy to save open space and create the park. Hear the work of its Curator Dave Mathews in its development and the parks stories.

Discover the wide range of resources available on the National Library of Australia's TROVE database, and how it can be used for your own historical research.

The National Trust Heritage Trades Show will be an annual knowledge sharing forum that brings practitioners together to share experiences, successes and failures, and stimulates discussion around conservation philosophy and processes. This event is sponsored by the Heritage Council of Victoria, who work to recognise, protect and celebrate Victoria’s cultural heritage.

Aidan Phelan presents a look at the lives of some of the most notorious bush bandits who did time at the infamous Pentridge Prison during the colonial era, featuring Ned Kelly, Harry Power, Captain Moonlite, Frank Gardiner and Owen Suffolk.

Join us at Rippon Lea with author, the National Trust's very own Matt Chester, as he reads from the sweetest teddy bear book going around; Elm & Willow's Adventures at Rippon Lea: Teddy Bears' Picnic.

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”.

Are you a jam maker? Enter a jar (or two) of your best home-made jam in Rippon Lea Estate’s Stone fruit Jam Making Competition. Show off your jam making skills and share the story that inspires your love of jam making.

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.

Join us to hear Professor Bain Attwood in conversation with Daniel James, and
hear about the work and life of William Cooper – a respected Aboriginal leader and
social justice campaigner from the 1930s.

This tour of Spotswood provides an insight into the people, industries and businesses that transformed this landscape from a dairy farm to one of the Victoria's most important manufacturing hubs.

A rare opportunity to explore the Alfred Graving Dock within the old Naval Dockyard in Williamstown with guided tours during the festival.

Every house has a story. Would you like to find out the story of your house, but don’t know where to start? Are you interested to know when it was built, or who lived there before you? Join us for an introduction to researching the history of your house.

Imagine a world without engineers and architects. They have done all the heavy lifting which makes our world amazing. Boroondara (Kew) Cemetery has many such magicians whose achievements will make you give thanks for their contribution to Marvellous Melbourne.

An exhibition of historical maritime paintings and photos depicting recreational yachting on Hobsons Bay from the 1850s to 1930 will be displayed at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.

A B&W episode of Homicide ‘Peter’s Party’ (1970) featuring the Point Gellibrand Pile Light and ‘The Don of Trugo’, a VCA student short, which centres on the unique game of Trugo.

Unlock the secrets of the historic Williamstown waterfront and seaport. One hour in duration and catering to all abilities, explore the historic seaport of waterfront Williamstown, as well as its hidden lanes, monuments and buildings.

Explore hidden alleyways, Victoria's oldest morgue, a forgotten burial ground and Australia's Timeball Tower in Victoria's oldest seaport.

Absorb at your own pace between 12 noon and 4 pm the marvels of maritime construction - tools, skills and material wood, canvas - to be found at the C.Blunt's Boatyard, five generations of shipwrights have been making and repairing wooden boats at this location since 1858.

You are invited to join us on a tour to discover stories of Williamstown's past.

Enjoy a guided tour of the recently restored Williamstown Town Hall and learn about the history of the building and the many roles it has played in the lives of the local community over the last century.

The Sons of Williamstown project involved the refurbishment of the Great War honour board in the Williamstown Town Hall and tells the stories of the Williamstown soldiers who did not return from the war. Viewing is open for a limited time at the Williamstown Town Hall.

Who were the young nurses who trained at Williamstown Hospital from 1907-1993? This exhibition curated by former nurse, Wendy Cavanagh (nee Hem) explores their many stories, photos and memorabilia from 1900 to 2022.

Discover how to research the history of your property.

The launch of Hidden Histories, a short film created as part of Better Places – Spotswood and South Kingsville. Join us in celebrating stories of this unique area captured through listening to and filming those in the know… locals.

Follow the historic, winding pathways of Williamstown Botanic Gardens through the recently rejuvenated Pinetum to discover the intriguing origins of the tree collection and the fascinating stories behind how they came to be here.

Explore the early 1900’s craze for postcard sending and collecting at the 162 year-old Williamstown Botanic Gardens

Newport Archives is an audio walk created by Tamara Saulwick for The Substation, which contemplates the connections between time, place and memory.

This talk will explore the Art Deco movement within the City of Boroondara, looking at buildings past and present within the municipality that are significant of this architectural style.

Hear the many amazing stories of the family including their escape from World War II Vienna, to Singapore and an internment camp in Tatura in rural Victoria. How did all their possessions and artworks survive the turbulent war period to be seen in Melbourne?

A self guided tour around the St Andrew's Brighton Historic Graveyard - a rare example of a suburban churchyard burial ground which is also of state significance. The first Christian burial was conducted in 1844 and the last burial in 1948. (Fee includes complimentary history book.)

Starting at the former Khyat’s Hotel in Wilson Street, we will wend our way to the Marine Hotel in New Street while revealing Brighton’s interesting history and development through significant buildings and landmarks with entertaining stories about personalities and related events.

Take a step back in time

From all Walks of Life they came.

Presented by Michael Church, long-time Glenroy resident

The Story of the Cop Who Hunted Australia’s Most Notorious Bushrangers

Some museum objects seem to be asleep in our storage rooms. They are like secret agents.
From the extensive array of objects collected over the past 55 years, this exhibition presents more than 150 secret agents. Their undercover identities slept in our store, preserved by our Society.

This talk and workshop presented by Way Back When Historians explores the process of researching the history of your house, demonstrating what documents to use with practical case studies.

This year marks 100 years since Bundoora Homestead was home to the Bundoora Repatriation Mental Hospital. Join this unique guided experience to hear the stories that shaped the site, hosted by ex-hospital staff members Rosemary Barnes and Arnold Wheeler.

An installation and one night only event: View fourteen Sea Flowers floating in the waters of Cherry Lake with the skyline of Altona in the background.

* Due to anticipated inclement weather, tonight’s Walking Thomastown has been postponed. New date to be advised.

Walking Thomastown returns on Friday May 5 6pm – 9pm transforming familiar sites and casting well known pathways in a new light. Gather at dusk and explore the world around you. Walk from Main Street Recreation Reserve, along Edgars Creek to the Westgarthtown Pioneer

A panel discussion celebrating the eerie, delicate imagery of faded advertising on the brick walls of Hobsons Bay and beyond.

In January 1856, Christian Ziebell returned from ten-month trip to Germany with, potentially, plants in a Wardian Case. This invention by Dr. Ward changed the world and the world of plants. Enjoy a performance of The Amazing Case of Doctor Ward and entry to Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum and Garden.

Join us for a special StoryTime in the Park where we will explore the theme of travelling. This program is for children 0 to 8 years of age where they will get to sing-a-long with Rocking Russell, as we celebrate our diverse community and heritage.

Visit one of Australia's original homesteads, only 20 minute drive from Melbourne.

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

The Scout Heritage Victoria Museum and Archives is the premiere repository and display of Scouting memorabilia and records in Victoria with items presented in themes from the inception of Scouting in Victoria in 1908. We celebrate 50 years of Scout Heritage Victoria.

Visit Historic Black Rock House and learn the history of its owners and visitors of yesteryear. Learn about past original owner Charles Hotson Ebden and his work as a pastoralist. Visits from Governor La Trobe, William Wills, past owner Sir Peter MacCallum plus many other interesting characters.

Reimagining Mid-Century Homes in Beaumaris is a panel discussion between architects and homeowners on the possibilities of mid-century architecture in Melbourne's suburbs. In celebration of the release of Beaumaris Modern 2, we feature author Fiona Austin, Peter Madison and two local homeowners.

See where gunpowder was made and the firearms which changed the world. Learn the history of gunpowder and its importance in Asia.

The Sounds of Silent are a 5-piece band which recreates the movie going experience of the silent movie era when many bands performed in Melbourne theatres to accompany silent movies.

Visit the recently restored Old Laverton School, taking in the history of the historic site as an early school building and rural outpost of the developing city in Melbourne’s west in the late 1880s

Discover the home of the Chirnside family. Located at the end of an isolated country track, you will be transported to another world. Explore the 1850s homestead, outbuildings and family secrets on this secluded, haunted 25 acre property.

On this guided tour of Schwerkolt Cottage - one of the few remaining 19th century stone settlers’ cottages in metropolitan Melbourne - hear the story of the Schwerkolt family. The Cottage features a garden, barn, smithy, wine cellar, smokehouse and museum in a bushland setting.

Join us for the Official Opening of the new Interpretive Panels in the Schwerkolt Cottage Museum that share the stories of the Whitehorse area. There will also be an opportunity for you to explore the museum and complex and enjoy afternoon tea.

'Optimism, Opportunities and Achievement': A reflection on the Centenary of Local Government in Dandenong in 1973

A storytelling afternoon over a delicious afternoon tea, listening to and sharing stories from local community members of their family experiences in City of Greater Dandenong over the centuries.

Our community objects: exploring 150 years of Local Government through objects and stories from the City of Greater Dandenong collection

Guided Tour of the property - Discover the interesting architectural and social history of Wyreena. The main building turns 100 this year and has had three fascinating chapters: from family home to a convent and now a thriving Community Arts Centre.

Bear's Castle lies locked away in the catchment of the Yan Yean Reservoir. Access to this unique building is only granted on special occasions, and this is one of them.

Take this rare opportunity to visit the only known building of cob construction in Victoria.

A powerful First Nations dance performance, featuring seven performers on a stage slowly surrounded with dirt, representing the call for Land Back. SILENCE pulls the unresolved conversations about a Treaty from under the rug and slams them back on the table.

The Heritage Victoria listed Ranelagh Estate in Mt Eliza is the focus of this guided walking tour through some of its curvilinear streetscape and reserves, designed by renowned architect, Walter Burley Griffin, in 1924, with the vision of a 'garden estate' as the guiding principle.

TRANSCEND is the celebration of 20 years of shared stories in the Dandenong Ranges through our Open Studios. This group exhibition presents artwork from over 50 artists that live and create in art studios throughout the hills.

Celebrating its 20th year, Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend takes you down the fern lined lanes of the hills to discover the most fascinating studios. Connect with 57 artists, in 44 studios. Ignite your imagination, meet the makers in the hills and visit Dandenong Ranges Open Studios

Heritage in Hand is a program that celebrates community, creativity and a culture of giving.

Learn about the history and provenance of one of Australia’s most remarkable gardens. Created over more than 80 years by renowned philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Cruden Farm is an oasis of flowers, trees, formal gardens and lakes. A true labour of love left as a place of public recreation.

Do you have family photos and videotapes gathering dust at home? Through the magic of digitisation technologies, you can quickly and easily preserve these precious memories for the future.

Since the 1980s, thousands of veterans have returned to Việt Nam. Why have they done so? What do their stories mean? And how do their journeys connect to the ANZAC legend?

Loretta Smith brings Australia's first all-girl garage to life in her book, 'Spanner in the Works'. Come along and find out more about the extraordinary life of Alice Anderson.

Join acclaimed author Amanda Hampson to discuss her recently released murder-mystery novel, 'The Tea Ladies'.

Come and hear the fascinating stories of those who walked our streets before us. Take a tour of Melton Cemetery, guided by the experts of the Melton Family History Society.

Traverse centuries of horticultural history inside the heritage-listed Nobelius Heritage Park.

Meet the 100-year-old teddy bear living at the Emerald Museum!