Take a guided walking tour through this wonderful Edwardian Park, to learn its heritage and history. It is the largest and most intact Edwardian park in Australia Hear its unique story of community advocacy to save open space and create the park.

Come and try traditional children's games from First Nations communities across mainland and the Torres Strait Islands. Many of the games you see today have evolved from traditional games of the past. Stretch your body and mind as we play and learn together.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Aunty Pauline will regrettably not be able to join us on Big Country Games.

Learn how to document your family history online using Ancestry Library Edition and other free resources

Join us for a fascinating talk about the history of the Moonee Ponds Creek

Learn tips on how to collate a cohesive family history from a pile of letters, documents, and photos.

A guided walking tour around Williamstown Cemetery, one of Victoria’s oldest graveyards with local historian Brian Haynes.

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. Take a walk in a group with Williamstown's Visitor Information Centre's Sean O'Sullivan

If you are interested in the bizarre, baroque and mostly forgotten stories of Melbourne, don't miss author and historian Robyn Annear discussing her latest book Corners of Melbourne: The great orange-peel panic and other stories from the streets.

If you want to know more about the wonderful history of the Moonee Ponds Junction and surrounds, join an experienced and passionate local historian who will guide you through the history of our heritage buildings and talk about changes that have taken place.

Learn how the former Ascot Vale branch of the English Scottish and Australian Bank has been recently restored, with a heritage architect on hand to answer questions. Join the optional tour after the presentation to explore this intriguing building.

Acclaimed historian, biographer and speaker Ross McMullin presents his most recent book Life So Full of Promise a multi-biography about Australia’s lost generation of World War I. "His scholarship is impeccable, he writes like an angel … and his narrative gift is Blaineyesque.” -Barry Jones

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. 

The Agnes Hansen WW1 Signature Quilt will be on display for the first time in six years.

Historic photographs from the Williamstown Historical Society collection, including Williamstown, Newport & Spotswood, alongside present-day photographs taken near the same spot.

Join us in the Heritage Room at Williamstown Library and immerse yourself in the wonders of our archive collection with favourite items curated by our Heritage Librarian and discover our new Library of Things collection.

A conversation with respected Boon Wurrung Elder Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir (Boon Wurrung/Wemba Wemba) and historian Marguerita Stephens. The authors will share their experience of collaborating on their ground-breaking work “Years of Terror: Banbu-deen: Kulin & Colonists at Port Phillip 1835-1851."

Celebrate the first major concert of the newly formed Inner West Symphony Orchestra.

Using the historic postcard collection of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens archive, visitors will explore the early 1900’s craze for postcard sending and collecting.

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

Come and see a display on the history and heritage of the old Ballan Shire.

Take a walk with us into the history of Flemington. Led by library staff, join us as we explore Flemington -- big and small. Admire local buildings, learn about past residents, and hear quirky local anecdotes.

Get a look inside the historic Holy Trinity Williamstown vicarage, built in 1886, and recently renovated.

On the Beach- A heritage walk with local historian Brian Haynes along the Esplanade pathway of Williamstown Beach from the Botanic Gardens to the historic Williamstown Life Saving Club.

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 King William's Town, the original capital of Victoria, by lamp light. Steeped with history, apparitions, alleyways and lager it was once a thriving town full of colourful ladies, drunken sailors and convicts.

A guided tour of the World War II Corvette HMAS Castlemaine.

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

Come behind the gates and doors of the historical yacht clubs and marinas, maritime operations and shipwright workshops to experience the Williamstown Maritime industry in an open house setting, with live music at clubs, guided tours and meals available for purchase and shipwrights showing their craftmanship.

Join a walk around historic Point Gellibrand with local historian Brian Haynes to discover the heritage of Hobsons Bay’s convict past retracing our convict system in the colony.

Experience the romance of the bygone era of Maritime Steam in a tour over 1933 ST WATTLE to see how this historic ship served Australia’s navy using the only steam engine of its type in Australia at that time.

Take a tour Behind the Scenes of the Restoration of a 1903 Australian built wooden 3 masted tall ship. Learn about her 120 year history and the new role Alma will play in providing Youth Sail Training once complete.

This prominent, once cutting-edge maritime infrastructure asset sits on the tip of North Wharf in Docklands. Among the heritage-listed Victoria Harbour and Yarra River, stands the Shipping Control Tower, which played a crucial role in Melbourne and Victoria’s prosperity.

Discover some of the interesting graves and landmarks that give us an insight into the social history of 19th and 20th century Melbourne.

Learn tips on how to collate a cohesive family history from a pile of letters, documents, and photos.

Have you ever noticed those faded, flaking hand-painted advertisements clinging to the sides of buildings and old shops? These ghost signs, echoes of Melbourne's vibrant past, are more than just relics; they're portals to untold stories.

The Pentridge Prison Precinct Tour will encompass not only the infamous H Division, but also the surrounding precinct where visitors can learn about the ever-changing landscape of the Prison, including sections not usually included on public tours.

This is a place that challenges and confronts, deeply connected to the social and cultural fabric of Australia. The stories within this journey are deep, unique, and expose the intricacies of prison punishment. Visitors are able to explore the former prison’s B Division and the notorious H Division. Nights tours and family-friendly tours are also offered.

An exclusive opportunity to hear from The Torch artist and Keerraaywoorrong man, Chris Austin about his artwork that is deeply influenced and informed by his own time spent behind the bluestone walls of Pentridge, followed by a live painting in the Old Warders residence.

Our tours provide insights into D Division's history (Remand prison) and introduces individuals who have spent time in the prison. The tour is conducted by ex-prison officers and former Pentridge inmates.

Join us to hear from historian and author Alan McLean and representatives of Parks Victoria & Heritage Victoria about the Fiji shipwreck disaster of 1891, and how the memorial and other markers in the landscape have been rediscovered, interpreted, and integrated into the Great Ocean Walk.

Join expert tour guides from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria on a guided walk through beautiful Flagstaff Gardens - the historical hears of the City.
Visitors will climb Flagstaff Hill to consider its early role as a burial ground, flagstaff signalling station and weather station.

Join local historian Jeff Atkinson from the Carlton Community History Group for a walk around this interesting part of Carlton, and hear of Princes Hill's history and the history of iconic places such as Princes Park, the Carlton Football Ground, and the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Come see the swaggie in his little hut and see Lara from earliest times to discover life as it was. Our displays are located in an old, restored limestone building formerly the Lara Bank Hotel which sits proudly on the corner of Forest Road and Canterbury Road West in Lara.

After travelling 1.5 million miles across the globe, the Polly Woodside now welcomes you aboard! Built in Belfast in 1885, the three-masted cargo vessel carried coal and wheat between England and South America. You can join the crew, come aboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas.

Polly Woodside is a tangible reminder of Australia’s rich maritime history.

Experience Melbourne in the 1850s via a unique Portable Iron House. See first hand what it was like living in Melbourne during the 1850s gold rush period. Emerald Hill was a canvas town but an entrepreneur, Robert Patterson, established a collection of Portable Iron Houses - one of which still stands on its original site.

Join Theatre Heritage Australia and Melbourne writer-researcher Simon Plant for ‘Mr Coppin’s Tour of Civil War America’ and a rare opportunity to see behind the front door of the Melbourne Savage Club, one of Australia's oldest private members’ clubs.

Walk in the footsteps of past female prisoners and discover what life was like for women incarcerated in Old Melbourne Gaol.

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne’s oldest and most feared prison since 1845. Now operated by the National Trust discover where some of Australia’s most infamous characters, including bushranger Ned Kelly and gangster Squizzy Taylor, spent time behind bars.

Embark on a captivating walking journey through Melbourne's rich Jewish history with the Jewish Museum of Australia's Historical Walk, led by popular and expert guide, Terry Ashton.

Join local historian Jeff Atkinson for a walk through some of south Carlton’s most picturesque and historic streets, and enjoy some of its grandest buildings.

Our fabulous vintage clothing boutique in Melbourne’s iconic Block Arcade.

Explore the different styles of Millinery (Hats) and millinery materials used spanning the decades from the Victorian Era to the current day.

The Melbourne Athenaeum Library is almost as old as Melbourne itself. Archivist, Fiona Moore, will present a lively and interactive discussion about the role the Ath has played in the cultural life of Melbourne since 1839.

A short talk will be offered by the Heritage Collections Co-ordinator about the history of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and its historical collections.

“Silently and inconspicuously” shorthand writers and shorthand educators have contributed to the legacy which has shaped the City of Melbourne. Melbourne’s central grid is brimming with shorthand history and stories, all of which contribute to the endowment shorthand has left to our society. Join this guided walk around Melbourne, and discover how these scenarios and opportunities

Exhibition of equipment, and artefacts relating to Victoria's Fire Service History.

Join me for a walk down Collins Street starting from the top end at the former Treasury as we uncover colourful characters and their Collins Street connections. Be fascinated as you are introduced to these characters and discover their stories linking people and places to the sites we visit.

We’re surrounded by objects, but have you thought about how important these things are in your life? Do you have a few favourite things you absolutely can’t live without? What about others in your family? Are they important for what they do, or what they represent?

Go behind the scenes at one of Melbourne's finest buildings!

The Old Treasury Building, built during the gold rush, showcases a selection of exhibitions relating to Melbourne's past, but on this exclusive tour you will venture past the public spaces to discover the deep history of the building.

Who was the great chocolate master 'MacPherson Robertson'? He was perhaps the greatest entrepreneur Fitzroy has known. The "white factory" took up many blocks spuing out the fragrant smells of milk kisses and other favourites. Let us walk the walk and meet the man behind the nail can story.

Join us for a captivating talk that uncovers the narratives of Australian Defence Force personnel and their families from culturally diverse backgrounds, as well as the poignant tales of immigrant Victorians who found a new home in Australia after being displaced by conflict.

Discover Melbourne’s rich heritage in the grand State Rooms of Government House

Learn about the La Trobe Family's life in early Melbourne, in their simple yet elegant prefabricated cottage surrounded by a delightful garden.

This is an interactive 90 minute walk through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with an Aboriginal guide.

Learn about the fascinating history behind the Shrine of Remembrance followed by a guided Explorer Bus ride through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne ending with morning tea.

This is a free 50 minute audio tour at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne where visitors can learn about first Royal Botanic Gardens Director, Ferdinand von Mueller.

Start from Oak Lawn Gate (formerly Gate F) any time during Gardens opening hours and use your smartphone and headphones to listen in.

Learn to sketch with watercolour pencils and be inspired by antiques and beautiful objects. Your class will be held in Fairhall, the 1860s home of The Johnston Collection, a museum of fine and decorative arts in East Melbourne. All materials are provided and absolute beginners are welcome.

House museums often contain collection objects with dark pasts. Drawing on examples from The Johnston Collection, this lecture considers some of the ethical questions addressed by museum and gallery professionals today. What are appropriate narratives for historical collections in 2024?

To celebrate the much-anticipated Australian Royal Tour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the accession of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark the interiors of historic East Melbourne townhouse, Fairhall, have been theatrically reimagined by guest curator Vincent Jenden.

Open the door to Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence after-hours for Autumn Sunset Cocktails.

Interested in mid-century furniture? Do you have pieces that need some love?

Learn techniques and tips from one of Melbourne's leading restoration experts. Join our informative workshops at the iconic former home of Australian architect and writer, Robin Boyd.

Discover the stories of Port Phillip with our free, all ages Guided Walks program.
Our walks will give you fascinating insights into the places, events, lives and legends that built this City.

Enjoy a guided tour of the exceptional collection of stained glass at Christ Church St Kilda, revealing the stories of the windows, those who gave them and those who made them.

Meet at the PMI Victorian History Library then step into a charming adventure. Discover the tales of yesteryear's department stores on Chapel Street, Prahran. An all-inclusive experience, perfect for everyone – families, individuals, and even your beloved pets!

Join GLAAS Inc at the world premiere of 'Let the Light Shine', a 30-minute documentary that sheds new light on war by exploring the social, cultural and military history embedded in glass, especially some spectacular (rarely seen and often forgotten) stained-glass windows throughout Australia.

Join a guided walk with heritage experts from Parks Victoria, Heritage Victoria, and Alliance Archaeology to learn about the management of the archaeological remains of the former Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum and the extent of what is still under our feet at this popular urban park.

Three marvellous mansions in Melbourne: Labassa (Caulfield North), Villa Alba (Kew) and Mandeville Hall (Toorak) are all rare survivors of the late nineteenth century.

Come and explore the 1880s mansion's wonderful hand-painted and stencilled decorations and recreated heritage garden.

Port Phillip Guided Walks Program:
Discover the stories of Port Phillip (St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne) with our free, all ages Guided Walks program. Our walks will give you fascinating insights into the places, events, lives and legends that built this City.

Immerse yourself in the history and luxury that make Como Melbourne’s most glamorous stately home.

The National Trust and the Heritage Council of Victoria presents this opportunity for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in Victoria’s rich history, while exploring the exciting discipline of archaeology.

A subtle uncovering of layers, Como House is transformed into an imagined dressing room, where under things are revealed in their material beauty.

The Hollywood Connection at Como House and Garden - a Recital in the Team of Pianists’ Rigg Bequest Classic Music in Historic Venues 2024 series.

Join us for a thrilling journey through the rich history of the iconic Richmond by David Langdon president of Richmond, Burnley and Cremorne Historical Society.

Come on a fascinating tour of selected graves in the historic St Kilda Cemetery. Be transported back 140 years to hear about
some of the people who were involved with Ned Kelly.

An exhibition on loan from the Her Place Museum in Melbourne, on display at the Kyneton Town Hall. The exhibition pays tribute to the nurses and midwives of Australia, with a particular focus on Victoria.

Celebrate the 140th anniversary of the formation of Kyneton Fire Brigade at an open day on 11 May 2024. Learn about the history of the Brigade and compare the beaters, buckets and hand pulled carts of 1884 with the massive fire trucks of today.

Rippon Lea is a large 19th century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the finest examples of original suburban estate in Australia.

The varied landscape of Rippon Lea Estate provides a refuge to many of south-east Australia’s disappearing bird species. This tour offers birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels a new appreciation of the biodiversity of this magnificent 19th century Estate.

The trees at Rippon Lea are an important part of 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 today’s visitors and future generations.

Calling all Jam makers! It’s time to get out your jam pans, cook up a storm and enter a jar (or two) of your home made jam in the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Stone Fruit Jam and Raspberry Jam Making Competition. Show off your skills and share the story that inspires your love of jam making.

Shop lovingly handmade art and design on the sprawling lawns of Rippon Lea Estate

A celebration of our natural environment, gardening and sustainability.

Stitch in Time, an exhibition looking at craft and folk art history in the Macedon Ranges Shire created in collaboration with the Kyneton Historical Society will be running at Kyneton Museum during the Heritage Festival this year.

Come on a guided tour with architectural historian and former Mayor of Stonnington, Steve Stefanopoulos OAM, to discover the magnificent features, exquisite interiors and opulent rooms of this internationally significant Toorak mansion, ending with a glass of sparkling wine.

Come join us for a relaxed still life sketching session in the gallery. Sketch with others, be inspired by the exhibition on display in a charming 1890s manse. Bring your own materials (hard back sketch book preferred) and enjoy some creative time in good company.

From mansion to flats, Labassa has survived with its Victorian era decoration intact.

Join this unique guided experience to hear the stories that shaped Bundoora.

A predominately theory based workshop at Waller House which will cover a history of glass and glazing, installation, decoration, maintenance and repair. A house tour will also form a part of this workshop.

Immerse yourself in the lives of those who lived, created, loved, and lost in Waller House.

Learn how to navigate and find the resources available through the National Library of Australia's huge database, Trove.

His name has become synonymous with courage, the phrase “game as Ned Kelly” having become part of the Australian lexicon. Regardless of your viewpoint the Kelly legend is enshrined in Australian folklore. Join us to hear about some whose lives became linked with Ned’s - the Ned Kelly Connections

Enjoy an evening with portrait artist George Petrou OAM to discuss his book, 'The Art of Sacrifice.'

‘The Art of Sacrifice’ features 70 portraits, 63 stories, and historical images to tell the stories of Anzacs' courage and sacrifice. It is a stunning contribution to the understanding and commemoration of all those who have served Australia.

Beginning at the base of the clock tower of the Malvern Town Hall, you will explore and see differently heritage places in Malvern such as the Town Hall, nearby Police Station and former Court House, Stonnington’s only bluestone house and more!

Immerse yourself in the refined world of antiques at the 2024 AAADA Antiques & Art Fair Melbourne, held in the historic Malvern Town Hall. Explore distinctive collections for purchase, unwind with Scotchmans Hill Evening Drinks, engage in insightful tours, and appraisals to elevate your experience.

Learn the history of Gardiners Creek in this engaging and informative talk by renowned archaeologist and historian Dr Gary Presland.

The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria will be throwing open our doors , for two special open days. We hold sensational collections of textiles, lace, embroidered tools, vintage sewing books plus our own archives. Not normally on display we will set up special exhibitions for the public.

Come and meet Ned Kelly and his associates in three cemetery walks across Melbourne. At Brighton, you will meet the Police involved in hunting and capturing Ned Kelly after the Stringybark Creek killings, a kindly preacher, journalist & official witnesses at the hanging. Costs include afternoon tea.

Come and see a special event with a difference where family and friends place flags on war veterans’ graves to commemorate their service & ultimate sacrifice. Up to 50 flags will be placed creating quite a moving sight as they join over 200 flags from earlier ceremonies. Refreshments will be served.

Join the Brighton Cemetorians on a guided walking tour amongst the flags that commemorate the war service of the cemetery’s interred. Interesting and harrowing stories of the military officers, enlisted soldiers, Victorian Cross recipients and war nurses will be told! Costs include afternoon tea.

Celebrate our National Trust classified Museum and the local history of the Bellarine. Learn its stories with a guided walk in Drysdale and self-drive tours of Drysdale and Portarlington. Attend a mystery history talk at the Museum and view our latest exhibitions. Music, Devonshire tea, Quiz with prizes.

Advocating for the future of heritage listed Osborne House has long been a project of the Osborne Park Association. We invite community members to wander the grounds, learn some of the magnificent history of the property and discover what drives our passion.

Some museum objects seem to be asleep in our storage rooms. They are like secret agents.
From the extensive array of objects collected over six decades, this exhibition connects you with more than 180 secret agents. Their undercover identities slept in our store, preserved by our Society.

Learn how to search for records on the world wars and other conflicts, repatriation files, soldier settlement files and more, with Way Back When historians.