Come and see operating steam driven engines from yesteryear and have a ride on our narrow gauge cane train. Check out petrol and kerosene run engines, mower racing, archery display, model boats on the lake, and our model railway display. A great day out for the family at reasonable prices.
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Browse All EventsThere are 73 events within 50km of
Koshigaya- our Japanese Sister
Campbelltown, nswVisit our exhibition of items related to the Campbelltown-Koshigaya sister city relationship. This April marks 40 years since the connection between both cities originated, and Campbelltown Library is celebrating it with an interesting array of memorabilia.
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Campbelltown and Koshigaya – 40 Years of Connections
Campbelltown, nswTo help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between the cities of Campbelltown, New South Wales and Koshigaya, Japan, the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society, has installed a large display of objects and photos, at Glenalvon House.
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Mini-Discoverers Communication
Camden, nswA hands-on event for preschoolers and their carers looking and handling objects from the past. Children will be taken into the Camden Museum and a craft activity will follow in the library. Objects will reflect communication methods from the past. Includes storytime.
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Camden Voices Exhibition
Camden, nswAn exhibition of photographs from our Camden Images combined with memories from our Camden Voices oral history collection.
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Writing a Eulogy Workshop with Keith Whelan
Oran Park, nswA eulogy or tribute can be a special part of a funeral, but where does one start with this important task? Join experienced presenter Keith Whelan for this free workshop.
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A peep at our Pioneers
THE OAKS, nswGuided tours of two local cemeteries that have memorials of local pioneers who impacted on life in The Oaks area and the wider shire of Wollondilly Shire. Following the tours visitors are invited to visit the Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum for light refreshments and a self guided tour.
Heritage Discovery Walk – Cabra-Vale Tour
Cabramatta, nswJoin us on a guided tour of Cabra-Vale (Cabramatta and Canley Vale) to uncover the fascinating history behind each of these suburbs. Discover parks, heritage sites and colourful Daoist temples along the way... A visit to Canley Vale is a timeless experience for first timers!
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Sandon Point Bulli – Connections of a Spirit of Place and Its People
Bulli, nswThrough the Millennia, Sandon Point Bulli has been a gathering place. Aboriginal Peoples came together here – from the north, south and west; then Europeans came. Our exhibition will feature images, stories and memorabilia of past decades – capturing Sandon Point – the Place and Its People
Exploring Inconspicuous Cabins: A guided walking tour in Sydney’s Royal National Park
Lilyvale, nswDiscover Era Beach’s cabin community within the Royal National Park on a guided walking tour. The community is an important and rare surviving piece of NSW's social history. Learn about its past of self-regulation, later influenced by external agencies and tenure. Free admission, lunch, and Q&A.
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Sydney Tramway Museum Open Days
Sutherland, nswTake a step back in time at the Sydney Tramway Museum; a great day out for the whole family. It is a unique attraction in the Sutherland Shire, and has been for over 50 years.
Tram-rides and museum display, plus souvenir shop, refreshments kiosk, picnic area.
Woronora Cemetery Discovery Day
Sutherland, nswOn Saturday, 20th April embark on a captivating journey through time at Woronora Memorial Park's Heritage Discovery Day!
Tour through the historic crematorium, visit the new crematorium, take a self-guided history tour or wander the vast gardens.
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Vintage Village Tour
Smithfield, nswJoin the Heritage Team on a guided tour of the Vintage Village at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery during the Australian Heritage Festival in 2024.
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Ties that bind us – Music to connect us all through time, place and memory
Sutherland, nswJoin Southern Brass in a journey of connection through music!
In "TIES THAT BIND US: A Symphony of Connection," we embark on a musical exploration of the myriad ways in which music acts as a bridge - connecting individuals, communities, and cultures across the vast expanses of time and space.
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Sutherland Shire Citizens’ Heritage Festival
Sutherland, nswThere will be lots of variety with what the Sutherland Shire has to show to connect and preserve our history.
From Loftus, Sutherland, Kirawee, Gymea to Cronulla, Kurnell and The Royal National Park there will be something for everyone to see.
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Brinsley’s Joinery Shop
Sutherland, nswBrinsley's Joinery Shop tours are always of great interest to our visitors. Tours are run on the hour and you will get to see our machinery from the 1920's operating. These machines are still used by our company to produce all types of heritage joinery as well as bespoke timber furniture and joinery.
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Connections to Linnwood
Guildford, nswLinnwood is a NSW State Heritage Listed house (1891) on 5 hectares at Guildford. The house will be open on Sunday 28 April with various displays of local and historic interest. Devonshire tea provided and visitors are free to roam the house and grounds. Parking on site.
Sutherland Shire – More than just the birthplace of modern Australia
Sylvania, nswSutherland Shire is more than the birthplace of modern Australia. Come and see physical evidence of First Nations possession, the arrival of Lt Cook on the 'HM Endeavour' and how the Shire developed from a rural backwater to a thriving modern metropolis.
Back to Black Exhibition
Parramatta, nswExplore the different meanings of black across a century of fashion, from mourning a loved one, to the chic elegance of the little black dress, at Old Government House's new major exhibition Back to Black.
Ghost Night
Parramatta, nswConnect with the past on a candlelit tour of Old Government House, Parramatta and hear stories of strange happenings experienced by volunteers, staff and past guests.
Talking Tombstones
PARRAMATTA, nswA walk through one of Parramatta's historic cemeteries where many ‘residents’ have strong connections, good and bad, with the City of Parramatta.
Theatre in the Illawarra
, nswDid you meet your sweetheart at the movies? Were you in a local theatre group? Remember your first kiss in the drive-in? This exhibition of photos from the collection on display and online will evoke memories of connections made as participant or audience at theatres in the Illawarra.
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Making Connections with our Past – Illawarra Stories from the Past with a few Shysters
Wollongong, nswLearn of Illawarra 's less well known stories: "Wollongong History & Fairy Meadow Memories", by U3A Member-Historian Stuart Traynor & " Illawarra's 1840's Bankruptices - Misfortune or Fraud" by Lorraine Neate, President Illawarra Historical Society. More tales following in succeeding weeks.
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Historic Nudjia House: Garden, Museum and House Tours
Unanderra, nswEnjoy a guided tour and a cup of tea at the rarely open historic Nudjia House, Garden and Museum located in Unanderra. Nudjia House provides connections with the 1817 first five land grants in the Illawarra. The Museum provides a connection with past owners and their stories.
Carss Bush Park Walking Tour
Carss Park, nswJoin us for a walking tour of Carss Bush Park, where you will discover the rich history of the park and its development over the last century. Led by Local Studies staff, this tour will take you on a journey through time.
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ART by SURVEYORS & SURVEYORS in ART
Parramatta, nswAn intriguing talk, with morning tea, which will showcase many connections between artworks and surveyors, including world renowned and lesser known artists who were also surveyors, plus be delighted with an array of artworks featuring surveyors, many painted by some of our early surveyors.
Talking Tombstones #8
Parramatta, nswLively power-point presentation, with morning tea, that will bring tombstones 'alive' as some intriguing historical connections are revealed.
Connecting Australia with St. Helena
Parramatta, nswJoin internationally renown speaker, John Brock, for a captivating talk, with morning tea, which will reveal many historical connections between Australia and the tiny island of St. Helena.
Heritage Day at Parramatta North
North Parramatta, nswDiscover the connected history and compelling stories of Parramatta North, located by the Parramatta River, by exploring the restored buildings, cultural and innovation hub and open spaces. Heritage Day is family friendly, with guided tours, talks and workshops, live music, great food, and children's activities.
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Heritage Talks – Illawarra’s Early Maritime History & Berkeley/Unanderra’s Family History
Unanderra, nswCome and enjoy a very special afternoon listening to a descendent talk on their Family History (Gibson, Denniss, Hogg & Mulligan Families) from the Berkeley/Unanderra area and hearing about Illawarra's Early Maritime History.
Georges River Historical River Cruise
Sans Souci, nswEmbark on a scenic cruise along the Georges River and discover its unique history with Professor Heather Goodall.
You’ll learn more about Aboriginal connections to the river and environmental activism efforts whilst enjoying a sit-down meal.
Connect with local history at the Female Orphan School building inside Western Sydney University
Rydalmere, nswThe Female Orphan School building has been a key witness to some of the most significant social changes in Australian history. The building has shaped thousands of lives over the two centuries it has stood on the banks of the Parramatta River.
Connections-Preserving the continuity of our community
Bella Vista, nswBella Vista Farm sits in spacious, picturesque parklands. Once owned by John and Elizabeth Macarthur it was later farmed by the Pearce family who developed it into a thriving citrus orchard. The farm, preserved in its entirety, sits upon a hilltop with sweeping views of the district.
Yaralla Estate Open Day
Concord West, nswThat Sydney has a rare intact example of a large Edwardian private residential estate surprises many. The Yaralla Estate was developed by the Walker family between 1848 and 1937 as a farm, pleasure garden, residence and one of Sydney’s premiere social destinations. You can see it on our Open Day.
Courting: an Intimate History of Love and the Law
Ashfield, nswJoin award-winning author Alecia Simmonds as she uncovers a hidden history of love and heartbreak in the archives of law.
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The Longbottom Stockade
Concord, nswThe Longbottom Stockade, at Parramatta Road and Loftus Street, Concord served many purposes in its lifetime
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Connections, Characters and Commerce – Smith St Summerhill
Summer Hill, nswA guided walk to flesh out the characters and events that contributed to our heritage of Smith Street, Summer Hill.
Palace Street
Marrickville, nswConnect with the history of this lively Petersham Street with an illustrated talk by the author of the book Palace Street, Gerard Windsor, and publisher Richard Cashman who has lived in Palace and Fisher Street for four decades and has observed changes in the street.
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The Parramatta River through time
Ryde, nswThe Parramatta River has been an essential waterway for Australia’s indigenous population as well as for the early settlement of the colony. Over time settlement followed the river, spreading into surrounding districts in order to secure the best agricultural land and open up the area.
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Heritage Festival 2024: Wheels within Wheels, Politics of Sydney Transport
Leichhardt, nswJoin Transport Historian Peter Hughes for the book launch of Wheels within Wheels: A history of Sydney’s Buses, is based on documents and reports in the State Library of NSW, State Records NSW and Bus and Coach Association (NSW) and then enjoy the museum at your own leisure.
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Callan Park Connections – Guided Walking Tour
Rozelle, nswCome connect with Callan Park. Immerse yourself in its beauty and extraordinary history.
Hunter Baillie Memorial Presbyterian Church Heritage Day
Annandale, nswFree 30-minute Organ Recitals on the Award Winning 1890 William Hill & Son Organ: 1pm 2pm, 3pm
Free Church History Talks 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm
Display of Church History / Memorabilia in the Church Hall
PWA Devonshire Teas in the Church Hall (only $5)
Annandale Local History Walk (only $20)
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Callan Park’s Veterans: A century of connections – outdoor exhibition
Rozelle, nswOutdoor walking exhibition at Callan Park and Broughton Hall highlighting the history of Repatriation care and veterans at Callan Park.
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Black Cockatoo art workshop Norman Lindsay Art Gallery
Faulconbridge, nswA fantastic mix of conservation education and creativity, children will love the opportunity to draw and interact with Black Cockatoos at Norman Lindsay Gallery.
Exhibition of the Art of Paul Rolfe
Hunters Hill, nswView a stunning exhibition of the Art of Paul Rolfe featuring landscapes in Field of Mars Park and Hunters Hill.
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Kanangra | The last of Sydney’s K Class double-ended ferries
Rozelle, nswA rare opportunity to explore the restoration work of the last Sydney's double-ended ferry: Kanangra at Sydney Heritage Fleet Shipyard.
Connect with the 1880s at Carisbrook Historic House Devonshire tea weekend
Lane Cove, nswCarisbrook will be open during the Australian Heritage Festival on April 20th and 21th between 10am and 4pm.
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through Carisbrook's 1880s rooms and Devonshire tea or coffee and cake in the sunny courtyard. The gardens are always a delight to wander through afterwards,
Connect with the 1880s at Carisbrook Historic House Devonshire tea weekend
Lane Cove, nswCarisbrook will be open during the Australian Heritage Festival on May 18th and 19th between 10am and 4pm.
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through Carisbrook's 1880s rooms and Devonshire tea or coffee and cake in the sunny courtyard. The gardens are always a delight to wander through afterwards
Trouble Makers and Crime Trivia
Rozelle, nswImmerse yourself in an evening of Crime Trivia, Cocktails and Sinister Stories of the past.
Historian Max Burns-McRuvie and SILY Bar will animate your passion for true crime stories through a unique series of live events in a heritage setting.
Join us for: Crimes, Quizzes, Cocktails and Connections.
Real History Walking Tours
Glebe, nswAt Real History Walking Tours, we love sharing overlooked or unknown stories from the past. Sydney's streets are oozing with incredible historical stories just waiting to be uncovered! Our 1.5-hour walking tours allow visitors to understand the cultural and social history of multiple Sydney suburbs.
Connecting the Precinct
Balmain, nsw'The Balmain Observer' goes inside the Post Office and Court House and takes us on a tour of the original building before it was opened. Explaining in detail the fittings both upstairs and down. An amazing observation from over 100years ago.
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So many layers of history: a walking tour of Chippendale
Chippendale, nswJoin award winning historian and local resident Dr Ian Hoskins on a walk around one of Sydney's oldest suburbs, where a Pugin-inspired church, early-Victorian terraces and remnants of the once dominant Tooths Brewery survive with the best in contemporary architecture, art galleries and eateries.
Steaming Saturdays | 1902 Steam Tug Waratah
Pyrmont, nswStep back in time, join us for a fun-filled guided Saturday cruise aboard historic steamer: 1902 Steam Tug Waratah!
Whether you're a steam enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, this cruise is perfect for you!
Chinese Garden of Friendship Connections
Haymarket, nswEmbark on a cultural journey at the Chinese Garden of Friendship during the Heritage Festival. Experience a captivating school holiday workshop, explore an enticing exhibition, join a newly developed Meandering Pathway of Tranquility tour, and indulge in the delights of the new menu.
Exploring the industrial heritage of Jones Bay Wharf
Pyrmont, nswJoin industrial heritage expert and Artefact Principal Dr Iain Stuart on a specially curated guided tour of Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont.
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Building Darlinghurst
Haymarket, nswCity Historian Laila Ellmoos will share how the archive sheds light on the rapid urbanisation of Darlinghurst in the 19th century, and the intricate and intimate interconnections between neighbours, tenants and landlords.
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Exploring the people and places of Darlinghurst
Haymarket, nswHow does a pretty hamlet with windmills, cottages and paddocks transform into an inner-city suburb of Victorian terraces, Art Deco flats and rowdy pubs? Join us for a part how-to, part history talk about exploring the City of Sydney’s archives and connecting its people, places and stories.
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Sound and noise in Darlinghurst
Haymarket, nswCome and immerse yourself in the soundscape of Darlinghurst in the 1920s and 30s with historians Paula Hamilton and Lisa Murray, as they evoke localised sounds and trace how modern living and technology triggered complaints and new definitions of noise.
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Laser cut printmaking: from the archives 16+yrs
Haymarket, nswUse images from the City of Sydney Archives to create a laser-cut printing plate and print your image on our printing press!
Aboard Tall Ship James Craig | A Day At Sea
Pyrmont, nswExperience the thrill of ocean sailing on a fully restored Tall Ship from the 1870s: James Craig!
Your amazing experience begins as this historic 1874 square rig sail ship leaves her berth at Pyrmont.
2024 Heritage Steamer | 1902 VIP Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun
Sydney, nswStep back in time! Join us for a fun-filled cruise of Sydney Harbour aboard historic steamer: 1902 VIP Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun!
World War Two on the streets of Surry Hills
Surry Hills, nswWhile the Australian Diggers were battling in New Guinea, the gangsters in Surry Hills were battling each other for control of the lucrative vice marketing feeding the US Servicemen. Join a walking tour of Surry Hills and discover the lost (censored) history of when WW2 came to Surry Hills.
Laser cut jewellery: from the archives 16+yrs
Haymarket, nswBe inspired by images from the City of Sydney archives to create heritage inspired laser-cut jewellery pieces.
The Fenwick Historical Walking Tour & Lunch
Balmain East, nswDiscover the history of East Balmain as Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks whisks you away to an earlier era, with stories of Balmains culture, mystery & colourful characters. You will meet at The Fenwick, be taken on a historical walking tour before returning for a 2 course lunch
Sly Groggin’ with Kate Leigh the Gangster Queen – Immersive cabaret experience
Surry Hills, nswUnforgettable night of local knowledge shared by Kate and her henchmen. True local stories direct from the mouth of the Queen of Surry hills herself with her insights into the razor gang years in her actual home which was also her first sly grog shop. Tickets include performance, antipasto plate and dessert.
Reflections of Place & Time – works from The Clint Collection
Windsor, nswExplore the world of a family of artists who have been overlooked for the past 100 years. From Georgian London (1714-1811) to the Great Depression in Australia, the Clint family through four generations pursued their creativity - and livelihood - from the many branches of the fine arts.
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Sydney’s Condemnation and Demolition books
Sydney, nswIn this talk, City Historian Laila Ellmoos will tell us about the history of the City of Sydney's Condemnation and Demolition Books, a key photographic collection held in the City Archives comprising almost 5000 photographs and associated glass plate negatives.
In that Rich Earth
Sydney, nswEmbedded in the floor of the Hall of Service is a ring displaying 100 battlefields or sites of military significance. Join our senior historian to learn how this artwork was created and of the NSW service personnel who have fought, sweated and bled beyond our shores between 1863 and 2018.
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Bicentennial Park/West Pymble GeoRegion Walk led by Dr John Martyn
West Pymble, nswJoin a guided walking tour and be inspired by the geological wonders of Ku-ring-gai's Bicentennial Park.
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Richmond Cemeteries Tour
Richmond, nswDiscover two of the Hawkesbury's lesser known, historic cemeteries as part of Heritage Festival. The Hawkesbury is unique having numerous cemeteries located in the area. We will visit the Old Presbyterian Cemetery followed by the Catholic and Methodist cemeteries in Richmond.
Mysteries and Merchants of old Millers Point: Walking History Tour
Millers Point, nswMake your way through the murky maritime village of old Millers Point on a historian-led walk that uncovers the fascinating locals, legends and layout of this history drenched hub. This tour will visit convict built pubs, hidden laneways, colonial mansions, shipping wharves and views of the harbour.
Heritage and Connections, Workshop for Tour Guides
Millers Point, nswAustralia has a rich natural and cultural heritage that underpins a sense of place and national identity. Our heritage includes stories, traditions, events and experiences inherited from the past and is comprised of natural, historic and Indigenous places and people.
Ventuno Historical Walking Tour & Lunch
, nswDiscover 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 delving into local murders, mysteries and tales of ancient pubs, smugglers and street gangs