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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since the first school in the Willoughby District commenced in 1840 there have been over 165 schools that have come. stayed or been lost. These schools have occupied 88 properties. Today, only 25 schools remain.

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.

Occupying a prominent position upon Car-rang-gel; Q Station remains a significant site for both indigenous and colonial history. A place of food, gathering and ceremony, the arrival of quarantining immigrant ships changed the narrative of our history. Come and discover these Shared Stories

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.

Visitors are invited to attend a talk and presentation that explains the geological history of Ku-ring-gai. Learn about Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment's (FOKE) Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion project.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Is history part of your DNA? Join a unique history tour of Macquarie Park Cemetery and enjoy refreshments in the onsite café.

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

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.

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.

Discover one of the hidden gems of Sydney’s North Shore. Eryldene is the former home of linguist & camellia expert, Professor E.G. Waterhouse & his family. The house was built & its garden created in the early 20th Century & here you will find one of Australia's most important camellia collections.

The Middle Harbour Creek catchment is only 12 kms from the Sydney CBD and yet in places resembles a wilderness area. In April 1788, it was one of the first areas explored by Governor Arthur Phillip and his party in search of land suitable for agriculture to feed the First Fleet colony.

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.

Visitors will see the remains of an old, abandoned quarry and hear a geologist's explanation of the basalt dyke formation.

Ku-ring-gai Council presents a program of events for the Australian Heritage Festival which explores the rich history of the Ku-ring-gai and celebrates our Indigenous, natural, built and cultural heritage.

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

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.

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

Visitors will go on a gentle guided walk through Sheldon Forest and hear from a geological point of view why this Sydney forest is so environmentally sensitive and such a ‘national treasure’.

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

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.

Visitors will be taken on a guided geological walk around Browns Field that explains how it sits over a diatreme.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tell us your story so we can add it to our history collection. Listen to some of the stories we have already collected, look at the displays in our museum featuring some of our collections, meet like minded people.

'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.

Come to an Asquith coffee shop and have a coffee with the author of 'A History of Asquith NSW', discover the history of this re-birthed suburb. Bring your copies for signing or purchase one of the last remaining copies of this two volume 530 page limited print run.

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.

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.

Be prepared to be amazed on this tour. The walk starts at arguably the most stunning lookout in Sydney where you will see views of Barrenjoey Headland, Pittwater, Broken Bay and beyond into the Tasman Sea.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Discover your Heritage and share their stories.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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!

Enjoy an unforgettable 6 hours on the water exploring the hidden places and forgotten voices of the Secret River. Cruise the Hawkesbury River upstream for history onboard with Grace Karskens. Join two walking tours with expert guides and readers sharing Lower Hawkesbury stories before stopping for lunch at historical house.

An unmissable 6 hour experience cruising Dyarrubin ‘the mighty Hawkesbury’ with historical tours at two island locations. Downstream, experts provide insights on the deep history of sandstone country and Australian indigenous astronomy. Enjoy lunch at a private historic house on the sparkling waterfront.

All day historical immersion cruising Dyarubbin with historians, geologist and storytellers evoking the magic of the Secret River - with Grace Karskens, Gil Jones and the Indigenous Astronomy Group. Visiting hidden locations and water only access islands for short walking tours. Lunch on waterfront.

Explore the story of food on the banks of the Hawkesbury River with Max Burns-McRuvie. Native tea tasting and stories of the colonial menu; walk alongside heritage remains of Gov. Darling’s great routes from Sydney to the Hunter; visit Mill Creek tidal mill site, and Trollops reach.

Take a guided bush walk through Sydney Royal National Park's historic coastal cabin community. Listen to the shared stories of how these curious cabins were erected during the Great Depression. Eat lunch at the Era Beach Surf Life Saving Club and experience our community's 110-year-old history.

A once in a generation opportunity to learn about the Hassall family’s role in Australia in since the arrival of Rowland and Elizabeth in Sydney in 1798. Tours to Hassall heritage sites, family networking, sessions on genealogy, keynote lectures on family history.

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!

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

Come on a fascinating tour of one of Australia's oldest cemeteries. You will learn more about the lives of some of the people from our history that shaped the development of Campbelltown.

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.

We want to hear about your memories of Campbelltown! You are invited to share your stories about any of our ten featured local places. Each response will be accompanied by photographs and information to form an amazing display in our libraries.

Discover the largest collection of records relating to the history of NSW in our Open Day: Western Sydney Records Centre, housing the State Archives Collection. Come see the collections close up, hear from experts on a range of fascinating topics, take a behind-the-scenes tour and more.

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.