Meet the Author and hear his account of researching his book, and his account of the circumstances prevailing in the early years of settlement.

Celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival with a guided tour of Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage and Experiment Farm Cottage.  

Come and unearth the cultural diversity of the people of Willoughby in our latest temporary exhibition supported by a Community Grant from Willoughby City Council.

Join Joy Bryan, daughter of Mr Arthur Newling Swain and Council’s resident gardener Adam for a guided walk and talk through Swain Gardens, followed by a morning tea on the tennis lawn.

Hear about the men who enlisted from Callan Park – and those who returned shell-shocked to convalesce here. Roslyn Burge, author of "Callan Park's Veterans: A Century of Connections" will speak about veterans at Callan Park and the significance of Callan Park’s two War Memorials.

Lively power-point presentation that takes you on a journey 'unearthing' intriguing stories from beyond the graves of many that lie within Parramatta's seven historic cemeteries.

Have you ever wondered who designed the Parramatta weir under the Bernie Banton Bridge and when it was built? Trawling through the available records 'unearthed' a surprise result of a relatively forgotten colonial character during the Macquarie period.

'Unearthing' momentous local and world achievements brought about by the brilliance of surveyors whose talents and excellence have left the world with a magnificent collection of landmarks and discoveries.

Join a tour of the heritage listed Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery which will unlock some of the stories of the lesser known pioneers of Sydney's north shore

Hear the stories of the famous and sometimes forgotten 17 women - the wives, daughters, nieces, cousins and mistresses associated with the first 10 Governors of the Colony.

Take a journey through time from swimming at Little Coogee on the river to Lake Parramatta and the development of Public Baths and Pools.
The social changes will be explored as well as the story and history of public pools in Parramatta.

What was Parramatta like in 1839 ? Why was Parramatta Town marked out ?
Were other towns marked out in a similar fashion ?
What and where were these markers ?
Come along and hear about the systems implemented by Governors, particularly in Parramatta.

The Thornleigh Zig Zag Railway was an engineering marvel that helped build the Great Northern Railway in the 1880s. Unearth local history buried under suburban streets in Sydney’s north with a 90-minute tour tracing the route from the station, past bushland and into an historic old quarry, this May.

The Ku-ring-gai Art Society Heritage Exhibition - Celebrating 60 Years

Wander through the beautiful Sorensen garden, enjoy devonshire tea in the downstairs refectory, join an informative tour of the House ($10pp) or listen to a garden talk.

Step back in time, join us for a fun-filled weekend cruise aboard historic steamer: 1902 Steam Tug Waratah!

Celebrate our ‘First Landscapes' project launch and the Balmain Association’s 60th anniversary. Experience our ‘illuminating’ evening event and place activation of the Balmain Watch House. Join us as we begin an initiative in meaningful conversation, reconciliation and regenerative placemaking.

Free Organ Recitals at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Annandale Local History Walk at 1pm ($25)
Devonshire Teas in the Church Hall ($5)
Displays of local and church heritage in the Church Hall
Free church heritage talks at 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

Come and enjoy an afternoon of fascinating stories and interesting tales that will be unearthed from the St Patrick's Cemetery. The cemetery is rich in history, being among the oldest in Australia and houses the St Francis Chapel which is the oldest existing mortuary chapel in Australia.

Join experienced tour guide and heritage tourism specialist, Kerima-Gae, on a fully guided tour by mini-bus, which can access narrow streets and lane ways, where she will 'unearth' a wealth of Parramatta's 'historical gems'.

Award winning podcast, documentary maker and musician, Simon Reich, has created "Bonegilla - The migrants journey”, which immerses you in a world of hardships endured by war ravaged migrants and their brave pursuit of a better life in Australia.

Discover incredible history and explore beautifully restored heritage-listed buildings at Parramatta North. Heritage Day offers a fantastic free day out for the whole family with live music, great food, market stalls, and children's activities.

Join a guided walking tour and enjoy exclusive access to view the Graythwaite site that sits within Shore, North Sydney. Discover the story of the site from its beginnings as a stone cottage to a grand 19th century estate. View artefacts that were unearthed from the excavation of the site in 2010.

Simon Reich, the award winning podcast creator and film maker, has used his own father's connection to the Bonegilla reception and training centre, which was Australia's version of America's Ellis Island, to create this multi media presentation including live music.

Join us for the much-anticipated book launch of the heritage publication, The Mysterious Disappearance of The Grosvenor - Summer Hill's Lost Movie Palaces. The Astonishing True Story of Summer Hill’s Colossal Lost Movie Palace.

If the surname rings a bell, it should—the poet Henry Lawson is a name many of us know. But the real trailblazer in the family was his mother, Louisa Lawson (1848-1920). Louisa was an Australian poet, farmer, writer, publisher, suffragist, and feminist and a long-time Marrickville resident.

Join us on a special family-friendly twilight tour of the ground floor of Old Government House – a 222-year-old early Governors country residence known for some very strange happenings.

Discover some of the artefacts unearthed during the pain-staking archaeological dig by heritage firm Casey & Lowe in 2018 at Blues Point, prior to the construction of the Sydney Metro Tunnel.

This special exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of one of the greatest photographic achievements in Australia: the creation of the ‘Holtermann Panorama’ of Sydney Harbour by Charles Bayliss in 1875.

These tours will immerse you in the native history of the area, the importance of the land and its significance to the Gadigal people who called the area their home.
Barangaroo Reserve is also home to over 70,000 native plants that are food sources, resources for tools and environmental indicators.

Experience the thrill of ocean sailing on a fully restored Tall Ship from the 1870s: James Craig!

Now is your chance to explore a gothic revival masterpiece in the heart of Sydney. St Stephen's Anglican, Newtown, are offering tours that tell some of the many fascinating stories from the history of this church building and the graveyard it sits in.

Join Institute of Australian Tour Guides annual workshop, a unique professional development opportunity focused on lesser-known facets of Sydney, designed to enhance your knowledge as a guide. Expert speakers who will reveal fascinating insights into the city’s underexplored histories and culture.

Discover Sydney’s dark past on a true crime walking tour. Uncover notorious crime scenes, daring heists, and the city’s infamous underworld. Step into the violent era of razor-wielding gangsters, where brutal power struggles and bloody turf wars shaped Sydney’s history.

The ABC studio at Gore Hill, near St Leonards, produced iconic and groundbreaking television programs from 1956-2002 before relocating to Ultimo. Learn about its rich history and legacy that continues to this day.

Join City of Sydney Historian Laila Ellmoos as she delves into the inspiring life of Lilian Fowler, who made history when she was elected Australia’s first female mayor in 1938.

Immerse yourself in Sydney’s rich Aboriginal history, with stories spanning thousands of years to today. Guided by your Climb Leader and First Nations Storyteller, journey to the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge via the Summit Climb route.

Explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s past with Frank Johnson, former Chair of Engineering Heritage Sydney.

To celebrate the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival, the Local and Family History team will be offering training in Ancestry and FindMyPast genealogical databases. If you have ever wanted to research your family history but do not know where to start, come along and learn about resources and tools to get started.

Venture back to historic Sydney. A time when prisoners were the law, public executions were commonplace and the Rocks Push ruled the street.

Explore all things ghostly as we visit Sydney's most haunted pubs. Hear about the notorious Rocks Push, vanishing sailors and the Woman In Black. You will discover the seedy underworld of Australia's original seaport.

Discover how Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin created a unique neighbourhood that celebrated the beauty of the Australian bush.

Barry Clare is passionate about Art Deco, across its many forms and applications. In this talk he will take us through the challenges facing water supply dams for Sydney, and the innovative architectural and engineering solutions that were developed and still stand today.

Unearth hidden histories with the City of Sydney Archives in this workshop. Explore archival images and transform them into laser-cut prints. With guidance from experts at Darling Square Library, create a relief plate and print to take home while gaining insight into archival research & printmaking.

Unearth historical images from the City of Sydney Archives to create laser-cut jewellery at Darling Square Library. Guided by expert facilitators, you will personalise earrings or pendants with archival photos of Sydney’s architecture and your design will be laser-cut to create wearable jewellery.

Discover Newtown’s hidden past! Wander old laneways, grand Victorian mansions, and eerie colonial Camperdown Cemetery as you uncover tales of crime, scandal, tragedy and rebellion. From shocking murders to underground subcultures, explore the darker, stranger side of Sydney’s history. Book now!

The QVB History Tour takes you on a journey to uncover a story of resilience, culture, and progress as you explore one of Sydney's most iconic historical buildings. Built in 1898 as a monument to the long reigning monarch, you will learn about the Queen Victoria Building's creation, near destruction and modern day preservation.

Our carefully curated tour uncovers the forgotten stories of buildings, people, and places. This journey highlights unique architecture, views, and histories, giving visitors a deeper understanding of each location’s origins, residents, and transformations. Every step paints a picture of the past.

Researcher and Historian Peter Sheridan explores the impact of the Art Deco style on the landscape and life of Sydney during the 1930s and 1940s with glimpses of Australian artwork, fashion, furniture, appliances and accessories from the period.

Enjoy twilight at May Gibbs' harbourside house in Neutral Bay. At this special after hours event you will be able to watch the sunset over the water from May’s garden, take a guided tour of the historic house and picnic on the lawn. BYO picnic.

Anzac Memorial Unearthed reveals three remarkable collections not previously shown to the public including the Rex Money collection, the TB Association and Kuring-Gai Chase Sphinx collection and new research recently uncovered in Zimbabwe about Captain Alfred Shout VC MC.

Join us for an immersive walking tour through Sydney's iconic City Circle stations, where history, intrigue, and urban legends intertwine. This tour will take you through the stations while uncovering their hidden stories, including ghost platforms, wartime secrets, and visionary transport plans.

By day, Hyde Park is a peaceful retreat, but by night, it was once a haven for gangsters, radicals, killers and outcasts. Join historian Elliot Lindsay on a journey through 200 years of crime, scandal, and intrigue in Sydney’s oldest park. Step into the past and uncover its darkest secrets.

On your one-hour tour, walk with your First Nations guide through the the Cadi Jam Ora garden at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney to learn more about Indigenous bush foods and how these foods were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate and taste some goodies for yourself!

On your one-hour tour, you’ll stroll along the stunning Sydney Harbour foreshore with an experienced First Nations guide and learn about stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions, history and connection to country & community.

Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and its remarkable history, botany, and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk.

Visit this hidden gem in Sydney's south west on Sunday April 27th. "Linnwood" is a gentleman's country retreat built in 1891 and sits on 5 hectares at Guildford. As well as viewing new displays at the property, visitors can enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea. Ample free onsite parking

Join us for an Indigenous heritage presentation and guided walk through the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden presented by the Aboriginal Heritage Office. Learn about how Aboriginal people lived, Aboriginal figures of the area, bush tucker, tools, weapons and shelter.

Experience life during the Victorian era in one of the oldest homes in the St George District. The State heritage-listed building is home to a wonderful collection of fine antiques and period objects. Enjoy Devonshire Tea on the back verandah with views of Botany Bay.

The Heritage Centre brings alive the spirit of the Sisters of Charity, its history and heritage. It is a creative and inclusive space comprising of a permanent and temporary exhibition, chapel and courtyard, and meeting room.

Dr Peter Sheridan AM will discuss aspects of his critically acclaimed 2019 book Sydney Art Deco, which explores the impact of the Art Deco style on Sydney’s landscape and life during the 1930s and 1940s with glimpses of Australian artwork, fashion, furniture, appliances and accessories.

A multimedia exhibition of images, models and demonstrations bringing to life Mosman’s maritime history.

Modernism: a talk on modernist architecture in Woollahra. Author and architectural historian Rebecca Hawcroft will explore the influence of Modernism in the development of the local area.

A hidden gem overlooking Sydney Harbour, Lindesay is an atmospheric 19th century mansion with restored Georgian interiors and a glorious garden to explore.

What is the history behind the old Tudor style house at 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville?
Join us during the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival to discover the history and uses of this amazing building in one of our tours.

Do you have a story to share about living in Georges River? As part of the Australian Heritage Festival we’re inviting you and your families to learn how to document your own oral histories and add to our local studies collections.

Delve into the depths of Paddington's peculiar past. This history hunt will expose the crimes before the cafes & the slums before the chic. Exploring hidden alleys, terraced streets & historic pubs, we'll connect with odd identities, local legends & unusual architecture. 2 hour historian-guided tour.

Join us for the Unearthed Stories Evening, and uncover strange, spooky, and magical tales of the past through objects and stories from the Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery collections.

Step into the Unearthed Exhibition and discover untold and forgotten stories of Georges River. This free exhibition showcases lesser-known histories and untold stories, through photos, posters, and newspaper articles from the Georges River Libraries Local Studies collection.

Join Mel Flyte, Collections Discovery Assistant at Museums of History NSW, for a special viewing of the Alexander Mackintosh Archive. View some of the beautifully hand-drawn plans, detail drawings, and specification documents along with pictorial material.

Join a First Nations guide from Bush to Bowl for a fascinating two-hour guided walk-through Centennial Parklands, exploring the rich history and traditional uses of native plants. Learn how these plants have sustained First Nations people for generations and hear cultural stories.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of our past at the Australian Heritage Festival 2025. This year's theme, "Unearthed," invites you to uncover hidden stories and lesser-known histories that have shaped our community.

Visit Fairfield City Museum & Gallery this May for a special History-themed Storytime session, followed by a variety of fun activities that will transport you back in time! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn and play in a historical setting!

With ever expanding displays and gardens, Bella Vista Farm is an atmospheric heritage farm complex set in a twenty hectare park and located in the geographic centre of Sydney.

Join us on the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival's Walk; the Heritage Team will guide you through the vibrant streets of Cabramatta. This unique experience will retrace the influences of dominant cultural groups over the decades and immerse the visitors in the rich diversity of Fairfield City.

We warmly invite you to the opening of Souter's Bondi, a new exhibition presented by the Bondi Pavilion Gallery. The evening will include light refreshments and speeches.

As a part of Souter’s Bondi in the Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery, join the Waverley Action Group as we discuss Bondi of the inter war period and what circumstances lead it to become a base for some of our countries most recognisable Art Deco streets and buildings.

A weekend of free guided tours and activities is on offer at Q Station to unearth the incredible history and environment of North Head Quarantine Station. Book for a single tour or stay for the weekend, immersing yourself fully in the restored former quarantined passenger accommodation.

Ecotreasures' Manly Snorkel Tour aligns with the Australian Heritage Festival by revealing hidden underwater treasures, promoting marine conservation, and empowering younger generations as custodians of Australia's natural heritage

Unearth the Shire's History by visiting the Museum. Can you match the modern day photos to what was there before? FREE ENTRY.
Unearth a treasure at the bric-a-brac stall
Unearth a 'sweet treat' and relax over a cuppa using vintage crockery.

Step into Liverpool’s dark past with Rachel Franks as she uncovers tales of crime and punishment. Explore the historic Liverpool Courthouse, where criminals and their victims faced justice for over a century.

Saving Family Memories - An Introductory Workshop

Brinsley's Joinery Shop is open to the public for this yearly event.
Tours run hourly from approximately 10.30am to co-inside with the vintage bus run that operates on the day.

Have you run into a brick wall with your House History research project? Please join our expert guide who will explore the historical records of the NSW Land Registry Service (HLRV).

Find out about resources to help unearth the history of houses in Sutherland Shire.

Discover your Shire and unearth the places and events you have never attended before. Ride the Heritage bus to connect all events. A free family day with interest for all ages.
Full details of all events www.sutherlandheritagefestival.org
Our Open Day will be 3 May

Metropolitan Memorial Parks invites you and your family to embark on a captivating journey through time at Woronora Memorial Park's Heritage Day. Discover the history and heritage of the park and some of the notable locals who have been laid to rest there.

Join us for a special Mother’s Day celebration that combines creativity, cultural heritage, and connection to the land. Celebrate Mother's Day in a unique and meaningful way at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands by joining our First Nations Weaving Circle.

A walking tour from Popran to Warrah Lookout connecting historical landscapes and waterways. Hear Indigenous and European histories of Broken Bay - magnificent views from the sea, to Lion Island, Pittwater and the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Coffee and cake at Patonga boathouse.

The Pearl Beach Arboretum Environmental Art Trail (PBEAT) aims to create inspiring temporary public art that promotes nature conservation, supports community identity and increases the cultural vibrancy on the NSW Central Coast. There are over 35 stunning art installations in a bushland setting.

In response to the increasingly chaotic situation of world politics & climate change, the Friends of the Hawkesbury art community & Regional Gallery Inc. presents an exhibition of 19th & 20th Century images portraying a collective calmness, from the celestial to marine, landscapes and domesticity.

St Matthews Anglican Parish Windsor and the Hawkesbury community proudly celebrating the Bicentennial of the Frances Greenway - William Cox built Rectory and Stables.

Church service, open house, continuous Devonshire tea in the gardens, talks on the history by noted historians.

Join historians, maritime investigators, musicians and raconteurs on a river cruise along the Hawkesbury River on the MV Clarence Head. Plus symposium on trading vessels, first contact art 'ships sailing on stone' and tales of skulduggery along the river. A delightful grazing lunch ashore.

Join historians, maritime investigators, and raconteurs in an afternoon symposium on trading vessels along the river, first contact art 'ships sailing on sandstone' and tales of skulduggery along the remote tributaries. Enjoy a beautiful grazing lunch in Spencer prior to the symposium.

Be taken back in time on a Dyarrubin/Hawkesbury River cruise with a difference: indigenous foodways + Irish women migration + Hawkesbury Tourism. Enjoy a beautiful grazing lunch in Spencer after the river cruise.

Kayak the serene waterway of Popran Creek. All kayaks, gear included + morning tea and lunch.

* Morning Tea at Neverfail community settlement
* Historical Storytelling about river tales and mystery revealing the past
* Launch at the meeting of the Hawkesbury River and Mangrove Creeks

Uncover the hidden history of Era Beach’s cabin community in the Royal National Park on this guided walking tour. Discover stories of resilience and self-sufficiency, and learn about the unique way of life preserved by the cabin custodians. Free admission, includes lunch & Q&A with cabin licensees.

Our exhibition will feature the works of four talented yet largely forgotten creators from Campbelltown. Learn about each person's story and marvel at their artistry.

Find out how to write a family history that people want to read! Join sought after presenter Keith Whelan for this informative and fun workshop. Also includes a display from Jo O'Brien from Camden Area Family History Society. A must for any writer, researcher and / or historian!

It's on again, The Campbelltown Steam and Machinery Museum's May open weekend will be on 17th & 18th May 2025. Train rides lots of Steam Machinery, Tractors, food and BBQ facilities. And this year a Vintage Tractor Pull. And much more.

Delve into deep time along the Old Great North Road with a geologist - from Gondwana 200 million yrs ago to present day sandstone country. A full day walking excursion focusing on the rocks and landscape of Hawkesbury Sandstone Country from Devine's Hill to Finchs Line.

Join us for an afternoon of unearthing lost history at Camden Library. Dr Ian Willis OAM will present a talk on Death in training at the Liverpool Field Hospital in early 1915 and Jo O'Brien from Camden Area Family History Society will present an informative talk on Digging up the past with TROVE.

Attend the opening of our Camden Streetscape Exhibition and then enjoy a guided tour of the historic Camden Town Centre.

For the first time in it’s history, the gates of the iconic Dr Crookston’s 1880s Estate in Camden are being opened to the public. Unlock the secrets and discover the rich and colourful history of one of the Macarthur region’s most influential properties as you enjoy a guided tour of the Estate.