The Friends of Ethel Turner will host boutique tours of historic 'Woodlands' Killara on Sunday 18th May. We'll be sharing 'Woodlands' rich heritage and stories of past resident and blue plaque recipient, Ethel Turner, and her classic novel, 'Seven Little Australians'.

The theme for this year's festival is 'Unearthed' and we'll be sharing Woodlands' rich heritage and stories of past resident and blue plaque recipient, Ethel Turner, author of the classic 'Seven Little Australians'.

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.

Join this heritage walk that highlights how the NSW Government's planning polices threatens Lindfield’s heritage and environment. Discover what’s at stake.

Discover the thrilling worlds of palaeontology and archaeology as experts come together to share their field adventures, uncovering both shared insights and key differences. Engage directly with them through live Q&A, and dive deep into these captivating sciences that reveal Earth's history.

Join this heritage walk that highlights how the NSW Government's planning polices threatens Roseville’s heritage and environment. Discover what’s at stake.

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

Take a fascinating guided walking tour around historic Wyong learning about its establishment and development since 1887. The guided tours will be hosted by the Wyong Family History Group and will give you a peek into life in Wyong over 100 years ago.

Unearth the history of the Chinese Market Gardens in Ryde in the late 19th and early 20th centuries! This bilingual event in English and Mandarin will explore the history of the Chinese gardeners and market gardens in the City of Ryde in its early days.

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.

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.

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

Visit the graves of some of our earlier residents, hear their stories, learn their histories. Tours will be virtual and actual. Visit the grave of Granny Smith, creator of the Granny Smith apple and other interesting people. Learn about their lives, and their deaths.

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.

Unearth a piece of Lane Cove's history. On this special Open Day weekend, explore Carisbrook Historic House and enjoy Devonshire Tea in the courtyard. Overlooking the Lane Cove River, travel back in time to the Victorian Era.

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

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.

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.

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.

Kevan’s work is wide ranging including portraits of rock and pop icons and celebrities.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Why fly to the UK? You can see a rare intact example of a large Edwardian private residential estate, in Sydney, on our Open Day. 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.

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'.

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.

Get ready for the ultimate island adventure! On Sunday 4 May, Cockatoo Island will come alive as we celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival 2025 and offer a range of free and paid activities to excite families!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Historic walking tour of Callan Park to learn about its early Aboriginal associations, its establishment as a psychiatric asylum, home to veterans of WWI and WWII and today it's one of Sydney's iconic parklands.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

A rare opportunity to explore the restoration work of the last Sydney's double-ended ferry: Kanangra at Sydney Heritage Fleet Shipyard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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 tour looking at the symbols on the headstones in the graveyard established in 1848. and the messages they convey.

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.

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 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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saving Family Memories - An Introductory Workshop

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.

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.

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.