Gather your scallywags and buccaneers and set sail for an adventure on the high seas aboard the tall ship, Polly Woodside! On the third Sunday of every month, this historic vessel transforms into a pirate’s haven for an unforgettable Pirate Day.

Its piers define Port Melbourne. This talk explores their evolution as places of commerce and leisure, welcomes and farewells, diplomacy and strife, celebration and reflection; dynamic venues where people engage with each other.

Step into the Oral History Room, where your personal stories and memories become part of our community’s rich tapestry—record, preserve, and share your voice for future generations to enjoy!

How do we recover precious heritage objects and why are they significant in the first place? Join us for an evening at the Emerald Hill Library to find out.

Opportunity to explore the behind the scenes recovery operations after the devastating fire at the heritage-listed See Yup temple

You will be taking a walk through a botanic wonderland with a huge variety of plants, shaded bluestone lined paths and stairs. Leading to secluded alcoves, beautiful vistas, hidden gems of history.

Join the members of Altona CWA to unearth a treasure trove of timeless recipes.

Visit one of Australia's original homesteads, only 20 minutes drive from Melbourne. The homestead has long had a reputation for hauntings and has been the center of paranormal investigations.

Enjoy a guided tour of Altona’s oldest residential building

Come and learn how our ancestors crafted beautiful articles using treadle sewing machines and hand stitching.

Grab a tea or coffee, get comfy, and learn how to research your family history online at your own pace with the support of library staff. In this special Heritage Festival edition of Hobsons Bay Libraries' weekly Tea, Tech and Training series.

How do we work with planners and legislators to ensure that Victoria's planning system doesn't gut communities and destroy the suburbs historic essence - that which makes then unique, attractive and liveable?

This fascinating exhibition provides insight into the lives and work of those employed by government agencies to capture the visual heritage of Australia.

A special evening of short lectures revealing the fascinating, varied, and often hidden, work that conservators are undertaking to protect and preserve Victoria’s heritage.

Uncover the hidden stories behind some of our most intriguing objects in this special gallery tour.

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

A walk down Memory Lane to reflect on 30 years of Millinery Australia and hats hats hats. Turn the pages of archived memorabilia, talk to Milliners to learn how a hat is made, ages of archived memorabilia.

Discover the story behind the opening of the Melbourne Athenaeum Art Gallery and its role as one of Melbourne's most significant art spaces.

Meet author Katrina Kell and discover the story and reimagined history surrounding the identity of the model of Jules Lefebvre’s painting, Chloe.

Melbourne's oldest surviving building, the home of Victoria's first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe

Join expert guide Terry Ashton for a captivating walking tour around the State Library Victoria. Discover historic sites like Melbourne Hospital, Sniders and Abrahams warehouse, RMIT, Trades Hall, and the Old Melbourne Gaol, exploring the rich history of Melbourne’s early Jewish community.

Discover some of the many public artworks by veterans hidden in plain site around Melbourne. Works by veterans of who have served at Gallipoli to more recent times will be highlighted during the hosted tour.

For almost 80 years, the Melbourne Gaol was a place of punishment and execution, where men, women and children were incarcerated for crimes ranging from murder to vagrancy.

Calling all budding detectives! These school holidays, dive into the exciting world of forensic science at Old Melbourne Gaol and crack two of its most captivating mysteries.

History, crime, and mystery collide in Dark Stories' walking tours! Step back in time and explore Australia’s true crime past on immersive, storytelling-driven experiences in your city.

For over 150 years, women have been organising in Victoria's Trades Hall and fighting for equality. Follow the footsteps of union giants like Helen Robertson, Zelda D'Aprano and Gwen Goedecki who inspire the women in the movement to this day at our Feminist Hall Tour.

Discover the lost stories of the women that made Melbourne! Guided by QVWC's Feminist Historian, Barbara Wheeler, our 2.5 hour tour will cover 3 city sites including Victoria Trades Hall Council, St David's Hall at the Welsh Church and the QVWC where tour participants can enjoy a light lunch.

For over 150 years the Trades Hall building has given form to dreams of a better life for working people and their families.

Within the grid of Melbourne we discover many layers which may or may not be obvious to the public, let us explore further......

Join me on a walking tour to explore parts of the city unearthed in recent and not so recent digs as we bring to light the stories told by the artefacts uncovered.

We live in a material world. The things we own, the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, all express who we are, or who we want to be. We live surrounded by stuff — more of it than in any previous generation.

Join a guided tour of the Old Treasury Building and discover areas not usually available to the public!

From the Leckie window at Melbourne University to the Leonard French ceiling at the National Gallery this walk+talk visits a wealth of historic gems often hidden in plain sight. Whether grand installations or tiny gjewels of light, all have stories that enliven Melbourne’s history and heritage.

A one hour tour through the College

Enjoy an informative walk with a local historian in beautiful South Parkville and take in the architecture and history.

Venture underground to explore the blue stone foundations under the 150 years old church.

Join us on a journey through a slice of South Yarra with our expertly curated walking tour to discover the precinct’s diverse architectural streetscape.

Join us at Wash Street for a thought-provoking panel discussion on mid-century heritage conservation. This event will explore the complexities of preserving significant mid-century sites, highlighting case studies with distinct typologies, site conditions, and heritage challenges.

Join us at Walsh Street for an after-hours experience: Autumn Sunset Cocktails.

In this illustrated presentation, geologist and author Marc Hendrickx brings a historical perspective to recent closures of bushwalking and climbing sites in Australia, including the Grampians, Mount Arapiles, Ayers Rock and Mount Warning.

Explore the history of Firefighting in Victoria, since settlement.

Pick up your wooden mallet, turn your back and hit a rubber ring between your legs through goals 27 metres away. The rules are the same as for the railway workers who created the sport 100 years ago - score the most goals and your team wins. Be part of Victoria’s living, sporting heritage.

Join a guided tour of the historic attraction of Cooks' Cottage and the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens.

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.

Discover some of the hidden Chinese graves in the historic Melbourne General Cemetery and learn about the history of Chinese migrants of Melbourne.

Discover the challenging role of the Curator in creating and then keeping up the appearance of several historic interiors of significance

Discover the decoration and furnishing of Government House, Victoria with Dr Nicole Davis

Step behind the sartorial scenes to experience the sociability, elegance, and style of Georgian and Regency gentlemen at The Johnston Collection.

Enjoy an informative walk with a local historian in beautiful South Carlton and take in the architecture and history.

Enjoy a chance to explore the historic Truganina Explosives Reserve and discover a curious chapter of industrial heritage.

Discover the rich flavour of Fitzroy's chocolate history with an entertaining and informative guided tour through the world of the notable entrepreneur, philanthropist, and confectioner, MacPherson Robertson – synonymous with Cherry Ripe, Freddo Frog and Old Gold chocolate.

See what kinds of bones, bottles and buttons have been hiding dormant under the floorboards of 80 Webb Street Fitzroy with a short talk and photo presentation by proud homeowner Eloise. The 1851 bluestone workers cottage has revealed old wallpapers, coins, china, glass, earthenware shards and more.

A celebration of our natural environment, gardening and sustainability.

A discussion on the impact of climate change in sustainably preserving our heritage.

A discussion on the impact of climate change on our heritage gardens.

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.

Immerse yourself in history with a guided tour of Rippon Lea Mansion, led by one of the National Trust’s expert guides.

Join an insightful social history tour of the Rippon Lea Estate garden, led by one of their knowledgeable National Trust guides.

Delve into the vibrant world of birds that inhabit the beautiful Rippon Lea 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 provides a fascinating insight into the work required to manage and nurture this magnificent collection for the enjoyment of today’s visitors and future generations.

Try Victoria's living sporting heritage on the lawns of Ripponlea Estate - watch a demonstration and then have a go at our quirky sport - Trugo.

2025 marks 80 years since the end of WWII, join us to hear the remarkable testimony of a Holocaust survivor.

Enjoy the calm of an urban pleasure garden and historic house. Discover the story of Melbourne with a visit to Como House.

Discover the rich social history and stunning heritage of Como's gardens on this 45-minute guided tour, led by our knowledgeable National Trust Guides.

Join this lighthearted look at Mrs Helen Brown of Como and discover the hidden influence Helen had on establishing Como as "the place to be" in the colonies.

From grand homes to local institutions, explore the history of Aberfeldie on a guided heritage walk

During the month of the festival guests can complete a passport that takes them through the history of mining in the Wollondilly Shire. The festival will conclude on 17 May with a talk on the history of the Davy Lamp by Andrew Conacher.

How old is your house? Who used to live there? Our researcher Margaret Fleming will conduct a workshop on how to trace the history of your house.

A walk on Country and Smoking Ceremony with culture carriers and knowledge holders.

From mansion to tenement, Labassa is a rare survival of nineteenth century splendour

Discover the untold stories of Labassa’s more unorthodox residents.

‘Beatrice Faust’, said Helen Garner, ‘is not scared of anybody.’ Come along to Brighton Library to share an afternoon tea and hear about award-winning biographer Judith Brett's latest book "Fearless Beatrice Faust", a compelling and psychologically nuanced portrait of a gifted, argumentative woman.

Explore the newly restored areas of the architectural wonder that is Mandeville Hall, with architectural historian Steve Stefanopoulos OAM. Discover the magnificent features, exquisite interiors and opulent rooms of this internationally significant Toorak mansion.

How have the glamour and rituals of weddings changed in Australia over the last 200 years? What elements of fashion, fabrics and accessories have Australian brides and wedding parties adopted? Explore elements of continuity and change in the dresses and accessories worn by numerous brides and brides

The Paterson Brothers was the preeminent interior art decorating firm based in Melbourne from the 1870s into the early twentieth century.

Learn how to care for your personal collections in this workshop

You’ll also visit landmarks like the former Malvern Fire Station, De La Salle College, and the historic Malvern Tram Depot. Each stop reveals a piece of our rich heritage, culminating at the former ES&A Bank.

Australia’s premier Antique & Art Fair, presented by the AAADA, featuring renowned industry leaders from across the country.

In honour of those who have served our country, join our History Heritage Officers for a tour of Caulfield Park’s memorials, wartime history, and stories from the home front.

An exhibition of embroideries from branches across the state, historical books and tools on display. Tours of the building, with members demonstrating various crafts.

Nina Fromhold, Founder of Memory Lane Life Stories will guide us through a workshop about recording and preserving your family's stories

Display panels showing the history of Essendon Airport. Thirty-minute walking tours of the early sites on the airport will be available. 1950s aviation films will be screened. The Airways Museum will show how the ground organization that supports Australian civil aviation evolved.

Learn how to browse, search and request historical items and records from the new Boroondara Heritage Collection

George Petrou proudly presents his second art project, “The Art of Humanity,” at this exclusive book launch event. This follows his previous work, “The Art of Sacrifice”, which is a collection of portraits that commemorates the ANZACs.

Join the Pentridge Prison tour to hear a history that will challenge and confront you. The stories within this journey are deep, unique, and expose the intricacies of prison punishment.

Escape with the kids on Pentridge Prison Tour’s new family tour, and discover the history of Australia’s most infamous prison. Suitable for children of all ages, this tour will take families inside H Division and the wider precinct.

Experience the darker side of history with two unique night tours at Pentridge Prison. As night falls and the bluestone walls cast eerie shadows, step into a world of chilling tales and hidden secrets.

Uncover the hidden history of Melbourne’s prison burial sites in Bones & Burial Boxes: Digging Up the Past at Prison Burial Sites, a compelling exhibition that reveals the untold stories behind some of the city’s most infamous institutions. Through rare artefacts and groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, the exhibition illuminates a shadowy chapter of Melbourne’s past.

Uncover the hidden history of Glenferrie on this Sunday morning stroll with an experienced guide. The deeper you dig the more there is to surprise you.

The Duldig Studio, Museum, and Sculpture Garden is a unique National treasure nestled in the heart of Malvern East that showcases the extraordinary modernist art works and life of cultural influencers Karl Duldig and Slawa Horowitz-Duldig, with heritage Viennese rooms and original artist studio.

Many fascinating stories can be found among the graves at the Boroondara (Kew) Cemetery. While we won't literally 'unearth' the people, you will be pleased to hear, we will unearth their stories.

Nina Fromhold, Founder of Memory Lane Life Stories will guide us through a workshop about recording and preserving your family's stories

The mill is the last remaining building of the Albion Explosives Factory and still works, come and see how it was central to the production of blackpowder

Formed over 135 years ago, the award-winning Hawthorn City Band has a fascinating history which Lindsay Paterson will share; with the exciting addition of a short performance from the Auburn Brass.

Discover the home of the Chirnside family. Located at the end of an isolated country track, you will be transported to another world. Discover the 1850s homestead, outbuildings and family secrets on this secluded, haunted 25 acre property.

Discover some unique gems held in the Boroondara Heritage Collection

From the hills of New South Wales to the Victorian town named after his old school, Carlsruhe, Charles Hotson Ebden was the first European to settle in Sugarloaf creak in 1837. Learn how he made his way to own land in Collins St Melbourne then create his seaside home in Black Rock.

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

Unearth the History & Etiquette of High Tea Dining with a delightful lunch & demonstration of the decorum and timeless customs of the ton at Overnewton Castle.

An annual event, as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, when the doors of the Museum are opened to the public for a full day.

See the history of Scouting in Victoria in our informative panels and exhibits over 100 years.

This is a bus tour conducted by knowledgeable members of the Broadmeadows Historical Society to and of five pioneer cemeteries within the City of Hume.

Walking the streets of Westmeadows, previously known as the Broadmeadows Township, established in 1850.

Explore Beaumaris' unique Architecture and Gardens

Experience the restored Edwardian Heritage Station & Gardens

Our 100-year-old bakery retains its ovens and houses exhibitions of local historical photos and items of interest.

Keedan Rigney’s exhibition Healthy Country, Healthy People explores the concept of adopting a more traditional approach in caring for Country. Healthy Country, Healthy People aims to challenge humans to acknowledge ourselves as a harmonious aspect of Country.

Join award winning podcaster and musician Simon Reich as he shares stories of post war migrants via video, archival footage, photo montages, soundscapes and live music.

Did you know that the suburb of Thomastown and its surrounds was once known as Germantown? ‘Memories of a Garden in Germantown’ is a special one-off event to hear from families descending from Ziebell’s Farmhouse, the only remaining bluestone German built home that has become a public museum.

Discussion on the termination point of the Hume and Hovell expedition at the Werribee river.

Have you ever wondered where your family came from? Find out how to start your family history research today in our well resourced Centre. We will give you a tour of our Resource Centre and a hands on session where you will discover something about your family heritage.

Come for a guided tour of our special museum where we are restoring the only B-24 Liberator bomber that remains in the southern hemisphere, and discover special stories about the role of Liberators and their crew.

Dive into a court room world that stretches from the Depression to the late 1980s.

Unearthing the farming past at Schwerkolt Cottage, the afternoon brings direct experience of the activities practiced on the property when it was a mixed farm with an orchard and animals.

To celebrate the We Built this City heritage interpretation project, the community can now view all project material alongside Council’s heritage collections.

Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum & Historic Gardens with our expert garden and heritage staff

Do you enjoy sketching? Do you like conveniently located, beautiful, historical homesteads? If so, come along and join fellow artists drawing the Willows Historical Park.

Plant Table is a performance activation entangling humans and plants in dances of relation. Pull up a chair and join us at the Plant Table, where nature comes to life through conversation and creativity.

Let’s Get Real is an immersive art installation examining plastic productions impact on our wildlife, environment and potentially every person on this planet.

Embrace your inner VIP and go behind the Frankston Arts Centre curtain! Explore hidden spaces and secrets of the theatre, from underground tunnels to exclusive backstage spots. Limited numbers for a premium experience.

A guided walk through parts of the Walter Burley Griffin designed estate in Mt Eliza to learn about the history and heritage values of the estate

An exploration of the quackery of nineteenth- century travelling showman Frank Weston through magic, song and history.

Culture Through Learning at Nairm Marr Djambana: where tradition meets education. Be guided around the beautiful gardens of Nairm Marr Djambana and learn about native plants and First Nations traditions.

Do you have convicts in the family & would like to know more about them? Join us to learn how to discover more.

Wonga Park History Group warmly invites you to view their display of old photos and share your story of Wonga Park. Wonga Park is a former orcharding community on the edge of Melbourne but now a low-density residential suburb. Barista coffee will be available to purchase from a coffee van.

Guided Tour of the property - Discover the interesting architectural and social history of Wyreena. The main building is over 100 years old and has had three fascinating chapters: from family home to a convent and now a thriving Community Arts Centre.

Join our Family History Team for a fascinating journey into the history of Miller's Homestead, and the man who built it.

The star attraction of Cruden Farm is the garden and the iconic image and star component is the main driveway, planted with over 100 lemon scented gum trees. There are many gardens to enjoy on the property, each one different in style, plantings and mood.

Experience the magic of heritage train travel.

This mysterious historic castle sits high on the hilltop in the closed catchment area of the Yan Yean Reservoir. It is closed to the public, except by arrangement with the Whittlesea Courthouse.

Did one of your ancestors serve in the military? Join us to learn where to find information about their service.

A place of art, creativity and culture – visit Mulberry Hill the home of Daryl and Joan Lindsay – where the Australian literary classic Picnic at Hanging Rock was written.

Our Stories: Unearthed is a one-day event at historic Mount Martha House. Enjoy local history exhibits, live music, Devonshire tea, creative workshops, films, and plein air painting. Discover hidden stories, connect with the Mornington Peninsula’s heritage, and inspire future preservation.

Discover a garden party of yesteryear. Across the charming gardens of the historic homestead, enjoy an afternoon of live music, face painting, tours, lawn games and vintage tennis fun!

Hands on workshop, learning the ins and outs of using Map Warper.

There was once a clearing in the Sherbrooke Forest, near Belgrave's Trestle Bridge, where groups would gather for barbeques, celebrations and special events. It was known as 'Jack The Miners'. Anita Walker, Researcher for Sherbrooke Foothills Historical Society, presents this illustrated talk

A family history talk looking at all things relating to death records, cemeteries and graves.

This event revisits the history of the beautiful old Portarlington Steam Flour Mill on the Bellarine Peninsula and tells tales of its optimistic foundation in 1858, its decline through a series of debasing usages, its restoration, its closure to the public in 2020, and those who loved it.

Dromkeen Homestead & Gallery will be hosting an exciting exhibition of the work of 30 established & emerging artists from the Macedon Ranges, on the theme 'The Wonder of Nature' There will be painting, sculpture, weaving

Participate in a hands-on nature sketching and journaling workshop with watercolour pencils in the gorgeous surrounds of Dromkeen Homestead.

Join in a fun night of music, paying tribute to legends of Rock 'n roll, Elvis Presley & Johnny O'Keefe, with pop icon Issi Dye.

In the beautiful surrounds of the heritage listed Dromkeen Gallery, enjoy a special Mother's Day High Tea.

Ready to rediscover the power of play? Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of A Toast to Melba, inspired by Dame Nellie Melba’s love of parties, practical jokes and nonsense.

Uncover the untold stories of a global icon, Dame Nellie Melba. A Toast to Melba shares rarely seen objects, photographs, and personal treasures from Coombe Yarra Valley, Arts Centre Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum—brought together for the first time in this dynamic new exhibition.

A guided tour around and inside four large railway objects undergoing restoration; a steam locomotive designed and built in Australia during WW2, a railway carriage built in 1879, a 1912 steam crane and a small Fordson tractor powered locomotive.

Join a local guide to unearth the stories hidden behind the distinctive heritage facades of the Victorian colonial-era buildings in Queenscliff, or explore at your own leisure with a self-guided heritage walk.

The McCrae Homestead, once home to artist Georgiana McCrae, offers an exceptional glimpse into domestic life in the 1840s. The homestead also houses the Burrell Gallery, which chronicles the story of a family's life on the Mornington Peninsula over 75 years.