Discover 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

Experience 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.

At 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.

The 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.

Step back in time! Join us for a fun-filled cruise of Sydney Harbour aboard historic steamer: 1902 VIP Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun!

Join this talk and be inspired by the geological wonders of Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion project.

The General (1926) restored black and white silent movie presented by Film Heritage Academy with live music (Graeme Costin).

Australia 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.

Peter Pan (1924) restored silent classic presented by Film Heritage Academy with live music (Graeme Costin).

Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Greenway public housing with a walking tour of Milsons Point and Kirribilli, followed by a viewing of the photography exhibition All Things Considered by Christopher Ireland, at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre.

Bradfield Park North is a little gem. Join a guided walk in the park with our 3 local experts to discover the layers of history evidenced by the landscape, architecture and engineering features around us.

Delight in the elegance of these original 1930s glamorous evening gowns and accessories.

A guided walk to flesh out the characters and events that contributed to our heritage of Smith Street, Summer Hill.

Immerse 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.

Did you know that one of our local residents, Annie Wyatt, was responsible for setting up a conservation group in our area? Her work was so important, it led to the formation of the National Trust. As part of Council's Heritage Festival, we will be hosting a special storytime to celebrate the connec

A scavenger hunt will need solving using clues provided in historic photographs of the Lindfield area. Children are invited to put their best problem solving skills to the test to complete the challenge of finding the necessary clues and completing extra activities.

Join award-winning author Alecia Simmonds as she uncovers a hidden history of love and heartbreak in the archives of law.

Embark 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.

That 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.

City 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.

How 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.

Come 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.

Use images from the City of Sydney Archives to create a laser-cut printing plate and print your image on our printing press!

The Friends of Ethel Turner Society will be hosting tours of Historic 'Woodlands' for one day only on Sunday 5th May 2024. We'll be sharing the built heritage and stories of past resident and blue plaque recipient, famous Ethel Turner, author of the classic, Seven Little Australians.

As a part of the Ku-ring-gai Heritage Festival, The Friends of Ethel Turner will be hosting tours of historic 'Woodlands' Killara.

Follow in the footsteps of Ethel Turner, author of Seven Little Australians and join local artist Marguerite de Fondaumiere to capture the unique character and charm of the beautiful and historic Woodlands House with its late Victorian Georgian and Federation Filigree style.

All Aboard! Come to the launch of the Kirribilli Writers Group’s latest Anthology 'Heritage Matters', with readings by members of the KWG interspersed with music by popular composer pianist Michael Hope. This Anthology of original stories and poems has been inspired by the theme of 'connections'.

In 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.

Enjoy twilight at May Gibbs' harbourside house in Neutral Bay.

Be inspired by images from the City of Sydney archives to create heritage inspired laser-cut jewellery pieces.

Take a guided walk in the Griffins’ Castlecrag and visit the interiors of two beautifully restored homes designed by Walter Burley Griffin.

Embark on a curated tour that will unveil the rich history and architectural grandeur of the heritage-listed Hotel Morris. Following the tour, indulge in a culinary journey with a specially crafted shared menu packed with mouthwatering Italian flavours and limited-time dishes.

The Paradise Plan.

A short (14-minute) film that explores connections between Canberra and Castlecrag. It intertwines the aspirations of the Griffins in both places with the history of the Gigante puppets created in their name, as part of the campaign to save Castlecrag Infants School back in 1989.

Join 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.

Embedded 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.

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.

While 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.

Join a guided walking tour and be inspired by the geological wonders of Ku-ring-gai's Bicentennial Park.

Connect 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.

Eryldene will be hosting its popular Mothers' Day Teas on the weekend of 11-12th May 2024. Treat Mum, Nana or that special loved one to morning or afternoon tea while relaxing in the beautifully serene garden of historic Eryldene.

Take a garden tour with one of our volunteers followed by a delicious morning tea on the verandah while soaking in the serenity of this beautiful, historic garden.

Join us for the Mothers Day weekend at Eryldene.

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. We'd love to welcome you!

Unforgettable 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.

A journey back to the humble beginnings of the suburb of Mosman where it all began, Archibald Mosman's Whaling Station. The Barn is one the last remaining examples of Early Colonial Maritime Industrial architecture left in Sydney. Enjoy a cup of tea and an historical overview of the Barn.

You'll discover the wonderful and decadent sides of Sydney’s housing.
Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay are amongst the colourful places in the country. With a harbourside location, these have been home to the very rich and the very poor, to churches, gangsters and scandal.

Step into the sinister, sensational and sexed-up world of old Kings Cross. This unique exploration will connect contemporary visitors with the colourful characters, notorious crime stories and infamous clubs of Sydney’s historic entertainment hub. 2 hour evening tour led by Sydney Crime Historian.

This presentation is a fascinating journey through 60 years of bridal fashions and more.

Curious about local history? Ku-ring-gai Library will be presenting a digital display featuring historical photographs from the library’s Local History Collection.

Ku-ring-gai Historical Society holds a vast amount of information on the history of Ku-ring-gai, its buildings, residents and much more.

Discover the history of your house at Ku-ring-gai Library by booking in for a one-on-one tutorial with our Local History Librarian.

Maria Locke is a significant figure in Australian history, yet not as well-known as she deserves to be. The daughter of Yarramundi, chief of the Richmond tribes, Maria went on to have notable achievements in education, the first legally recognised marriage between an Aboriginal person and a settler,

All families have undergone a journey, even if we don't know the full story.

Are you ready to publish your book? Then join award winning publisher, Margaret Szalay who will guide you through the maze of editing, design and marketing.

Since inception, The Faces in the Crowd series of exhibitions have celebrated Mosman residents and business owners. This year the focus is the unique stories of three amazing locals.

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

Delve into the depths of Paddington's peculiar past. This history hunt will expose the crimes before the cafes and the slums before the chic. Exploring hidden alleys, terraced streets, historic pubs, we'll connect with odd identities, local legends and unusual architecture. Don't miss this 2hour Historian led tour.

Join a guided walking tour and be inspired by the geological wonders of Turramurra's Sheldon Forest.

Uncover the hidden gems of Double Bay's heritage on this 2-hour walking tour, with our dedicated library staff as your guides. Discover historic stories, images and information that illustrate local themes and connect us to the past.

In an exclusive event at a private Sydney home, architectural photographer Eric Sierins recalls his time at Max Dupain & Associates, as well as Dupain's connection to Castlecrag. Included is a display of Dupain photographs of selected Griffin homes at Castlecrag.

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.

Open House and Garden at Mahratta

The 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.

Located in Waverley in Sydney’s busy Eastern Suburbs, Edina is described as ‘one of the grandest private houses surviving in Sydney from Colonial times’, yet few people know of this historical gem, hiding in plain sight. Tour this historical gem and enjoy morning tea.

Enjoy a tour of Rose Seidler House with Museums of History NSW curator Michael Lech, plus a rare peek at the Julian Rose House with Brian Seidler AM.

Join our ranger for a historical walk and bush morning tea at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Originally used as farming land for strawberries, vegetables and native flowers; the garden is now used for the promotion of the study and preservation of native flora and fauna.

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.

To celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival, the Harbour Trust is opening the doors of Sydney’s oldest navigational light source for a special guided tour.

Visitors are encouraged to seek out hidden stories, and embark on a journey through history, as your guide reveals tales from the Barker College Archives as you wander through the Barker Heritage Precinct.

Discover the intriguing history of Little Manly as you join Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks on a historical walking tour, delving into the past and sharing stories that make our surroundings so special, before enjoying a delicious 2 course lunch with bread and snacks at Ripples Little Manly.

Join Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office as she explores how First Nations people lived their lives around the Manly Dam area and the broad changes the area underwent to support the local European people.

This talk covers the history of Hambledon Cottage, built for John Macarthur as a Colonial Georgian cottage now 200 years old, including its construction, additions and restorations over these years, as well as its current use.

This talk is about the history of Parramatta & District Historical Society, the oldest local historical society in NSW, which is 110 years old this year. The Society is the local authority on the local & family history and heritage of Parramatta, and operates Hambledon Cottage, now 200 years old.

An 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.

The inland Port tour experiences connections between Aboriginals and settlers as they work and play around the river port and environs.

Lively power-point presentation, with morning tea, that will bring tombstones 'alive' as some intriguing historical connections are revealed.

Join 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.

The past is never past but alive in our present. Connecting the stories of its compelling history to today’s heritage site, Q Station’s next open day, Quarantine Connections will bring the site alive through a program of free tours and activities.

Join 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.

Discover 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.

In 1824, how did a London schoolmaster's wife find herself appointed as the first female Superintendent at the Parramatta Female Factory? And did her actions really lead to the infamous riot of 1827?

Join us as we learn about Elizabeth Fulloon, described by Governor Darling as a woman of 'extraordinary bodily strength and energy of character', who rose to the challenge of managing such

Explore 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.

Connect 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.

Calling all ghost-busters in training! Join us on a special one-hour twilight candle-lit tour of the ground floor of Old Government House – a 222-year-old early Governors country residence known for some very strange happenings. Hear stories by volunteers, staff and guests!

A walk through one of Parramatta's historic cemeteries where many ‘residents’ have strong connections, good and bad, with the City of Parramatta.

Embark 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.

Join a guided walking tour and be inspired by the geological wonders of the Northern Beaches Long Reef.

Linnwood 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 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.

Join the Heritage Team on a guided tour of the Vintage Village at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery during the Australian Heritage Festival in 2024.

Brinsley'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.

Join 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.

There 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.

Bella 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.

Join 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!

On 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.

Take 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.

This exhibition is an in-depth look at the history, heritage and culture of the Sikh community, and the charitable efforts of the Sikh led organisation Turbans 4 Australia.

A beautiful walking tour to unravel the mysteries of Dangar Island. Join us for a heritage ferry ride, beaches, bush and the rich and diverse indigenous and colonial histories of 'Mullet Island' from a local expert. Enjoy coffee and waterside lunch .

Discover 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.

Rock, Stone and Sky: Symposium on rock art, archaeology, and indigenous astronomy. Local experts, researchers and astrophysicist present findings from rock art mapping, archaeological fieldwork in the Mangrove Creek Valley, and tracing the pathways of the celestial emu.

Journey into the waterways of Dyarubbin with historians, writers and storytellers for a morning river cruise exploring the secret histories of the Lower Hawkesbury. Our exploration continues with an afternoon symposium investigating rock engravings, sky connections and the archaeology of Mangrove.

Journey into the waterways of Dyarubbin with historians, writers and storytellers for a morning river cruise exploring the secret histories of the Lower Hawkesbury River.

Explore 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.

To 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.

The Thomas & Jane Rose Family Society's annual Picnic Open Day aims to bring together descendants, friends and community members for a day of fun, reminiscence and appreciation of Thomas and Jane Rose as the first free settler family in Australia. It is held at heritage listed Rose Cottage (1811).

Step back in time and look through our Cottages from the 19th Century, we will have the family history to look at on the majority of our Cottages. There is also a Post Office, Police Station and Bank to go through with artifacts from the 1800s.

Visit 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.

A 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.

Discover 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.

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.