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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Longbottom Stockade, at Parramatta Road and Loftus Street, Concord served many purposes in its lifetime

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Join Transport Historian Peter Hughes for the book launch of Wheels within Wheels: A history of Sydney’s Buses, is based on documents and reports in the State Library of NSW, State Records NSW and Bus and Coach Association (NSW) and then enjoy the museum at your own leisure.

A hands-on event for preschoolers and their carers looking and handling objects from the past. Children will be taken into the Camden Museum and a craft activity will follow in the library. Objects will reflect communication methods from the past. Includes storytime.

An exhibition of photographs from our Camden Images combined with memories from our Camden Voices oral history collection.

Come connect with Callan Park. Immerse yourself in its beauty and extraordinary history.

View a stunning exhibition of the Art of Paul Rolfe featuring landscapes in Field of Mars Park and Hunters Hill.

Outdoor walking exhibition at Callan Park and Broughton Hall highlighting the history of Repatriation care and veterans at Callan Park.

Carisbrook will be open during the Australian Heritage Festival on April 20th and 21th between 10am and 4pm.

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through Carisbrook's 1880s rooms and Devonshire tea or coffee and cake in the sunny courtyard. The gardens are always a delight to wander through afterwards,

Carisbrook will be open during the Australian Heritage Festival on May 18th and 19th between 10am and 4pm.

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through Carisbrook's 1880s rooms and Devonshire tea or coffee and cake in the sunny courtyard. The gardens are always a delight to wander through afterwards

Free 30-minute Organ Recitals on the Award Winning 1890 William Hill & Son Organ: 1pm 2pm, 3pm 
Free Church History Talks 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 
Display of Church History / Memorabilia in the Church Hall
PWA Devonshire Teas in the Church Hall (only $5) 
Annandale Local History Walk (only $20)

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

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.

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.

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

'The Balmain Observer' goes inside the Post Office and Court House and takes us on a tour of the original building before it was opened. Explaining in detail the fittings both upstairs and down. An amazing observation from over 100years ago.

Step back in time, join us for a fun-filled guided Saturday cruise aboard historic steamer: 1902 Steam Tug Waratah!
Whether you're a steam enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, this cruise is perfect for you!

Join industrial heritage expert and Artefact Principal Dr Iain Stuart on a specially curated guided tour of Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont.

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.

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

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.

Open House and Garden at Mahratta

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.

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

Discover the history of East Balmain as Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks whisks you away to an earlier era, with stories of Balmains culture, mystery & colourful characters. You will meet at The Fenwick, be taken on a historical walking tour before returning for a 2 course lunch

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Make your way through the murky maritime village of old Millers Point on a historian-led walk that uncovers the fascinating locals, legends and layout of this history drenched hub. This tour will visit convict built pubs, hidden laneways, colonial mansions, shipping wharves and views of the harbour.

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.

Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery connects the physical heritage of the present to the historical past highlighting those individuals whose achievements forged our future.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

A guided walking tour that will visit the ' vanished site' but 'vibrant memories' of the old ABC television studios at Gore Hill.

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.

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.

Learn about the old ABC studios at Gore Hill by watching historic film footage of the site. Listen to former ABC staff who will share stories of what it was like to work on this site that for almost fifty years produced some of the finest television programs in the nation.

Our latest temporary explores the Natural History of Willoughby focusing on local fungi, flora and fauna and the importance of protecting and enhancing the habitat essential for its survival. See how humans connect with nature in restoring local bushland for the benefit of all.

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.

A Place to Call Home: Why heritage houses matter. Artist Marta Madison presents a collection of watercolour paintings depicting Federation and Arts and Crafts style homes (circa 1880-1920), on display at Art Space on The Concourse, Chatswood, 24 April-05 May 2024, 11-5pm. Closed Anzac Day.

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).

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 incorporating a Coach House, the Stables and a former Rose Garden and Hut.

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.

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

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.

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.

Hear from citizen heritage sleuths who uncovered an important contributor to North Shore development, the long-forgotten architect, E.S. Garton. They diligently connected the incredible jigsaw pieces that spanned decades of Garton’s life that ultimately reconnected history with local heritage.

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!

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guided tours of two local cemeteries that have memorials of local pioneers who impacted on life in The Oaks area and the wider shire of Wollondilly Shire. Following the tours visitors are invited to visit the Wollondilly Heritage Centre and Museum for light refreshments and a self guided tour.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Through the Millennia, Sandon Point Bulli has been a gathering place. Aboriginal Peoples came together here – from the north, south and west; then Europeans came. Our exhibition will feature images, stories and memorabilia of past decades – capturing Sandon Point – the Place and Its People

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

A fantastic mix of conservation education and creativity, children will love the opportunity to draw and interact with Black Cockatoos at Norman Lindsay Gallery.

Did you meet your sweetheart at the movies? Were you in a local theatre group? Remember your first kiss in the drive-in? This exhibition of photos from the collection on display and online will evoke memories of connections made as participant or audience at theatres in the Illawarra.

Learn of Illawarra 's less well known stories: "Wollongong History & Fairy Meadow Memories", by U3A Member-Historian Stuart Traynor & " Illawarra's 1840's Bankruptices - Misfortune or Fraud" by Lorraine Neate, President Illawarra Historical Society. More tales following in succeeding weeks.