The atmospheric Anderson's Mill comes alive with displays of heritage crafts, machinery and historical information. The huge waterwheel turns majestically transporting all who see it back to the days when machinery ran quietly and cannot be heard inside the mill with its thick bluestone walls.

The Hepburn family graves are a private family cemetery, that were once part of a historical pastoral holding called Smeaton Hill Run. The graves are situated close to the original homestead – Smeaton House – which was built by Scottish émigré Captain John Stuart Hepburn. Hepburn died in 1860 and his grave is representative of the style of tomb of the time. The town of Hepburn Springs

Learn to make beautiful hand made soap using traditional methods & learn to extract essential oil from lush garden plants such as lavender. A gorgeous class that showcases the simple art of soap making & how herbs can be used to create a botanically enriched soap fragrance.

Chestnuts you are delicious! We will forage & prize open burs by stomping our feet like horses. Then score, bake, & create a rich botanical chestnut sauce. Together we will make pappardelle (fresh pasta) & slurp on this simple but delicious lunch, with tiramisu, folk songs & peasant side dishes.

From the moment you enter our Antique Fair held in the majestic Art Deco Ballarat Civic Hall you will be amidst the. most beautiful antiques from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid century eras,

This free event is going to display more than 50 items, also this is the first time the City of Ballarat has ever exhibited these collections to public.

In conjunction with The Mechanics Institute the National Trust Ballarat Branch will run a walking tour, static display and information session. Fabulous photos of historic Ballarat, information about our built heritage and views not always available to the public.

Always been curious about the 165 year-old Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute but stopped short at the door? All are welcome to the ‘secular cathedral’ of the mechanics’ – no not that type of mechanic! Come along to our exhibition and talks to discover what we do and how institutions like ours survive.

With Ballarat’s stunning Victorian architecture as the backdrop the annual festival highlights the city’s golden past and evolving future. Starting May 17th and over the next 10 days experience all there is to offer and immerse yourself in Ballarat. https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

This display investigates some of the first catholic priests who worked in the surrounding goldfields and within the western district of Victoria. It explores the formation of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and the installation of Bishop Michael O’Connor in 1874 .

The Oddie Lecture recognises the legacy of James Oddie, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Observatory in 1886.

Explore and admire the historic Old Fire Station which is now home to Central Goldfields Art Gallery, with its distinctive National Trust classified bell tower & many other original features. Also view our current & diverse exhibitions: see centragoldfieldsartgallery.com.au for exhibition details.

Located in Australia's First Notable Town, Maldon District Museum offers a fascinating display of the life and times of Maldon and District from pre-gold discovery days. Artifacts, photographs and stories from the chaotic days of gold discovery to the creation of a township.

A unique opportunity to explore the original buildings and landscape of the Castlemaine Government Camp, where the official government in the district began in 1851. Be guided through the history and changing roles of the military, police and volunteers in goldfields administration and protection and explore the 1851-60 buildings and history of the goldfields government precinct.

Come and see a display on the history and heritage of the old Ballan Shire.

Over 130 years old, these relics from a long past era are being operated especially for visitors to the Heritage Festival. Starting from Castlemaine Station the heritage train takes you to Maldon where you can explore Australia's First Notable Town before returning to Castlemaine

Join Uncle Rick for a tour on Country to see the original heritage of this land on Djaara Country in the Castlemaine region. You will visit the National Trusts Tree of the Year 2023, the Guildford Big Tree plus see rock wells and grinding grooves and enjoy some bush teas.

Explore the connections of the artistic Leviny family to the places that were significant to their lives and loves in Castlemaine, in a brand new walking or driving tour. Come for a Mother's Day afternoon tea and discover their artistic connections or attend a life drawing class.