Uncover the captivating story of two extraordinary women, Helena and Harriet Scott, whose love of nature and tremendous skill in rendering its beauty enabled them to distinguish themselves amid the male-dominated world of 19th century science. An exhibition produced by the Australian Museum.

Join Gunditjmara man Shea Rotumah in a conversation about his culture and his relationship and spiritual connections with country, including Dean Mar and the coastal formations of Cape Nelson. He will talk about Aboriginal occupation of coastal areas, including evidence of that occupation.

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

A special day of fun and discovery, families will get a taste of the migrant experiences that helped to shape modern Australia when they attend Children’s Day at Bonegilla Migrant Experience on Sunday, April 21.

Join us under the heritage listed Morton Bay fig trees* for a special Story Time that encourages families to consider their own unique stories and the journeys they have taken to be where they are today.

To celebrate the launch of the 2024 Heritage Festival, come on down to Melton Library to enjoy a event that's sure to spark your curiosity.
Enjoy live entertainment and get a sneak peek at the exciting line-up of upcoming Heritage Festival events.

Embark on a layered journey into the past, intertwined with the pressing issues facing migratory birds today. Join us for illustrator and writer Sally Nansen's captivating exploration in "The Birds - A Fairy Tale," a unique glimpse into the world of a 19th-century child and a small migratory bird.

As part of the Melton Heritage festival, join award-winning podcaster and musician Simon Reich as he recounts the experiences of post World-War-Two migrants in the Bonegilla Migrant Camp through interviews, video and live music.

To celebrate the much-anticipated Australian Royal Tour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the accession of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark the interiors of historic East Melbourne townhouse, Fairhall, have been theatrically reimagined by guest curator Vincent Jenden.

His name has become synonymous with courage, the phrase “game as Ned Kelly” having become part of the Australian lexicon. Regardless of your viewpoint the Kelly legend is enshrined in Australian folklore. Join us to hear about some whose lives became linked with Ned’s - the Ned Kelly Connections

House museums often contain collection objects with dark pasts. Drawing on examples from The Johnston Collection, this lecture considers some of the ethical questions addressed by museum and gallery professionals today. What are appropriate narratives for historical collections in 2024?

Join me for a walk down Collins Street starting from the top end at the former Treasury as we uncover colourful characters and their Collins Street connections. Be fascinated as you are introduced to these characters and discover their stories linking people and places to the sites we visit.

Learn to sketch with watercolour pencils and be inspired by antiques and beautiful objects. Your class will be held in Fairhall, the 1860s home of The Johnston Collection, a museum of fine and decorative arts in East Melbourne. All materials are provided and absolute beginners are welcome.

Join magician and historian Dr Jo Clyne and historian Dr David Waldron as they explore through magic Harry Houdini's life and fateful 1910 Australian trip.

Connect with the history of the Schwerkolt family and see inside the German style Cottage with a guide. Learn how the stone to build the Cottage was quarried nearby and how the family used small wall openings to communicate with each other. Visit the Museum and enjoy the parklands after the tour.

Glimpse is an immersive group exhibition featuring works from each of the 44 studios participating in the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program. This collective display of local talent highlights their individual approaches to art-making whilst exploring a shared theme...Glimpse.

Immerse yourself in the refined world of antiques at the 2024 AAADA Antiques & Art Fair Melbourne, held in the historic Malvern Town Hall. Explore distinctive collections for purchase, unwind with Scotchmans Hill Evening Drinks, engage in insightful tours, and appraisals to elevate your experience.

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

Come and try traditional children's games from First Nations communities across mainland and the Torres Strait Islands. Many of the games you see today have evolved from traditional games of the past. Stretch your body and mind as we play and learn together.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Aunty Pauline will regrettably not be able to join us on Big Country Games.

A special tour of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum's social history exhibition Connections: People, Place, Stories exploring intriguing links between the objects and images on display, featuring wineries and fresh produce, creatives (including Dame Nellie Melba), and ongoing First Nation culture.

Join tour guide Gordon Stokes for a walking tour of a selection of central Portland's bluestone structures, focusing on construction methods used by 19 Century stone cutters and masons and an understanding of conservation methods required to maintain the bluestone structures for future generations.