Connecting the nation for more than 40 years, the Australian Heritage Festival, coordinated by the National Trust and supported by the NSW Government through Heritage NSW, returns with unmatched access to special events, exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, open days, ceremonies, and demonstrations this April and May.
Spanning from the cities to the regions, the 2023 Australian Heritage Festival features in-person and online offerings. A third of the events featured in the 2023 calendar are FREE, with the remainder ticketed or charged via gold coin donation.
Here's some highlights and for the full program go to >> australianheritagefestival.org.au/
Open Day: The Mint, Sydney View The Mint’s collections up close, hear from experts on a range of fascinating topics, take a behind-the-scenes tour and relax with refreshments.
Twilight at May Gibbs’ Nutcote, Kurraba Point Visit the beautiful home of May Gibbs, Australia’s foremost children’s author and illustrator. Watch the sun set over the water from May’s Garden, take a guided tour of her house and picnic on the lawn.
The River: Burramatta to Cockatoo, Old Government House, Parramatta This new exhibition tells the stories of centuries of use of the Parramatta River, including by the Burramattagal, and explores the impacts of colonisation and industrialisation on the River, its use for recreation and the current clean-up campaign to allow swimming once more. Special school holiday tours available.
Murder, Mayhem and Scandal: Forgotten Stories of Woollahra Uncover the dark secrets, mysteries and scandals of Woollahra, now known for its opulence, class and architectural beauty, that were buried away long ago with the hope of being forgotten.
Twilight Poetry Lantern Light Trail, Tilba Enjoy poetry by lantern light as you traverse a trail exploring the historical ballade and their origins, recited by artists and poets positioned along this unique free walk.
“We are delighted to invite the community to join the Australian Heritage Festival celebrations,” said Debbie Mills, Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust (NSW).
“This year’s theme Shared Stories is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to join in, share their own stories and reflect on those stories that will shape the future for generations to come. We thank the many community groups, organisations and individuals who have taken the time to organise these unique Festival experiences so that people of all ages and backgrounds can engage in heritage right across NSW,” added Debbie Mills.
Pictured, Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest.