Ready, set... festival!

Hold on to your hats heritage enthusiasts! The Australian Heritage Festival, the country's largest community-driven heritage event, returns with an incredibly diverse program of events to celebrate our State’s natural, cultural, Indigenous, living and built heritage from 10 April – 14 May 2023.

View the full program of events at nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/nsw

Event details are correct at the time of printing. Please check the Australian Heritage Festival website or the National Trust website for updates and to purchase tickets.

THE RIVER: BURRAMATTA TO COCKATOO

OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA

UNTIL 26 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM

This exhibition uncovers centuries of use of the Parramatta River, beginning with the Burramattagal people. Discover stories of colonisation, industrialisation, conservation and recreation through time, and reflect upon your own connection to the river as you explore this World Heritage-listed property.

Tickets: Members free, adults $15, concession $12, family $42, children under five free

CORNEY’S GARAGE, HARTLEY HISTORIC SITE

1 APRIL – 28 MAY, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM

(CLOSED 1PM – 1:30PM)

The Moment in Time Exhibition captures a snapshot of the history of the Hartley Valley. The First Nations people who called it home and the explorers, the road makers and some of the early settlers are all part of the story the exhibition tells.

Tickets: Adults gold coin donation, children under five free

PORTER’S HOUSE, NEWCASTLE WEST

9 – 10 APRIL, 1PM – 4PM

Step back in time with displays of the past and get competitive in a special golden egg hunt at Miss Porter's House this Easter.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

WOOLLAHRA HOTEL

11 APRIL, 7PM – 8:30PM

Despite being one of the world’s most beautiful and recognisable locations, Sydney Harbour’s wharves, coves, points and bays have also been places of horrific crimes. Wine in hand, hear the evidence as the harbour’s dark secrets are revealed.

Tickets: Members $25, adults $30

RETFORD PARK, BOWRAL

14 APRIL, 10:30AM & 12:30PM

Enjoy an enchanting theatre performance travelling through hidden nooks of the property’s stunning gardens with Fairy Lilly and other mischievous creatures.

Tickets: $20, children under three free

RIVERSDALE, GOULBURN

15 APRIL, 10:30AM – 12:30PM

See how history informs the present at Riversdale. Learn how letters between sisters guide new plantings and how oral histories shared by Twynam descendants help bring flavour and personality to this muchloved heritage property. Morning tea included.

Tickets: Members $25, adults $30, concession $27, family $78, children under five free

DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD, DUBBO

15 – 16 APRIL, 10:30AM – 4PM

Browse an incredible exhibition of bridal fashions from 1860 to 1960. Hear from two guest speakers and enjoy morning tea at Dundullimal Homestead.

Tickets: Members and concession $25, adults $30, children under five free

OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA

11 – 20 APRIL, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 11AM – 12PM

Bring the children on this special family tour of Old Government House’s new exhibition, led by Curator Anna Ridley. Explore the history of the Parramatta River over centuries of use for transport, food, fun and Indigenous culture.

Tickets: Members free, adults $15, concession $12, family $42, children under five free

EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA

13 APRIL – 13 MAY, VARIOUS DAYS & TIMES

GLORIOUS GARDENS IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

WILSON

Learn the techniques and skills needed to capture the raw, natural beauty of Everglades House & Gardens overlooking World Heritagelisted wilderness. Half and full-day workshops available. A delicious Devonshire Tea is included.

Tickets: Half day from $80, full day from $170

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS COUNTRY GARDENS

15 – 16 APRIL

Brought to you by The Women's Committee

Explore stunning cool-climate gardens of great diversity and charm in the Moss Vale and Bowral districts, some opening to visitors for the very first time. There’s also the option to enjoy evening drinks at Retford Park.

Tickets: Self-drive from $150 and optional drinks package $35

HIGHLAND ESTATE, MAYFIELD

16 APRIL, 2PM – 5:30PM

Enjoy a captivating walk around the high end of the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield – known in the 1880s and 1890s as the “Toorak of Newcastle”.

Tickets: Members and concession $25, adults $28

YARRAMALONG OLD SCHOOL

16 APRIL, 10AM – 5PM

Uncover Yarramalong's natural, cultural and Indigenous stories. Explore historic buildings, browse curated local art and enjoy musical and cultural entertainment as well as a selection of fine food, beverages and craftwork.

Tickets: Entry by donation

19 APRIL, 10AM – 4PM

Visit the home of Australian-born explorer, Hamilton Hume, on the 150th anniversary of his death. Hear stories of his life and retrace his footsteps as you explore Cooma Cottage. Go in the raffle draw to win a rare Picconia excelsa tree, cultivated from cuttings at the property.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PARRAMATTA

21 APRIL, 19 MAY, 16 JUNE, 7:30PM – 10:30PM

With more than 200 years of history, Old Government House is no stranger to eerie encounters. Learn about our colonial past as you retrace the steps of those who walked its corridors – if you dare!

Tickets: Members $32, adults $35

RECONCILIATION CHALLENGE EXHIBITION

DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD, DUBBO

17 APRIL – 20 MAY, MONDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, 11AM – 3PM

EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA

26 MAY – 24 JULY, WEDNESDAY – MONDAY, 10AM – 4PM

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge exhibition showcases a powerful selection of stunning artworks and writing by school students inspired by First Nations peoples’ understanding of Country. (Artwork: The Only Ones Holding On by Ayda Haureliuk, Maribyrnong Primary School).

Tickets: Prices vary

LINDESAY, DARLING POINT

19 APRIL, 6PM – 8PM

Ever wished that walls could talk? Uncover the stories of the past at a special after-dark tour of historic Lindesay. Enjoy a glass of wine and canapés in the garden overlooking Sydney Harbour before exploring this spectacular 1830s property as night falls.

Tickets: $35

VARIOUS VENUES AND TIMES ACROSS SUTHERLAND SHIRE

22 APRIL – 18 MAY

This popular festival offers a colourful array of locally-run events. Take a ride on a vintage bus, trace your family history, join a guided walking tour, board the oldest commuter ferry, enjoy live performances and exhibitions, witness historic working machinery and more.

Tickets: Prices vary

EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS, LEURA

UNTIL 23 APRIL, WEDNESDAY – MONDAY, 10AM – 4PM

View a stunning collection of original Art Deco travel posters from the 1930s and 40s, on display alongside other memorabilia from Saumarez Homestead descendant Mary White's overseas travels.

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free

28 – 30 APRIL, TIMES VARY

View a diverse and eclectic exhibition of works inspired by the people and nature of historic Hunter’s Hill, Australia’s oldest garden suburb, by local artist Robyn Ross.

Tickets: Free

MAITLAND

29 – 30 APRIL

One of Australia’s premier festivals of steam, Steamfest offers an impressive assembly of steam trains, live music, mini steam train and vintage diesel rides, family-friendly activities, vintage machinery, market stalls, car displays and more.

Tickets: Free

PARRAMATTA

29 APRIL, 2PM – 4PM

Join this guided tour to unearth the remarkable and sometimes terrible stories of the people buried at Mays Hill since the 1830s, including explorers, soldiers, sailing captains, nobility, murderers and more!

Tickets: Members $12, adults $15, concession $12

TURRAMURRA

30 APRIL, 10AM – 12PM

Led by Angus M. Robinson, one of Australia’s leading geotourism proponents, this gentle guided walk will provide magnificent insights into one of Ku-ring-gai’s rarest and most important urban forests.

Tickets: Free

RICHMOND

2 MAY, 9:30AM – 12PM

Led by conservation architect Graham Edds and Hawkesbury historian Jan Barkley-Jack, this tour takes you to some of Richmond's most unique pre-1850s cottages and churches to uncover their stories.

Tickets: Members $15, adults $20, concession $18, family $45, children under five free

Similar to a rock cake, these small buns are a classic for Easter or any afternoon tea. The recipe comes from a hand-written card kept in the original kitchen at Saumarez Homestead in Armidale, and is part of a collection gathered by Mary White. An important figure in the history of the Country Women's Association, whose members are celebrated for their baking, Mary was a founding member of the Armidale branch. Her cards often recorded the name of the person who gave her the recipe. While we may never know exactly who Mrs Ross was, her sugar buns live on as a quick, inexpensive treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

60g unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (220g) caster sugar

2 eggs

3 cups (450g) plain flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

1 cup currants

2 tablespoons raw or demerara sugar

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar with electric beater or by hand until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

3. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture in several lots, alternating with the milk, and stir with a wooden spoon or knife until combined to form a moist, sticky dough. If it looks a bit dry, add a little more milk. Using a knife, mix in the currants.

4. Place large heaped dessertspoonfuls of the mixture on the tray, spaced about 5 centimetres apart, and sprinkle with the raw sugar. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Makes about 15 buns.

Tip: This recipe is very sweet for modern tastes so you might want to reduce the amount of caster sugar. Mrs Ross also suggested using sultanas and mixed peel as well as currants.

S.H. ERVIN GALLERY, OBSERVATORY HILL

6 MAY – 23 JULY, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 11AM – 5PM

The Salon des Refusés is the ‘alternative’ selection of entries to the annual Archibald and Wynne prizes. Browse contemporary works, different approaches to portraiture and responses to landscape, each selected for quality, diversity, humour and experimentation.

(Artwork: The sisters (in black after Hugh Ramsey) Allegra Spender and Bianca Spender by Zoe Young).

Tickets: Members free, adults $15, concession $12, family $42, children under five free

A stylish way to protect your tabletops from hot pots and dishes.

These beautiful trivets are made in Australia from sustainably-sourced local timbers, including myrtle, blackwood, jarrah and Tasmanian oak. Crafted in the shape of well-known native flora and fauna, each trivet reflects the unique colour and grain of natural wood. Sealed for protection to repel stains and resist heat.

BUY ONLINE AT shop.nationaltrust.org.au

ARMORY VISITORS CENTRE, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

6 MAY, 10AM – 11:30AM

Travel back in time to when Newington Armory was the major naval depot on the east coast of Australia. Hear stories of another era and tour iconic Armory buildings, including the old Gunpowder Magazine with lamplight tunnels and fascinating museum displays.

Tickets: Adults $20, concession $17, children $17

RIVERSDALE, GOULBURN

UNTIL 7 MAY, FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, 10AM – 2PM

This exhibition celebrates the joy of Riversdale’s impressive gardens. Browse the beautiful nature-inspired artworks of former resident Emily Rose Twynam and delight in elaborate floral displays.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

HAWKESBURY DUCK MUSEUM, SPENCER

7 MAY, 9:30AM – 12:30PM

Explore the story of food on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. Sip native tea, hear stories of the early colonial menu, walk alongside remnants of the great routes from Sydney to the Hunter, learn to identify native Indigenous ingredients and visit sites crucial to the historical transportation of food.

Tickets: Members $55, adults $65, children $30

DOLTONE HOUSE, PYRMONT

12 MAY, 11:30AM – 3PM

The 29th annual Heritage Awards is a unique chance to unite the sector in celebration of our State’s diverse heritage projects, innovation and achievements. Guests can look forward to an exciting speaker line-up, networking opportunities and a delicious three-course meal.

Tickets: From $155

OLD COURT HOUSE, WOLLONGONG

13 MAY, 9AM – 2PM

Interested in maintaining the existing character of your suburb? Concerned about the loss of local heritage? This one-day seminar covers important aspects of heritage advocacy and conservation that will leave you feeling enlightened and inspired. Morning and afternoon tea is included.

Tickets: $15

GROSSMANN HOUSE, MAITLAND

14 MAY, 10:30AM – 3PM

For a special Mother’s Day treat, take an intriguing tour through historic Grossmann House and enjoy a suitably styled offering of Victorian-esque homemade delectables in the garden.

Tickets: Members $30, adults $35, concession $33

KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK

7 MAY, 9AM – 11AM

Join a National Parks and Wildlife Service volunteer guide and unravel the mysteries and history of the gun emplacements that were inaccessible to the public until 2014. Stunning wildflowers and resident soaring sea eagles will keep you going as you conquer the walk. Not for the faint-hearted!

Tickets: Adults $15, concession $10, family $40, children $10

MISS PORTER’S HOUSE, NEWCASTLE WEST

14 MAY, 1PM – 4PM

Treat mum to a slice of history and enjoy a special display of memorabilia from three generations of remarkable Porter women. Afterwards, visit the market stall and check out our free children’s activity.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

DUNDULLIMAL HOMESTEAD, DUBBO

21 MAY, 12:30PM – 4PM

Pack a picnic and get ready to revel in a delightful afternoon of operatic magic from around the world, presented by Macquarie Conservatorium and performed outdoors in the beautiful gardens of historic Dundullimal.

Tickets: Members and concession $25, adults $30, family $60, student $7, group $25pp

NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY, FAULCONBRIDGE

UNTIL 29 MAY, THURSDAY – MONDAY, 10AM – 4PM

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Norman Lindsay Gallery with a visit to our special exhibition featuring an array of fine works loaned from public and private collections.

Tickets: Members free, adults $17, concession $15, family $49, children under five free

MISS PORTER’S HOUSE, NEWCASTLE WEST

11 JUNE, 1PM – 4PM

The Porter women were prolific producers of fabulous clothing and household textiles. A century of stylish and changing fashions is captured in striking Edwardian studio photos, homemade clothing and charming accessories.

Tickets: Members free, adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under five free

GROSSMANN HOUSE, MAITLAND

18 JUNE, 10AM – 3PM

See the historic Church Street precinct come alive. As part of the celebrations, join a tour of Grossmann House and enjoy refreshments in the garden before visiting neighbouring Brough House to view a fascinating art exhibition and the Fibre Maker’s Space.

Tickets: Members free (donations appreciated), adults and concession $5, children under five free

KING STREET WHARF, SYDNEY

31 MAY, 7PM – 10PM

See the spectacular light festival from iconic Sydney Harbour during a three-hour private charter cruise aboard the Starship Aqua. Includes petit canapés, a sit-down three-course dinner and drinks.

Tickets: $130

BROUGH HOUSE, MAITLAND

3 JUNE – 16 JULY, WEEKENDS, 10AM – 3PM

Inspired by an extensive historical collection of textiles and soft furnishings, as well as Grossmann and Brough houses and their gardens, Artist-in-Residence Vicki Cornish will display her site-specific works for you to view.

Tickets: Free, but donations gratefully accepted

SAVE THE DATE – ORANGE IN BLOOM

ORANGE, 4 – 5 NOVEMBER

Brought to you by The Women's Committee

Visit an array of spectacular private town and country gardens, during the height of their spring glory, around Orange in Central West NSW, renowned for its temperate climate and rich basalt soil. Enquiries: lindesay@nationaltrust.com.au