Victorian Stories Unearthed at Australia’s Largest Heritage Festival

Victoria’s biggest celebration of heritage returns on Friday, 18 April, with the launch of the Australian Heritage Festival (Victoria) – presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and proudly supported by the Heritage Council Victoria and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. 

Running until Sunday, 18 May, the festival features more than 300 free and ticketed events across Victoria and invites visitors to explore the people, places and cultures that have shaped the state’s rich story. 

This year’s theme, Unearthed, brings to light hidden histories and untold stories – highlighting the contributions of migrant and queer communities, as well as the lasting legacy of women who helped build and shape our cities and towns. 

The month-long program offers something for everyone, with walking tours, exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly experiences spanning urban centres and regional towns. Visitors can step inside historic homes, board vintage trains, or uncover the secrets of Victoria’s gold rush past. 

Festival highlights include The Alchemy of Gold forum in Campbells Creek from 16 to 18 May, which will examine how the 1850s gold rush transformed Victoria. Historians, experts, and community members will explore the profound and lasting impact of this era on the state’s identity. 

In Geelong, The Heights Heritage Skills & Traditions Autumn Fair on 26 April offers visitors a chance to step back in time with heritage gardens, traditional crafts, and hands-on demonstrations that showcase skills passed down through generations. 

In Bendigo, families can enjoy The Heritage Fiesta on 17 May, with free entry to iconic sites including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways, and the Bendigo Joss House Temple. 

At Melbourne’s Trades Hall, special heritage tours on 21 and 28 April and 5 and 12 May invite visitors to walk in the footsteps of labour movement icons such as John Curtin, Zelda D’Aprano and Bob Hawke, while learning about more than 150 years of workers’ rights history. 

Visitors can also gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes Tours of the See Yup Temple in South Melbourne on 4 May. Historian and curator Dr. Sophie Couchman will guide guests through the fire-damaged temple, sharing insights into its restoration and showcasing rare heritage objects up close. 

The 2025 Festival also comes at a significant moment for Victoria, following the addition of the Victorian Goldfields to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List – a major milestone in recognising the global significance of the state’s gold rush legacy. 

The Australian Heritage Festival runs from Friday 18 April to Sunday 18 May 2025. Full program details are available at: www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/vic 

The festival is proudly presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in partnership with the Heritage Council Victoria and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.