Victoria’s biggest celebration of heritage returns on Friday, 18 April, with the launch of the\u00a0Australian Heritage Festival (Victoria)\u00a0\u2013 presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and proudly supported by the Heritage Council Victoria and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s rich story.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme,\u00a0Unearthed, brings to light hidden histories and untold stories \u2013 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s gold rush past.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Festival highlights include\u00a0The Alchemy of Gold\u00a0forum 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\u2019s identity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Geelong,\u00a0The Heights Heritage Skills & Traditions Autumn Fair\u00a0on 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Bendigo, families can enjoy\u00a0The Heritage Fiesta\u00a0on 17 May, with free entry to iconic sites including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways, and the Bendigo Joss House Temple.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At\u00a0Melbourne\u2019s 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\u2019Aprano and Bob Hawke, while learning about more than 150 years of workers\u2019 rights history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Visitors can also gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes Tours of the\u00a0See Yup Temple\u00a0in 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2025 Festival also comes at a significant moment for Victoria, following the addition of the Victorian Goldfields to Australia\u2019s World Heritage Tentative List \u2013 a major milestone in recognising the global significance of the state\u2019s gold rush legacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n