Unearth Melbourne’s History at the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival
The Australian Heritage Festival returns to Victoria from 18 April to 18 May 2026, bringing with it hundreds of fascinating events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
For one month each year, historic homes, museums, libraries, gardens and community organisations open their doors to share the stories that shaped our state. You’ll find heritage walks, behind-the-scenes tours, talks, exhibitions, workshops and special open days—many of them free and run by passionate local volunteers.
The 2026 theme, Change invites us to reflect on how Victoria has evolved over time. History is never static. Our understanding of the past continues to grow as new perspectives emerge and communities reinterpret the stories that shaped them.
What dates are the Australian Heritage Festival 2026?
The Australian Heritage Festival Victoria will run from 18 April to 18 May 2026.
One of the best things about the Australian Heritage Festival is the opportunity to discover something new. Many participating organisations run programs throughout the year, but during the Heritage Festival they often present special events, rare access tours and one-off talks that you won’t normally see on the calendar.
It’s also a wonderful time to explore places you might not usually visit. From grand historic homes to neighbourhood walking tours, the program spans city laneways, regional towns, gardens, cemeteries and cultural institutions.
We’ve included some standout events below—including our popular Melbourne city walking tours with storyteller Paul, which are always a hit with readers.
If something catches your eye, it’s worth booking early, as many of the smaller tours and talks fill quickly.
Whether you’re passionate about architecture, curious about local history, or simply looking for an interesting day out, the Australian Heritage Festival is one of the best opportunities of the year to experience Victoria’s stories firsthand.
2026 Australian Heritage Festival Victoria Highlights
Melbourne CBD Highlights
Spirits & Ales Haunted Pub Tours (23 Apr 2026) Step into Melbourne’s darker past with this guided tour through historic pubs, uncovering ghost stories, hidden histories, and chilling tales along the way. A spirited night out with a difference. Tickets from $39.
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Guided Tour (Sat & Sun, 18 Apr – 17 May 2026) Follow the dramatic story of Ned Kelly’s final days on this immersive guided walk through key city locations tied to his legacy. Tickets from $5.
La Trobe’s Cottage (19 Apr 2026) Visit the historic home of Victoria’s first Lieutenant-Governor and learn about early Melbourne life. Tickets from $5.
Unearthing Melbourne Chinese History (9 May 2026) Explore the stories and contributions of Melbourne’s Chinese community on this engaging walking tour. Tickets from $10.
State Library of Victoria Walk (10 May 2026) Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks. Tickets from $35.
Under the Clocks 3-Hour Walking Tour (Fri 24 Apr – 15 May 2026) A comprehensive guided walk uncovering hidden laneways, landmarks, and fascinating stories. Tickets from $60.
Victoria’s Government House Tours (4 May 2026) Step inside one of Victoria’s grandest residences with a guided tour of its history and interiors. Tickets from $18.
Hardware Lane Precinct: 90-minute Walking Tour (Fridays 2 – 3.30 pm). Behind Bourke Street, uncover the old warehouses, service lanes and quiet corners revealing how the city has reinvented itself over time. Tickets $40.
Inner Melbourne event highlights
Chapel Street Walk – Prahran’s Iconic Buildings (22 Apr 2026) Uncover the stories behind Chapel Street’s most iconic buildings. Tickets from $22.
Wandering Writers – Writing Walk: Ch-Ch-Changes (26 Apr 2026) A creative walking tour in Brunswick exploring Melbourne’s literary past and present. Tickets from $40.
The Pubs of Williamstown (7 May 2026) Discover Williamstown’s maritime and social history through its historic pubs. Free.
Heritage Walk of Old Essendon (3 May 2026) Explore historic homes and streetscapes in Essendon. Tickets from $20.
Marvellous Mansions Walk, East Melbourne (19 Apr 2026) Admire grand historic homes and learn about their past residents. Tickets from $35.
Heritage Walk – Princes Hill (2 May 2026) Uncover the charm and history of this leafy inner suburb. Tickets from $15.
Secrets of the Stacks, Prahan (24 Apr 2026) Go behind the scenes to explore hidden collections and stories. Tickets from $22.
An Artist’s Life: Vienna to Melbourne (26 Apr 2026) Explore an artist’s journey across continents and cultures at Duldig Studio in Malvern East. Tickets from $15.
Symphony in the West (26 Apr 2026) Enjoy a unique blend of music and heritage in Melbourne’s west. Tickets from $10.
Related reading: Free Williamstown Heritage Walks: step back in time by the Bay
Regional Victoria event highlights
Women of Influence, Camberwell (18 Apr 2026) Celebrate stories of women who shaped regional Victoria. Free event.
Geelong and Bellarine Yarn Show (18 Apr 2026) A vibrant showcase of yarn, textiles, and craftsmanship. Tickets from $5.
Heritage Trade Card Swap, Benalla (29 Apr – 2 May 2026) A unique event for collectors to swap vintage trade cards. Free.
Change Through Time: Phillip Island Then & Now (18 Apr 2026) Explore how Phillip Island has evolved over time. Free.
Quarantined: Stories Behind the Gates, Portsea (18 Apr – 17 May 2026) Uncover powerful quarantine history stories. Tickets from $24.
Old Cheese Factory Pastel Drawing in the Gardens, Berwick (18 Apr 2026) Enjoy a relaxing art session in a historic garden setting. Tickets from $25.
Historic Bendigo City Walking Tour, Bendigo (18 Apr – 18 May 2026) Discover Bendigo’s gold rush history and architecture. Tickets from $55.
Related reading: Bendigo without the gallery? Still absolutely worth the trip
More Heritage Festival Highlights
Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Lightkeepers Houses Tours, Cape Schanck (18 Apr 2026) Climb the lighthouse and explore historic buildings. Tickets from $22.
Grave Insanity: Ararat Cemetery Walking Tour, Ararat (18 Apr 2026) Discover intriguing and eerie stories from the past. Tickets from $20.
Lake View House Open Day, Chiltern (18 Apr – 16 May 2026) Step inside a beautifully preserved historic home. Tickets from $15.
Dow’s Pharmacy Open Day, Chiltern (18 Apr – 16 May 2026) Visit a perfectly preserved 19th-century pharmacy. Tickets from $5.
Deluxe High Tea with Guided Tour, White Hills (18 Apr 2026) Indulge in high tea paired with a guided heritage tour. Tickets from $115.
Related reading: Visiting Chiltern: My Regional Recipe for a Tranquil Weekend
Free Heritage Festival Highlights
Living Off the Land Foraging Tour, South Melbourne (18 Apr 2026) Learn how to identify edible plants in an urban setting on this hands-on tour. Free event.
Melbourne in Retrospect by Harper & Charlie, Melbourne (18 Apr 2026) Explore Melbourne’s past through engaging stories and visuals. Free event.
Boyd Family Digital Walking Tour, Murrumbeena (18 Apr – 18 May 2026) A self-guided digital tour exploring the Boyd family legacy. Free event.
Hoddle Grid – The Great Land Grab, Melbourne (20 Apr 2026) Discover how Melbourne’s iconic grid was designed and developed. Free event.
Melbourne Heritage Interiors: Hidden, Lost and Iconic, Melbourne (21 Apr 2026) Explore beautiful and lesser-known interiors across the city. Free event.
Toilets of Naarm: From the Distasteful and Dirty to the Clean and Pristine, Melbourne (16 May 2026) A quirky look at the evolution of public toilets in Melbourne. Free event.
Tips for finding, booking, and attending Australian Heritage Festival Events
Planning to explore Melbourne and Victoria’s rich history at the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival? Here’s how to make the most of it.
- Browse the Full Program: Visit the official Australian Heritage Festival website for a complete list of events. You can filter by location, date, and event type to find something that suits your interests.
- Follow Social Media: Keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram, and local council pages for updates, featured events, and last-minute additions.
- Check Local Historical Societies & Museums: Many smaller, community-run events aren’t widely advertised, so check with local historical societies, libraries, and museums for hidden gems.
- Plan by Theme: Whether you love architecture, Indigenous culture, gold rush history, or labour movements, use the festival theme (Unearthed) to guide your choices.
- Reserve Early: Many events, especially tours and special exhibitions, have limited capacity and book out fast. Secure your spot as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
- Look for Free Events: Many walks, talks, and open days are free, but some may still require booking due to limited space.
- Check for Group Discounts & Concessions: Some ticketed events offer discounts for seniors, groups, or National Trust members—so always ask.
- Confirm Accessibility Options: If you have mobility concerns, check event details for wheelchair access, seating availability, and public transport options.
- Use Public Transport: Many events are near train stations or tram stops, making it easy to get around. Seniors Myki cardholders get 50% off public transport.
- Bring a Notebook or Camera: If you love history and storytelling, jot down interesting facts or take photos (where permitted) to remember key details.
- Ask Questions & Engage: Many events have passionate guides and historians—don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more.
- Make a Day of It: Many heritage sites are in scenic locations, so why not explore a nearby café, garden, or museum while you’re there?
- Sign Up for Festival Newsletters: Get the latest updates on new events and changes by subscribing to the festival mailing list.
- Check for Last-Minute Availability: If an event is fully booked, keep checking—sometimes spots become available due to cancellations.
With hundreds of events to choose from, a little planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Enjoy Your Heritage Adventure
From guided walks to hands-on workshops, the Australian Heritage Festival is your chance to experience history in a way that’s both engaging and immersive. With so much to see and do, now’s the time to start planning your itinerary.
To explore the full program and book your tickets, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/vic/
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
