The festival calendar includes a range of tours, spanning everything from politics to natural history. Image: She Shapes History
Heading to the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival this April?
Running 13-28 April, this year’s festival is about uniting the community to celebrate the long and storied history of the region, stretching back tens of thousands of years.
This year marks 41 years of the festival, and there are over 120 events including workshops, guided tours and exhibitions.
You’ll find events catering for all ages and interests, both free and paid, in various locations across the territory.
Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together five must-see – and do – events.
Love in the Capital tour
This two-hour walking tour delves into the love stories that shaped the nation.
A crash course in Canberra’s historical gossip, it promises to be fun, spicy and a little scandalous.
Uncover the scandals that rocked the city, the power couples that inspired a nation, and the everyday love stories that flourished despite government policies.
It offers an eye-opening journey into the heart of the capital, showcasing its lesser-known but enthralling history of romance and passion.
- When: Saturday 13 April, Saturday 20 April and Saturday 27 April
- Where: Front steps of the Hyatt Hotel
- Cost: $50 per person
- Bookings required: Book now
Picnic at Rock Valley Homestead
Pack a picnic and make your way to the beautiful grounds of the heritage-listed Rock Valley Homestead and gardens.
Play traditional games, enjoy live music and grab a coffee. You can also take a ranger-led walk around Rock Valley’s farming precinct and beyond.
Chat with pioneer family descendants about how life was in the early days of Tidbinbilla’s pastoral history.
There will also be an authentic demonstration of eucalyptus oil manufacture, with volunteers ready to chat about Tidbinbilla’s association with this industry.
- When: Sunday, 14 April 2024
- Where: Historic Rock Valley Homestead, Tidbinbilla
- Cost: free. BYO picnic
- No bookings required
- Find out more
Memory, Identity and the Past – Connecting Canberrans to Territory Collections
This free panel talk is a collaboration between Canberra Museum and Gallery, ACT Historic Places and the ACT Heritage Library.
Join a panel of curators, archivists and librarians who work with ACT Government cultural, community and archival collections.
You’ll hear how they collectively and separately tell the story of Canberra through government records, photographs, artworks, personal ephemera and objects.
Learn how different collections can complement each other to tell a rich and personal story of the ACT in our national history.
- When: Wednesday 17 April
- Where: Canberra Museum and Gallery
- Cost: Free
- Bookings required: Book now
Wildbark Cultural Community Day
Head along to Wildbark for a family-friendly day of culture, nature, fun, food and community.
Join local Indigenous guides in a range of activities for both kids and adults. These include a Ngunnawal language children’s workshop, bush tucker cooking, Boomerang decorating and throwing and basket-weaving sessions.
In the evening, there’s an after-dark walk deep into Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary, including a star-gazing experience with a Mount Stromlo Observatory Outreach Officer.
- When: Saturday 27 April
- Where: Wildbark at Mulligans Flat, Throsby
- Cost: some free activities, some paid
- Bookings required: Book now
Heritage Market Day
Close out the festival with a trip back to the 1800s at historic Blundells Cottage.
Experience the sights, sounds and nostalgic delights of yesteryear by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Artisans from around the region will showcase their wares. Expect timeless treasures and creations reminiscent of a bygone era and pick up a unique festival keepsake for your home.
There will also be captivating workshops, lively music and dance displays.
- Where: Blundells Cottage, Parkes
- When: Sunday 28 April
- Cost: free
- No bookings required
- Find out more
See the full list of events and activities at the ACT Heritage Festival website.
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