Events to get crafty during this year’s Australian Heritage Festival (Victoria)
What better way to experience our past than witnessing and engaging in the traditional crafts we’ve practiced for centuries? Here are some great festival activities to get you inspired and unearth your creativity.
National Trust Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend
Step into the past at Anderson’s Mill, a striking five-storey bluestone mill nestled between two creeks in Smeaton. Explore traditional crafts like spinning, weaving, and sock making, see live printing and blacksmithing in action, and admire handmade guitars from a local luthier. Outside, enjoy woodworking demos, steam engines, vintage vehicles, native plants, and stalls with honey, preserves, and local olive oil. BARAC radio operators will be connecting with mills around the world, and the gardens will be buzzing with creativity. Entry is free, and food and coffee are available on site.
When: 10th & 11th of May
Where: Anderson’s Mill, Smeaton
Presented by Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend Inc.
The Heights Heritage Skills & Traditions Autumn Fair
Celebrate heritage skills in action at The Heights Autumn Fair in Geelong. Enjoy live demonstrations from local artisans including lace makers, bee keepers, and woodworkers, and discover the art of painting conservation. Wander through the 170-year-old gardens lovingly maintained by volunteers, browse the plant sale, and visit the National Trust Pop-Up Shop. House tours (additional cost) and a delicious selection of homemade cakes, scones, and tea will complete your day. All proceeds support heritage conservation efforts in Victoria.
When: 26th of April
Where: The Heights Heritage House & Garden, Newtown
Presented by National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Colours Unearthed – Wool Dyeing Workshop
Uncover the art of natural dyeing at historic Tarndwarncoort Homestead, the birthplace of the Polwarth sheep breed. Guided by a sixth-generation custodian, you’ll use native plants such as eucalyptus, native cherry, and indigo to dye local wool and create your own beanie. Learn about the unique history of this heritage-listed wool-growing property while working in the original 1840s homestead. This immersive one-day workshop blends traditional skills with sustainable craft in a truly authentic setting.
When: 10th of May
Where: Tarndwarncoort Homestead, Warncoort
Presented by Tarndwarncoort Homestead
Behind the Scenes at the Embroiderers Guild, Victoria
Take a rare look inside the Embroiderers Guild in Malvern and explore their rich collection of historic embroidery, books, lace, and tools. Enjoy guided tours of the heritage building, view demonstrations of traditional techniques, and see the new permanent gallery display featuring hand-stitched flowers and leaves. Discover the artistry behind smocking, lace-making, and more, all showcased by passionate Guild members from across Victoria.
When: 11th of May
Where: The Embroiderers Guild (Victoria), Malvern
Presented by The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria
Make Soap, Extract Essential Oil & Local Soap Making History
Get hands-on with heritage skills in this immersive soap-making and distillation workshop at ORTO Farm. Learn the fascinating history of soap, understand the science behind lye, and explore the use of natural pigments and essential oils. You’ll be introduced to traditional cold-process techniques, create your own formulas, and go home with a beautiful gift pack including handmade soap and a bottle of hydrosol. This workshop blends ancient knowledge with modern sustainability to empower your creativity.
When: 18th of May
Where: ORTO Farm, Blampied
Presented by Village Dreaming
