Unearthed: Australian Heritage Festival shines light on hidden histories

South Wharf’s Polly Woodside is at the centre of Victoria’s largest heritage celebration with the return of the Australian Heritage Festival (Victoria) in May.

Delivered by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and supported by the Heritage Council Victoria and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid, the festival offers a rich, state-wide program that runs until May 18.

With more than 300 events on offer – from free experiences to ticketed events – the festival invites Victorians to delve into the stories, landmarks and communities that have helped shape the state’s unique cultural fabric.

Under this year’s theme, Unearthed, the spotlight turns to hidden chapters in Victoria’s history.

The program celebrates the influence of migrant and queer communities and acknowledges the enduring legacy of women whose contributions have often gone unrecognised.

In South Wharf, festival-goers are invited to Polly Woodside on May 9 for Connections to the Birrarung – a special public adaptation of a cultural education program usually reserved for school groups.

“We run a cultural program where a facilitator from the Wurundjeri Aboriginal Corporation comes on site and shares these amazing stories of connection and purpose and meaning of the Birrarung, the Yarra River, and what it means to the Wurundjeri people today and in past times,” education and public programs manager Nicola Dziadkiewicz said.

The event will also include a tour aboard the historic ship, linking the river’s pre-colonial significance with its post-colonial history.

“We thought that we would take that to a general public audience and share those stories beyond school-aged students,” she said.

We just wanted to bring to light the strongest story of the Yarra, and celebrate all the rich stories and cultural significance of the river for all audiences – pre-colonial and post-colonial.

“It’s really important for people to understand why things are where they are, how they evolved, how they’re changing – because the more we learn about the past, the more we learn about ourselves and our community.”

Across the festival’s wide-reaching program, attendees can expect walking tours, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly experiences.

From touring heritage homes to riding vintage trains and unearthing the secrets of Victoria’s goldfields, there’s something to discover for all ages. •