What to do at Heritage Festival

It’s one of Sydney’s favourite celebrations of the past and present. The Australian Heritage Festival is back, inviting you to explore the stories, places and communities that shape our city. From curator-led tours and creative archive workshops to guided walks, there are plenty of ways to connect with Sydney’s rich heritage.

Take a tour of Model Makers

Join City of Sydney historian Laila Ellmoos for a curator-led tour of the Model Makers exhibition and discover the story behind Sydney’s scale city model, one of our most important urban planning tools.

Tuesday 21 April from 12pm to 1pm

Customs House

Make a laser-cut print from the archives

Led by experienced facilitators, this hands-on workshop introduces lasercut printmaking using images from the City of Sydney Archives. Learn basic laser cutting and printmaking skills, and take home your own archival-inspired artwork.

Tuesday 5 May from 10:30am to 1:30pm

Darling Square Library

Walk on the Golden Mile

Heritage expert Matt Devine guides a tour along Oxford Street’s Golden Mile, exploring the history of this iconic strip and its deep connections to Sydney’s LGBTIQA+ communities.

Thursday 7 May from 1pm to 2pm

Hyde Park

Create a texture print at Taylor Square

Uncover the changing history of Taylor Square at this creative walking workshop. Work with artists from Pine Street Creative Arts Centre to make a mini-relief print book using textures gathered along the way.

Wednesday 13 May from 1:30pm to 3pm

Taylor Square

Learn about the birth of the Golden Mile

Hear from heritage specialists, historians and cultural figures as they explore the evolution of Oxford Street and the birth of the Golden Mile as a vibrant LGBTIQA+ cultural hub.

Thursday 14 May from 1pm to 2pm

Qtopia Sydney

Create your own accessory

Use images from the City of Sydney Archives to design and make your own lasercut jewellery. This beginner-friendly workshop introduces basic laser cutting and jewellery making techniques.

Tuesday 9 September from 10:30am to 1:30pm

Darling Square Library

Take a stroll through history and time on Oxford Street

If you enjoyed exploring Oxford Street’s Golden Mile, continue the journey with Parade, a self-guided walk that traces the history of Mardi Gras and LGBTIQA+ life along the same iconic stretch. Using images and stories, the walk brings past and present together as you explore key sites at your own pace. Find it on the free Sydney Culture Walks app.

Want more?

See all Heritage Festival events at What’s On.