In the Highlands, we have a plethora of historical jewels on our doorstep, such as Harper's Mansion, Retford Park and all of the unique towns and villages.
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You can celebrate and explore unique parts of the region's history through the Australian Heritage Festival until May 31.
It is the nation's largest community-driven event, which highlights the natural, historic and Indigenous heritage sites across the country through different activities.
It is put on by the National Trust and celebrates the hard work of community groups who are passionate about maintaining heritage sites on a local level.
"After an incredibly tough few years, this is a fantastic opportunity for the community to get out and explore heritage locally," said National Trust NSW CEO Debbie Mills.
"Our theme is 'curiosity', and I'd encourage everyone to be inquisitive about heritage, and to actively discover our diverse and vibrant past."
The events also coincide with World Heritage Day on April 18.
See what you can get up to in the Highlands below.
Retford Park Garden Art Trail
Immerse yourself in the spectacular gardens and artworks at Retford Park. This is a self-led trail, so you can wander around as you please. You will find sculptures, unique plants and different animals. There will also be some drawing activities for children. A pamphlet of the trail can be picked up on the day you visit.
The trail is free with a general garden visit ticket. Adults, which includes children over 15, can explore the gardens for $16.59 per person, which includes a $1.59 booking fee through Eventbrite. Children under 15 and concession holders can go for $11.39 per person, which includes a $1.39 fee and two adults and two children can go for $37.39, which includes a $2.39 fee. Individual National Trust members and household members and children under five can enter for free. Tickets can be secured through Eventbrite.
You can also visit the house, as well as the gardens. These visits are $18.67 for individual and household National Trust members, $21.79 for children and concession holders and $30.11 for adults (including an online fee). Children under five can go for free. These tickets can also be secured through Eventbrite.
If you have a Discover voucher you want to use for either visit, you need to redeem it in person on the day you plan to come. You can discover the art trail every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from Saturday, June 16 to Monday, June 27.
EVOLVE: an Artists of the Round Yard exhibition
Discover a range of artworks by local artists. You can explore a variety of paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics in Retford Park. You can check out the artworks in Bowral from Friday to Monday from 10am to 4pm until Monday, May 16. You can purchase a garden visit ticket, or a house and garden ticket to see the pieces.
Earthly Incarnations: Introduction to the Fungi Kingdom
Discover the world of fungi with this immersive workshop, with insight from an expert at Retford Park. Ecologist, photographer and honorary fellow at the Australian National University Dr Alison Pouliot will inform attendees about different fungi, and talk about her research. Attendees will learn about how to identify fungi, fungal history and explore species in the property's gardens. There will be a morning tea and picnic lunch included. You can take part in this activity on Monday, May 9 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets for National Trust members are $147.25, $162.91 for adults, which includes children over 15 and $152.47 for concession. Concession includes children from the ages of five to 15, pension card holders, seniors and students. Tickets can be secured through Eventbrite before Friday, May 6.
Bowral's Splendid Glebe Lands: A Discovery Tour of the Golden Victorian Age
Take a step back in time to the Victorian Age in Bowral's Glebe lands with this walking tour. The land was originally home to the Gundungurra people, and was promised to the Church of England in 1859. Influences from the church have remained in the area for more than 150 years. Discover Bowral's first place of worship, school and library. See where Ginger Meggs was first filmed and the grounds where the Bowral Association Cricket team went to play. There will be refreshments and a light lunch included. There is a walking tour on Sunday, May 22 from 10am to 12pm, and one from 2pm to 4pm on the same day. This is a free event, and attendees should meet at 16- 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral to begin the guided tour. Attendees must register through Eventbrite prior and wear walking shoes, a hat and bring water.
Scenes From The Interior
David Ryrie's depictions of the old dairy before it was transformed into Ngununggula will be on display at Retford Park. The pieces explore the space and its structures. You can see this exhibition every Friday to Monday from May 22 to July 11. This is a free event.
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