Amazing Stories: Innovation and Invention, 21 April - 20 May 2012

In Victoria the ‘ute’ and rotary clothes line were both created in Geelong, also the location of breakthroughs in the development of refrigeration! Other notable innovations associated with Victoria were the magnificent Murtoa Stick Shed, the curved Port Welshpool long jetty, the folding umbrella and the first narrative costume drama on film. We developed the Sunshine combine harvester and, perhaps our most notable innovation, Australian Rules Football!

This year we’re presenting more than 160 events from Horsham to Eldorado, Warrnambool to Maffra. Vintage car rallies, steam traction engine displays, open houses, horse musters, Aboriginal walks and art exhibitions are just some of the events across the state that are sure to reward a day trip to one of Victoria's regional areas.

Engaging with the theme of innovation, we have taken the festival in a new technological direction this year with the development of an iPhone App. Festival goers will be able to search for events by location, date or type of event. Users can then find additional information regarding accommodation, points of local interest and restaurants in the area so you can plan a trip around our fabulous heritage events. From April the App will be free and downloadable through our website or the iTunes store.

Please note National Trust events listed in the 2012 Heritage Festival program have an incorrect contact telephone booking number. To book tickets for National Trust events please contact 03 8663 7260
The following events can be booked online - reserve your spot by clicking on the links below:

Saturday 21 April - Gilbert Toyne's Wonderful Washing Invention
Sunday 22 April - Harrisonia Histrionicus
Sunday 29 April - A tour of Significant Trees in Central Victoria
Saturday 5 May - The Town that Dared, tour and display of Wonthaggi's History
Saturday 5 May - The State Model Town - Presentation Dinner
Sunday 6 May - Inspection of the Underground Coal Mine
Wednesday 9 May - Guided tour of the Western Treatment Plant
Friday11 May - Convict Paradise - a one off performance at the Old Melbourne Gaol
Thursday 17 May - The Kelly Project
Saturday 19 May - Splendid Sights & Sounds - walking tour

Festival Event Registration

We welcome individuals, historical societies, heritage groups, and owners and managers of heritage places across Victoria to participate in the 2012 National Trust Heritage Festival Amazing Stories: Innovation and Invention by hosting an event. Registration and participation in the Festival is FREE. The National Trust will co-ordinate the Festival program listing events around the state, however each participating group is responsible for permit and relevant event management compliance at their venue.

Update February 2012: the printed program is now in circulation. Additional events can still be registered for inclusion on our website and promotion through the Iphone App.

2012 Festival eNews

Subscribe to the eNews version of the 2012 Heritage Festival Amazing Stories: Innovation and Invention and keep up to date with the latest news and information on the festival including:

• Participating events
• Public programs
• Special events
• Competitions,
• Prizes and special offers
• Heritage Awards

Please note National Trust events listed in the 2012 Heritage Festival program have an incorrect contact telephone booking number. To book tickets for National Trust events please contact 03 8663 7260