Cultural heritage resources

Image: Main Street, Whittlesea, 1905 Fay Thomas Collection, Yarra Plenty Regional Library

Explore the historical township of Whittlesea with the new Walking Maps resource Whittlesea Township Local History Walk.

Walking maps

Developed by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, historical sites and fascinating landmarks are detailed with images and linked via a walking route. Start your journey at the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre and Library and visit all 19 points of interest. This is an easy flat walk with options to extend or loop around. Available on your phone, computer or tablet.

This NAIDOC why not explore a sacred Aboriginal site for a unique cultural experience. Visit the magnificent Scarred Tree, the Canoe Tree, Burls and more on this self-guided tour.

RMIT have a great resource to guide you on your trail, or you can stop at the library and ask for a brochure and map.

Find more on Explore Whittlesea

Our city is home to many kilometres of historically significant landscaping called dry stone walls.

Dating back to the mid 1800s, they form some of the earliest property boundaries and agricultural infrastructure in the City of Whittlesea.

For more information, visit the Heritage planning page.

The City of Whittlesea is home to scores of fascinating historical sites, from its very own castle, a reservoir once the envy of Melbourne, and even troughs where thirsty horses stopped to water in the 1900s.

Many people may not know they exist – but a new interactive map is set get you out exploring your own backyard.

We have launched the Sites of Significance map, available online and in print at libraries and community centres.

50 historically important sites have been selected, with their location mapped, photos and the enthralling stories behind them.

Grab your copy of Sites of Significance at your local library or community centre, or check out a virtual version of the Sites of Significance Map. It will automatically adjust to best suit your viewing device - desktop computer, tablet or phone.

Image: Bills Horse Trough, Epping, photo by Julie Scott 2019

Throughout October, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria invites historical societies, schools, libraries, museums, community archives, cultural centres, and all heritage institutions across the state to take part in exploring how the recent past connects to our heritage traditions and helps us understand who we are today. From food to politics, music to the ways we communicate, all tell stories of our collective journey. 

Explore cultural stories from the cultural heritage of our city.

Check out our cultural stories section

Discover virtual cultural experiences that bring people together through food and dance.

From Culture in the Kitchen to Bollywood dancing, visit the Virtual cultural experiences to discover more.

Yarra Plenty Regional library (YPRL) has an extensive local history collection of documents, books, newspapers, images and resources that covers the past and current boundaries of the City of Whittlesea. These are now based at the Mill Park Library.

YPRL also run a range of programs during October as a part of the Royal Historical Society’s History Month.

Check out the YPRL website for more information

The Whittlesea History Society caters for anyone interested in the history of the City of Whittlesea area.

Members have access to an extensive database which holds and variety of photographs, newspapers, documents, registers, rate books and ledgers.

The Friends of Westgarthtown Inc. was formed in 1995 to support and preserve the German and Wendish heritage of Westgarthtown. This unique historic village, with its original buildings and landscapes, is one of the best surviving examples of a 19th-century German settlement in Australia. Its heritage is recognised as important at both state and national levels.

The Friends of Westgarthtown includes people interested in German/Australian history, its architecture, culture and lifestyle; descendants of the original German and Wendish settlers; local residents; German-born Australians; and all those who recognise Westgarthtown's heritage.

Regular heritage events are also held with support from the City of Whittlesea. 

You may like to explore the Friends of Westgarthtown story about World War I.

Learn more

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and their soldiers are known as Anzacs.

Learn about the local ANZACs from the City of Whittlesea area in a special feature, Veterans of Whittlesea which includes stories of over 20 local veterans.