Tours & Events
Heritage Venture hosts regular tour experiences from village explorations to river cruises and historical meanders in the bush.
Our tours range from half day to full tours, 'tag along' adventures and weekend tours.
​
Join us on our hidden histories tours to the lesser known places and stories with expert guides and local knowledge holders.

Ceramic Art and Forgotten Treasures
2 December 2023
Join us for panel presentations from a dynamic group of ceramic artists, vintage experts, and collectors. Bring your antiques and learn the art of researching design history and estimating value with Hannah Clayton Atkin, director of Swan Deverell auctioneers. Morning tea served from specialist tea menu with Australian themed cakes and biscuits. Domestic pottery, vintage and ceramics for sale.

Up High Over Spencer
24 March 2024
Adventure into the bush slopes behind Spencer village. With unique access we investigate fern-filled valleys, caves, and the indentations of rushing creeks. Passing through hanging swamps we view history from on high reimagining Dyarrubin 100 years ago, at first contact, and beyond into deep time. Evidence of the original custodians are written across and into this rich and sustaining landscape.
​
​

It Happened on the Hawkesbury
23 June 2024
Enjoy a River Cruise to the places where it happened on the Hawkesbury River. Trace three unique events while boating along the river - from the drafting of the Constitution to secret operation Jaywick Z force and the largest construction project in the southern hemisphere. Join historians, maritime experts and floating storytellers for revelations and an in depth journey into the past. Lunch at a waterside destination.
​
​
​
​
​

Gift Vouchers
for any event, tour or workshop
Looking for the perfect gift idea, or even just a way to say thanks? Why not gift a Heritage Ventures experience? A Heritage Ventures Gift Voucher unlocks workshops, eco adventures, river cruises, historical walking tours and more. Our digital eGift Vouchers are a great way to let someone know you’re thinking about them. Gift a voucher sent directly to your friends email for them to choose any event and use whenever they want.

The Mysteries
of Mullet island
10 May 2024
David Reynolds, local historian and President of the Dangar Island Historical Society takes us on an insiders tour of Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River. Starting with a ferry ride to the island on a restored heritage boat, the tour explores the rich indigenous and colonial histories - from evidence of Guringai occupation to Gov. Authur Phillip's search for arable land in 1788. Lunch at waterside cafe and visit to summit for Hawkesbury River views.

The Secrets of
Dubbo Gully
28 July 2024
Explore the historical remains of Dubbo Gully when Mangrove Creek was a thriving community with wharves, inns and slab homes. Gain insight into the past at St Thomas' Cemetery and visit Fairview to hear about the experience of growing up in the area and the campaign to save the last remaining homestead. We will visit the original road from Sydney to the cast and hear about the haunted 'inn of the Damned'
​

History Afloat:
Kayak Pumpkin Creek
4 February 2024
Kayak the mysterious mangrove edged tributary known as Pumpkin Point Creek. Only accessible by small craft when the tide is right. Launching from Spencer catch glimpses of sea eagles, fishing cormorants and herons along the way. Gliding by twisted red gums and weathered rock ledges we pull in for lunch at the ruins of an abandoned homestead and hear historical tales of this remote area. Double kayaks, all gear morning tea and lunch provided.

A Taste of History:
Butcher Boats and Colonial Rations
9 June 2024
Hear about the colonial menu and what was on the governor’s table while sampling native tea. Travel to Finch’s line hacked out by the no 3 chain iron gang and walk along one of Governor Darling’s planned and great routes from Sydney to the Hunter (now world heritage listed). Stopping at the Hawkesbury River visit the site of an abandoned tidal mill site and time travel to when the river was the highway with trading and store boats plying the waterways.
Terms and Conditions
1. Bookings can be made online, by telephone or in person at the office, The Hawkesbury Duck.
​
2. Cancellation and Refunds. There are no refunds if the cancellation is made by you. We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason and a full refund will be provided.
3. COVID-19. For the safety of all participants in our tours and our staff, tour leaders and tour managers, it is a condition of travel on all of our tours, day tours, festivals that all participants adhere to NSW Government Health Regulations.
​
4. Fitness to participate. Most of our tours require a moderate level of fitness. This requires fitness to undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours duration, including using bush tracks, walking over rough stones and other uneven surfaces. Certain tours will require an above moderate or challenging level of fitness.
​