Heritage Fleurieu Coast
The Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival is a biennial Festival showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the Fleurieu Coast. Initiated by the Yankalilla District Historical Society the first festival was held in 2018 with the aim to promote and share our indigenous, environmental, built and community heritage.
HERITAGE FLEURIEU COAST 2024
We have a great Festival planned for May with 32 events. The program will be available in the April edition of Yankalilla Regional News and the Yankalilla District Council The Loop. And available early April here on our website, the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre website and the SA History program and website or email us at yank.hist.soc@gmail.com to find out more.
2024 Festival Launch 11am – 3pm Sunday May 5
Mayor Darryl Houston will officially declare open Heritage Fleurieu Coast 2024 at 11.30am, after which Brenton Lush will launch the latest in our 'Old' series 'Old Inman Valley and Bald Hills’ written by Dr Margaret Morgan.
The Inman Valley Memorial Hall will be filled with historical displays and local photography, painting and art, showcasing the heritage and artisan creations of Inman Valley, including the special connection between Inman Valley and Calais lacemaking.
HFC PROGRAM 2024
1-31 May
Dunstall Cottage Display & Singing Circle Bungala Park
Have you ever wondered about the tiny 1880's cottage in Bungala Park? Imagine it once housed a family of 12! Peer through the windows to view the display of historic items and see if you can spot the names of the 10 children (list of names on plaque). Join a singing circle session May 26 with musician Margie Russell leading a selection of songs.
See Museum opening hours
Cure all Ills Display
Ever felt sick? Ever been unwell? Come and see what medication and instruments were used by our forebears to treat grandma’s medical problems. You will realise how different it is today, compared to basic medication used in this area during early settlement. Visit our display and be educated in early medical history.
7 May, 10am - 12pm
A Doctor in the House? Or Call the Midwife!
Join us for a walking tour of Yankalilla and discover tales of trials, tragedies, and triumphs through the stories of doctors, nurses, midwives and others who served the district over the years. Did you know Yankalilla had a nursing home where more than 300 babies were born? Find out how many buildings have a connection to our medical past.
1 - 31 May
Then and Now Images
Digital display of historic photos from the Yankalilla District Historical Society collection with comparative Now images by Fleurieu Imagery. What has changed? What has remained the same? Images showcasing the Then & Now heritage of our beautiful area of the Fleurieu. View at Yankalilla Library & Yankalilla District Council screens
Thurs to Sunday in May
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Lollies and more@84 offers visitors an opportunity to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Upon entering the shop, you will be greeted by a display of old tin containers showcasing favourite lollies from the past. The charming ambiance evokes childhood memories as you browse the assortment of treats and collection of classic & vintage games.
5-May
An Invitation to Inman Valley
A day showcasing the heritage and artisan creations of Inman Valley. Join us for the opening of our Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival including the launch of the latest local history book “Old Inman Valley”. Displays of local photography, painting, and art. Discover the connection to Callais lacemakers and more.
8-May
Demonstration Day
Visiting the museum is always interesting, during the Festival it will be more so. Demonstration Day includes rope making & hay baling, using historical machinery. New Dairy and Shearing shed displays will be opened at 11am by Melinda Fogden & John Hutchinson. Each of these industries were instrumental in the district’s development.
1-31 May
More Meandering through time on Main Street
Step along Main Street Yankalilla and step back in time. Following on from the previous Meander, the shop front posters with photos and timelines of previous uses conducted within are back. With some stores featuring more photos and information. Displayed in window fronts come along and enjoy this easy walk anytime during the festival
Wednesday 1,8,15,22,29 May
Yankalilla District Historical Society @ the Yankalilla Library
Every Wednesday morning during the Festival and throughout the year members of the Yankalilla District Historical Society are at the Yankalilla Community Library to answer your questions about local or family history and to assist you in accessing further information on history and heritage. Drop by and find out what you need to know.
6-May
Our Natural Heritage
Drop in and learn more about local plants with an emphasis on low flammability, “Firewise” plants. Chat to our volunteers, find out what local natives you can plant to improve the resilience of your garden to bushfire and see how native plants can be used in our demonstration garden adjoining the nursery.
10 May, 10am - 12pm
50 or so years ago - recollections Torrens Vale
Friday talks at the Yankalilla Library. Come and join us to hear long term residents of Torrens Vale reminisce about where they call home. Get an insight into personal recollections about growing up and living in these areas. Talk followed with Q&A session and morning tea.
HERITAGE FLEURIEU COAST 2022
The Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival 2022 was awarded Community Event of the Year by the District Council of Yankalilla Council. The Award was presented to YDHS President Sue Speck at the Australia Day Ceremony on 26 January 2023.
From the launch in Myponga where Vanessa the cow won the hearts of all, through to the intense concentration of those learning traditional weaving at the Yankalilla Showgrounds, the award winning 2022 Heritage Fleurieu Coast Festival offered a truly diverse and exhilarating experience for all. The geographical diversity of the region was celebrated, with events not only in our main townships of Normanville and Yankalilla but further afield at Myponga, Ingalalla Falls, Second Valley, Wirrina Cove, Inman Valley, Silverton and Delamere. Several events honoured the region’s indigenous heritage with music performed by Indigenous composer Cheryl van Wageningen at the launch (watch out for Cheryl in the 2024 program). and the thought-provoking and challenging, standing-room-only Named Aboriginal Places presentation at Sanders Hall Yankalilla. And many other events and displays enjoyed by all!
HERITAGE FLEURIEU COAST 2018
In August 2017 a public meeting was held to support the idea of a local Heritage Festival every two years, in conjunction with the South Australian History Trust Festival, for the month of May. The name reflects the District Council of Yankalilla signage ‘Fleurieu Coast' and the word 'Heritage' to suggest a broad interpretation of history.
The inaugural Heritage Fleurieu Coast Program 2018 was a tremendous success. The opening event at the Yankalilla Historical Museum was a great start to the Festival, with many fascinating displays, musical items, demonstrations (including the forge in operation), as well as the official speeches.
The inaugural HFC Festival launch was also the SA History Trust Regional Launch.
Other memorable events included the bus trip around Myponga and Myponga Beach (so popular that a second bus had to be hired to cater for the number of bookings).
Also popular was an archaeological dig at Bald Hills (120 people attending over the two days), and the rededication of the historic Garnet Kelly Reserve. There were also many talks, displays, a play and concerts enjoyed by all.