Explore the hidden wonders of Heritage Hill gardens with a fun, self-guided scavenger hunt for children aged 2 and up during the school holidays.
Wednesday 23 September 2026
to Thursday 1 October 2026
10:00am - 2:00pm
Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong
Free
Become a Garden Detective and embark on an imaginative scavenger hunt through the historic Heritage Hill gardens. Children will receive their own Garden Detective card to help them search for natural treasures, curious textures, and tiny signs of life. Along the way, young explorers might discover a leaf with a surprising scent, hear buzzing insects, spot colorful plants, or notice patterns in tree bark.
This activity is designed for children to explore at their own pace, encouraging observation, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature. After completing the hunt, children can return to the activity table to collect a special Garden Detective sticker as a reward for their efforts.
Perfect for curious explorers aged two and up, this adventure invites children to see the garden from a whole new perspective and enjoy the outdoors during the school holidays.
This is a free, drop-in event running during the school holidays on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 14:00. The specific dates are 23, 24, 30 September and 1 October 2026. No prior booking is required, making it easy for families to join in at their convenience.
The activity is self-guided, allowing children and their families to explore the gardens at a comfortable pace. The Garden Detective card provides clues and prompts to engage young minds and encourage interaction with the natural environment.
While participating, families are also invited to explore The Secret Life of Gardens exhibition, running concurrently from 16 September 2026 to 4 February 2027, offering an enriching cultural experience.
The event takes place at Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, located at 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. The gardens provide a beautiful and historic setting for this nature-based activity.
Visitors with disabilities and assistance dogs are warmly welcomed. While the historic houses offer some accessibility, please note that there are uneven paths and steps throughout the gardens that may be challenging for those using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers.
Staff are available to assist visitors during their visit to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably and safely.
This event is suitable for children aged two years and older, making it an ideal outing for families with young children. The self-guided format allows families to participate at their own pace without the pressure of a structured schedule.
As the event is outdoors, appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended to navigate the garden paths safely. Families should also consider sun protection and hydration during their visit.
The event is free of charge and open to the public during the specified dates and times, encouraging community participation and engagement with nature.
No booking is required for this event; families can simply drop in during the open hours from 10:00 to 14:00 on the designated Wednesdays and Thursdays of the school holidays.
The event is completely free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly activity for families looking for educational and fun holiday experiences.
For further information or assistance, visitors can contact the Cultural Heritage Team via phone or email.
