By Emma Xerri
The Emerald Museum is once again participating in The National Trust of Australia’s Australian Heritage Festival, with exciting events running across the state between 18 April-18 May for the country’s largest community-driven heritage celebration.
With events taking place everywhere from the city to the regions, the festival invites communities nationwide to immerse themselves in the country’s rich and diverse heritage, through a variety of events ranging from exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, food fairs, ceremonies, demonstrations and dinners.
Honouring the festival’s 2024 theme of ‘Connections,’ which aims to foster cultural and historical ties, the Emerald museum will be hosting a Nobelius Heritage Park Walking Tour on Sunday 5 May.
The one-hour guided walking tour will explore the rich horticultural history of the former Gembrook Nurseries, and educate attendees on how proprietor Carl Axel Nobelius developed the nursery into the largest fruit and ornamental tree exporter in the southern hemisphere, covering the 280 acres with over one million trees by 1905, many of which still stand today and will be highlighted on the walk.
“The Nobelius Heritage Park is a remnant of the internationally renowned Gembrook Nurseries (commonly referred to as Nobelius Nursery) which put Emerald, and the Dandenong Ranges, on the global map,” Museum Officer Natalie Bradvica said.
“This is a great opportunity to experience the rich history of the Nobelius Nursery in a living, vibrant tapestry of autumnal colour before the trees in the park shed their leaves for winter.
“Combine the walking tour with a visit to the Emerald Museum and dive even deeper into the history of Emerald and surrounding districts.”
The Nobelius Heritage Park Walking Tour is free to attend, but registration is recommended via https://www.emeraldmuseum.org.au/events/guided-walking-tour-npwh8.
