Who dug out the dugout under the Tallygaroopna Soldier’s Memorial Hall?
When history is lost, mystery remains.
The excavation underneath the 100-year-old hall is still curiously discussed and sure to be a hot topic as the building is explored on an upcoming tour during Greater Shepparton’s Heritage Open Days event.
The historic Tallygaroopna tour from Shepparton is one of eight bus tours included in the event on November 29 and 30, and also takes in the Fairley Downs property that features a guided session viewing early squatter Sherbourne Sheppard’s slab hut, a small private graveyard and a look around the exterior of Hamilton Coldwell’s 1906 homestead.
The Heritage Open Days event is inspired by ‘Open House Melbourne’ when hundreds of buildings (not only heritage places) are open.
More than 40 historically significant places that are rarely on view or have never been opened to the public will be open in Greater Shepparton, giving guests access to some of the region’s most iconic homesteads, hotels, halls, and churches, along with sites of cultural significance that showcase the area’s rich and diverse heritage.
“Our region is home to a wealth of cultural heritage, and these open days provide a rare opportunity to experience the stories, architecture, and unique charm of these places up close,” Greater Shepparton Sustainable Development director Geraldine Christou said.
Along with the bus tours to areas including Dookie, Caniambo, St Germains and Dhurringile, there are also hosted walking tours in several towns and many other buildings open for independent visiting.
All tours are free of charge during the Open Days event and include access to museums and collections managed by local historical societies, which would typically require an entrance fee.
Afternoon tea is also included on the Tallygaroopna tour, while a light lunch will be provided by the CWA during the Caniambo event.
Most of the bus tours can accommodate up to 38 passengers. At the time of writing, all besides the Dhurringile Mansion tour had spaces remaining.
Guests are advised to wear comfortable footwear, carry water and apply sun protection.
For more information or to book a spot on one of the tours, visit www.greatershepparton.com.au