Canberra’s Harvest Day Out returns on Saturday, 22 March 2025, inviting the community to experience the best of autumn at Lanyon Homestead. With free entry and an exciting program of workshops, live demonstrations, music, and family-friendly activities, this year’s event promises something for everyone.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brindabellas, Harvest Day Out is a celebration of time-honoured traditions and sustainable practices. From weaving and gardening to exploring the future of farming with AI and robotics, this one-day-only event offers hands-on experiences that will engage all ages.
Workshops and Talks
- Build Your Own Native Bee Hotel: Learn to craft a bee hotel with local horticulturist Tracey Bool.
- Cultural Weaving: Create a traditional woven basket with Wiradjuri artist Jessika Spencer.
- Future Farming with Robotics: Dive into the future of sustainable farming with experts from the Collaborative Robotics Lab, University of Canberra.
- Native Plant Use: Discover the edible, practical, and medicinal uses of native plants with Aaron Chatfield of Dreamtime Connections.
- Vegetable Gardening: Gain practical advice for growing a productive garden year-round with Margaret Bonner from Canberra City Farms.
- Jam Making: Dr Anna Wong demonstrates the art of jam making using the historic Calthorpes House family recipe.
- Learn Who’s Who at Lanyon: Dr Hannah Paddon explores the fascinating characters behind the growth and preservation of Lanyon Homestead over two centuries.
Tours and Demonstrations
- Whip Cracking: Learn about traditional whip making and cracking, enjoy live whip-cracking demonstrations at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm with Callum Bowen.
- Garden Tour: Explore the rich history of Lanyon Homestead’s gardens with James Marshall.
- House Tour: Step into the colonial interiors of the 1850s homestead and hear captivating tales of its past.
Family-Friendly Fun
- Kids’ Workshops: Create shadow drawings, puppets, and nature-inspired art.
- Flower Crown Making: Stop by the veranda to craft a floral keepsake between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
- Drop-in Activities: Enjoy games, crafts, and outdoor fun on the Bunya Lawn.
Entertainment and Market Stalls
- Live Music: Enjoy live performances from The Fuelers throughout the day.
- Vibrant Market Stalls: Discover artisanal food, fresh produce and handcrafted goods. From gourmet cheeses and raw honey to native plants and handmade eco-products, our carefully curated market stalls celebrate local craftmanship, sustainability and seasonal abundance.
Date Saturday, 22 March 2025
Time 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa
Cost Free entry to Harvest Day Out
Bookings required for tours, talks, and workshops – events are a mix of free and paid.
Websitehttps://historicplaces.com.au/events/harvest-day-out-2025
Patrons who register & sign up have a chance to win a $200 Canberra Theatre Centre gift voucher.
