What We Do.
Who We Are
Hands-on History Experiences
Ever since she found a suitcase full of letters in her Gran’s garage, founder Kate Shilling has been hooked on heritage. Her investigations have taken her on trips from Beechworth to Brighton, Hartley to Heathcote, and beyond to Belfast, France and the beautiful Scottish Borders. Says founder Kate Shilling; “In lots of families, the link to a local community is already there. You know a bit about where you’re from, and you’ve probably heard some stories. I started Family History Holidays to so people could delve into the details. Meeting local historians and discovering old documents, newspaper articles and other archives, means you can make direct connections between the present and the past. Your history becomes a hands-on experience”.
Time to Reconnect
Create new memories
Family life and family time is fragmented. The time we spend together is special. And we’re losing information - stories told by older family members about previous generations are disappearing. Reconnect on a Family History Holiday and create new memories on a curated trip made especially for you.
Inspirational Itineraries
Travel Expertise
​With over 25 years’ experience in the travel industry, founder Kate Shilling is passionate about connecting heritage with the visitor economy and using her wide network supporting wine, food, culture and agritourism experience development to create long-term value and resilience in regional communities.
Follow in their Footsteps
Give back...
I started Family History Holidays to so people could delve into the details. Meeting local historians and discovering old documents, newspaper articles and other archives, means you can make direct connections between the present and the past".
Founder, Kate Shilling
How it Works
Three steps.
Pick a Person
​Was your ancestor an aristocrat or an artisan? Maybe you have interesting indigenous heritage? Or perhaps you’re descended from a panhandler, a policeman or a publican? We get you connected to the right family history research tools and resources before you go.
Pick a Place
Discovering more about your family can take you to many surprising places. From a Sydney day trip exploring your convict past, to a weekend getaway in the old goldfields in Victoria or a week with the winemakers in the Barossa Valley, there are great discoveries to be made
Pack your Bags
​Make a date with history! We’re always celebrating significant moments in time, and your ancestors may have been the life and soul of the party! Before you set off on your travels, we'll tick the boxes to make sure you can make the most of your Family History Holiday.
Testimonials
'Hands On History' is a wonderful way to add an extra dimension to storytelling. Being in the environment where history was made - and walking in the footsteps of those who made it - can bring a deeper understanding of the people, places and things that made us. Regardless of your connection to the story - if you really want to know, then you’ve got to go.
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Brad Argent, Guest Family Historian (formerly head of Ancestry Studios, London, UK)
Hands-on-History: The Tichborne Claimant. Wagga Wagga, NSW. 12-13June26
I just had to email you to congratulate you on today's event. It is the best workshop I have ever attended (& there have been many) Brad of course being a very good presenter was just as I thought he would be (I have seen all the TV shows that he has been a part of) so it was lovely to meet him in person. Can you please thank him for me…...I will let others know what they have missed out on!
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Leeanne. Committee Member, Wagga Wagga District Family History Society
Hands-on-History: The Tichborne Claimant. Wagga Wagga, NSW. 12-13June26​
I had a great day out learning about all things Wagga. The hosts were all so passionate about their subject and so were really engaging and easy to listen too. Great choices there! It was a fabulous start and I can see it really being a great asset to tourism so Well Done!!
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Deanna, culture enthusiast, visitor to Wagga
Hands-on-History: The Tichborne Claimant. Wagga Wagga, NSW. 12-13June26