HANDS-ON-HISTORY EXPERIENCES

Fitzmaurice Street Stories: Searching for Smugglers

5th and 7th November 2026 • Wagga Wagga, NSW

A curated experience of history, mystery and discovery.

What secrets lie beneath one of Wagga Wagga's oldest streets?

Uncover the mysteries of Fitzmaurice Street, from hidden cellars and secret stairways to tales of underground tunnels. Join local heritage experts for a unique Hands-on-History experience exploring fact, folklore and the stories of Wagga Wagga's past.

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How it works

Hands-on-History brings Wagga Wagga's past to life through unique heritage experiences led by local experts.

Discover Fitzmaurice Street Stories through four experiences. The Welcome, featuring drinks and a history stroll; The Workshop, exploring facts and folklore; Private History Tours, offering exclusive guided experiences; and The Wrap-Up, a chance to share discoveries.

Join us for one experience or enjoy the complete program!

Join the Discovery

5th and 7th November 2026

Step into Wagga Wagga's past with Hands-on-History: Fitzmaurice Street Stories, a unique series of experiences uncovering the secrets and stories of one of the city's oldest streets.

Begin with welcome drinks and a guided history stroll before delving into the fascinating facts and folklore of Fitzmaurice Street at an interactive workshop. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes heritage tours led by local experts, then round off the experience over drinks, sharing discoveries with fellow history enthusiasts.

The evening experiences are presented in conjunction with the Wagga Business Chamber's Street x Street initiative, bringing new life to Fitzmaurice Street through a celebration of local history, heritage and storytelling.

Program

The Welcome | Thursday 5 November | 5pm-7pm
Enjoy welcome drinks at The Riverine Club and a guided history stroll through Wagga Wagga's past.

The Workshop | Saturday 7 November | 10am-1pm
Uncover the facts and folklore behind hidden cellars, secret stairways and underground tunnels @ Spare Restaurant.

Private History Tours | Saturday 7 November | 2pm-5pm
Choose one or two exclusive guided experiences with local heritage experts.

The Wrap-Up | Saturday 7 November | 5pm-6pm
Reconnect over drinks and share the day's discoveries at the Riverina Hotel.

Choose one experience or enjoy the full program. View the complete itinerary, prices and booking details via the booking link.

Price

The Welcome | Thursday 5 November | 5-7pm
$20 per person (includes drink and history stroll)

The Workshop | Saturday 7 November | 10am-1pm
$60 per person (includes workshop, refreshment and history stroll

Book Tickets

Private History Tours | Saturday 7 November | 2-5pm
$40 per person per tour

The Wrap Up| Saturday 7 November | 5-6pm
Free (drinks at own expense)

The Workshop | 7 November
10am-1pm

Meet our guest heritage expert:

Chris Roe

Chris Roe is a Wagga Wagga based artist, journalist and television producer with a passion for Australian History.

He loves to unearth and share the human stories and forgotten moments of the past that have created the tapestry of modern Australia.

Chris’s weekly ‘Rewind’ articles can be read on the Region Riverina news site, he can be heard each Tuesday afternoon on ABC Statewide Drive with Jess McGuire and he also produces the popular History Bites television series for NITV/SBS.

When not producing media content and wrangling kids, Chris makes paintings and sculptures inspired by pop culture and Australian history.

Choose your afternoon

Discover Wagga Wagga's fascinating past through exclusive 60-minute heritage tours led by local experts. Choose one or two experiences from four specially curated tours, each offering a unique insight into the region's history.

Wayne Doubleday

Unique Access to the Riverina Archives

Go behind the scenes with senior archivist Wayne Doubleday to uncover historical treasures, fascinating records and stories preserved in the Riverina Archives.

Adam Franks

Stories from the Cemetery

Discover the lives, secrets and stories of Wagga Wagga's past residents as Free Roam Theatre brings history to life in the old Monumental Cemetery.

Noel Thomson

Heritage Architecture Walk

Step back in time and discover the fascinating stories behind Wagga Wagga's historic buildings and streetscapes with heritage architect Noel Thomson.

Aunty Cheryl Penrith

The Wiradjuri Perspective

Discover the stories, cultural heritage and enduring connection of Wiradjuri people to the local landscape through a guided riverside experience.

About Family History Holidays

Family History Holidays started with five suitcases of old papers found in a grandmother’s garage. It’s run by Kate Shilling, a tourism industry professional with more than 25 years’ experience developing products and partnerships across regional Australia. Kate lives on Wiradjuri Country near Wagga Wagga and her family has been in the Riverina for generations.

Hands-on-History events are a new way of connecting curious people with the real stories of regional Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a family connection to Wagga Wagga to attend?

Not at all. Hands-on-History is open to everyone with an interest in history, heritage and storytelling.

Is the Workshop suitable for people who aren't historians?

Absolutely. The workshop welcomes everyone with a curiosity for local history, from heritage enthusiasts and community groups to those intrigued by the mysteries of Fitzmaurice Street. No prior knowledge is needed.

Can I book individual experiences?

Yes! Simply follow the booking link and select the Hands-on-History experiences you'd like to attend.

How many private tours can I attend?

You can book one or two tours at $40 per person, per tour. Each 60-minute tour is offered at 2pm and 3.30pm, allowing you to enjoy a different experience in each session. Places are limited, so bookings are essential.

Will this help me research my own family history?

While the main experiences focus on local history, we're happy to help you explore your own family story. Get in touch with us and we can arrange a Sunday morning coffee session with local genealogists and researchers from the Wagga Wagga Historical Society. Advance bookings are essential.

What's the cancellation policy?

Tickets are non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended.

What if I have accessibility needs?

We welcome participants with accessibility requirements and are committed to making our events as inclusive as possible.

As this event includes visits to a range of heritage venues, accessibility may vary between locations. Participants are encouraged to contact us prior to booking to discuss any mobility, medical, dietary or other access requirements so we can advise on suitability and make appropriate arrangements where possible.