Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Visit the Museum for stimulating, informative and enjoyable experiences all year round.

Our special exhibitions, permanent collection, a relaxing café, museum shop and programs for all ages are among just some of the attractions for all age groups. The past, present and future of the Yarra Ranges celebrated in one building. The stunningly designed Yarra Ranges Regional Museum offers eclectic, stimulating, informative and enjoyable experiences all year round. Thousands of visitors eac

h year are drawn to its exhibitions, café, resource library, museum shop, programs for all ages and tranquil surrounds. The museum regularly showcases some of Australia’s best known contemporary artists, pop culture, science and innovation. It also specialises in exhibitions which present Yarra Range’s unique culture and heritage as part of the Australian story. Its permanent collection includes art, artefacts and memorabilia bringing to life stories about some of Yarra Range’s most influential people, places and monuments. A special online feature of the museum includes photographs, documents, artworks and objects.

30/05/2026

What is Deborah discovering in the de Pury diaries?

Follow and to keep up to date with Deborah’s de Pury diary discoveries. If you would like to know more about the de Pury family’s history in the Yarra Valley, visit the YRRM Connections exhibition, open 10am –4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

The de Pury diary transcribing project, supported by the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Trust, involves the transcribing of 86 handwritten diaries from 1874 to 1956. The diaries were written by the de Pury family at Yeringberg, their vineyard in the Yarra Valley.

This video features photographic items #11907, #11852, #11824, #10690.2 from YRRM’s Collection. Search the Collection Online – link in bio to learn more about these items.

19/05/2026

Dame Nellie Melba was Australia's most celebrated opera singer and one of the world's greatest sopranos of the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

Apart from her on-stage achievements, she became a cultural icon who helped establish Australia's place in the international arts scene.

In addition to raising funds for charities in Australia, Melba also raised money for causes abroad. In 1918, she was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in recognition of her fundraising efforts during WWI. This honour was elevated to Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1927.

To learn more about these items, search the collection on this link https://bit.ly/3Qh8KEZ for items
- #10152 - Melba. Special Concert in Aid of The Belgian Relief Fund. Tuesday 27th April 1915
- #12134 - Belgian flag signed by Melba (1915)

18/05/2026

As a social history Museum, our Collection is comprised of items that tell stories of the people of the Yarra Ranges region. These objects include Aboriginal belongings, period clothing, toys, homewares, and historical records, such as photographs, that denote a specific time, place, or event.

Sometimes a collection item can be rather intimate, such as this treasure box owned by Scottish migrant Violet Brierty (nee McKay).

Violet acquired this box in 1840 when she settled in Gruyere, and it has been passed down through the generations since. Treasures remaining in the box today include handwritten letters, several teeth, locks of hair and even what are possibly gallstones!

Today we turn 15! Yarra Ranges Regional Museum was opened on 14 May 2011. This month, we are also celebrating our Museum...
14/05/2026

Today we turn 15!
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum was opened on 14 May 2011.
This month, we are also celebrating our Museum Collection reaching a milestone of 15,000 items.
Come and visit us from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm, in Castella Street, Lilydale.
If you would like to learn more about the historical images used in this post, search the collection online for item #11247.2 on this link - https://bit.ly/3Qh8KEZ

09/05/2026

As we celebrate mothers, mother figures, and carers, both with us and those who have passed this Mother’s Day, we are sharing this hand-embroidered postcard sent by Stanley Goode to his mother, Maria Truelove, in 1917. Stan joined the army in 1916 and served with the 3 Pioneer Battalion. He was the brother of Ralph Goode, a stretcher-bearer with the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance during WWI, and the first Lilydale man to enlist.

Postcards such as this one were embroidered by French and Belgian women in their homes, probably to provide some kind of income during the war. The cards were then sent to factories for cutting and mounting on postcards. They were mailed by soldiers through the Military mail, so most do not have postmarks or stamps. These cards are commonly known as 'World War I silks'.

If you would like to learn more about this item, click the link here - https://bit.ly/3Qh8KEZ and search for the collection item #10391.2

05/05/2026

Even though the family refers to this as “the foundation stone” in the diaries, Deborah's research reveals that the stone was laid after the creation of the church, showing that history is not always what is written on the page.

Follow and to keep up to date with Deborah’s de Pury diary discoveries. If you would like to know more about the de Pury family’s history in the Yarra Valley, visit the YRRM Connections exhibition, open 10am –4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

_____________
The de Pury diary transcribing project, supported by the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Trust, involves the transcribing of 86 handwritten diaries from 1874 to 1956. The diaries were written by the de Pury family at Yeringberg, their vineyard in the Yarra Valley.

This video features item #11921 from YRRM’s collection, a c1860s photograph of Ada de Pury by Wilmot & Key, Geelong. To learn more about this item search for 11921 in the collection online – https://bit.ly/3Qh8KEZ.

🌟A night worth celebrating 🌟 Earlier this week, the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum team had the pleasure of attending the ...
30/04/2026

🌟A night worth celebrating 🌟

Earlier this week, the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum team had the pleasure of attending the AMaGA Victoria Museums & Galleries Award, held at the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art (ACCA) as Badass Women of the Yarra Ranges was nominated for Small Project of the Year (Museums).

While the award didn't come home this time, this project is already a winner, creating lasting impact both within and beyond the Yarra Ranges community. A heartfelt thank you to Sita Sargeant and the She Shapes History team for their passion, care, and hard work in bringing this collaboration to life.

👏Congratulations to the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum team on this outstanding achievement.
🏆And congratulations to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) for winning this category.

📍Discover Badass Women of the Yarra Ranges for yourself. Visit the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum and pick up a copy of the illustrated map, transforming the Yarra Ranges into your own women’s history expedition and see why this project was recognised by the AMaGA Victoria Awards.

🌿 For generations, the Yarra Ranges has been where Melbourne went to breathe.From the late 19th century, people flocked ...
27/04/2026

🌿 For generations, the Yarra Ranges has been where Melbourne went to breathe.

From the late 19th century, people flocked to the region seeking fresh air, rest and nature. The Dandenongs, Healesville and Warburton became beloved escapes, sparking a boom in guest houses and weekenders.

Some visitors stayed for good, creating iconic homes with elegant architecture and gardens, places like Burnham Beeches and Dame Nellie Melba’s Coombe Cottage.

Creative communities also blossomed: Edna Walling’s Bickleigh Vale Village and the Sunnyside commune became havens for artists, writers and visionaries.
The Yarra Ranges is rich with heritage, including these stories of how tourism first shaped these early holiday retreats.

That’s why Council is developing our first ever Heritage Strategy and Policy. It will guide how we care for the heritage that makes our region unique.

📣 We want your voice to help shape it.
Visit the Shaping Page to explore the Heritage Strategy & Policy documents and complete the survey to share your feedback. -https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/heritage-strategy

Let’s celebrate our past and imagine our future together. 🌄🤝

25/04/2026

These crocheted and felt poppies were handmade by members of the Kilsyth/Montrose Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) in 2015 for the Anzac Day centenary.

The poppies were made as a contribution to the International 5000 Poppies Project, which was a 'community tribute of respect and remembrance' to fallen soldiers.

They were sold at a cake and craft stall held at the Croydon Bunnings store along with an accompanying recipe booklet, and all proceeds were donated to the 'Bravery Trust' supporting servicemen and their families.

These poppies are currently on display at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

To find out more about these items, search for items #14016.4 and #14017' using this link: https://bit.ly/3Qh8KEZ


🌿 Did you know Lilydale once had a much-loved market gardener whose legacy still grows today?P**n Kee, a local greengroc...
23/04/2026

🌿 Did you know Lilydale once had a much-loved market gardener whose legacy still grows today?

P**n Kee, a local greengrocer, became a cherished figure in Lilydale. From his shop beside Olinda Creek, he sold produce grown right around his store.

At a time when Lilydale had few Chinese residents, he was warmly supported, and his late-Victorian brick shopfront on Main Street became a landmark. Today, it’s heritage-listed for its cultural and architectural significance.

🍃 His story lives on through an edible garden along Olinda Creek, honouring his generosity and community spirit.

The Yarra Ranges is full of stories like P**n Kee’s: rich, diverse and worth celebrating.

That’s why Council is developing our first ever Heritage Strategy and Policy to guide how we care for the heritage that shapes who we are.

📣 We want your voice in this process.
Visit the Shaping Page to explore the Strategy & Policy documents and complete the survey to share your feedback. https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/heritage-strategy

Let’s honour our heritage and shape our future together. 🌱🤝

Address

35-37 Castella Street
Lilydale, VIC
3140

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+61392946511

Website

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