Melbourne’s eastern suburbs share a colourful history across a range of professions, hobbies and passions. Here are some of the best places dedicated to celebrating and preserving the past.

Left: Inge King's stainless steel sculpture "Rings of Saturn" (Image Credit: Robin Whittle). Right: “Theoretical Matter” by Neil Taylor (Image Credit: Adrian Wallace)

Heide’s beginnings date back to 1934, when art collectors John and Sunday Reed purchased a 16-acre dairy farm. Its name pays tribute to the nearby suburb of Heidelberg and the impressionist painters from the Heidelberg School of Australia.

The museum features modern art galleries and historic buildings, such as a 19th century farmhouse and the Reeds’ second residence – a modernist dwelling built between 1964 and 1967. There is also a large outdoor sculpture park and heritage gardens.

Where: Banksia Park, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen

Image Credit: Marcnut1996

Built and opened in 1916, the former Hawthorn Tram Depot now operates as the Melbourne Tram Museum, featuring 20 fully-restored trams you can jump in and a range of memorabilia and historical displays.

Highlights include Melbourne's oldest surviving electric tramcar and the Karachi W11 tram decorated by Pakistani artists for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The museum is open to the public on the second and fourth Saturday of every month (except for December, when it is only open on the second Saturday), as well as select Wednesdays.

Where: 8 Wallen Road, Hawthorn

Image Credit: Ambulance Victoria

A group of retired ambulance officers started the Ambulance Historic Society of Victoria in 1986 to collect and maintain old vehicles and equipment.

The society opened its first physical location Thomastown in 2006, with the museum then moving to its current location in Bayswater in 2015. 

In conjunction with Museums Victoria, the society has catalogued more than 3,000 items, including 30 ambulance vehicles from throughout the years, including cars, bikes and skidoos.

The museum in Bayswater is open to the general public on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm, with other visits or group tours available by appointment only.

Where: 1/55 Barry Street, Bayswater

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Question 1: The Brisbane Lions won the 2026 Grand Final on Saturday. Which Victorian team merged with the Brisbane Bears to create the team in July 1996?

Question 2: Which iconic tea house in the Hills is for sale?

Question 3: Which suburb hosted Australia’s first 7-11 store, opening in August 1977?

Question 4: Which Hollywood movie star attended Heathmont College?

Question 5: Which claymotion film from 2009 was set in Mount Waverley?