Jane Austen's 250th Birthday Celebration - Melbourne
About
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with Jane Austen’s Niece.On 16 December 1775, Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire. Two hundred and fifty years later, her legacy continues to captivate millions worldwide. Join us at the beautiful and historic Invergowrie, in Hawthorn, to celebrate this historic milestone with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane's fifth great-niece and the last of Jane's nieces to grow up at Chawton House, the ancestral estate where Jane herself lived, wrote and published her most beloved novels.
This celebration offers a rare opportunity both to mark Jane's milestone birthday with her family and to enjoy one of Melbourne's most beautiful heritage settings.
**********
THE EVENT:
- “Happy 250th Birthday Jane Austen” with Caroline Jane Knight
Caroline will share her unique perspective on why Jane Austen remains more popular and relevant today than ever before, 250 years after her birth. Drawing on her childhood in the heart of Jane’s literary legacy and her continued work with the Jane Austen community around the world today, Caroline shares what makes Jane Austen and her novels continue to resonate so powerfully with modern audiences.
- Exhibition of Austen Family Heirlooms and Regency Fashion
View genuine Austen family artifacts and heirlooms, including pieces that Jane Austen herself knew. See authentic antique Regency fashion, fashion watercolours and early publications of Jane’s most popular novel, Pride & Prejudice.
- Regency Crafts and Activities
Try your hand at traditional Regency pastimes and crafts. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or new to the period, there will be activities to enjoy.
- Birthday Cake
No birthday celebration would be complete without cake! Join us in toasting Jane Austen's remarkable legacy as we share birthday cake together.
**********
BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC SETTING
Invergowrie, built in 1851, is a stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture set in beautiful gardens in Hawthorn. This private heritage home, provides the perfect backdrop for our Regency celebration. BYO picnic and a blanket to enjoy on the lawns.
**********
SUPPORTING LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
All proceeds from this event benefit the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation and the National Trust of Victoria Foundation. The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, founded by Caroline in 2014, supports literacy programs around the world, ensuring that Jane's legacy continues to support readers and writers globally. The National Trust Foundation of Victoria supports the National Trust in Victoria in its mission and vision for preserving and conserving Victoria’s heritage well into the future.
**********
ABOUT CAROLINE JANE KNIGHT
Caroline Jane Knight is Jane Austen's fifth great-niece and the last of Jane's nieces to grow up at Chawton House on the ancestral estate where Jane spent the last eight years of her life, the most productive of her writing career. Growing up surrounded by family stories and heirlooms, walking through the very rooms where Jane wrote, and spending her summers conversing with Austen enthusiasts who flocked to Chawton from around the world, Caroline has a unique family connection to her famous aunt—one that continues to shape her life today.
Caroline is the author of 'Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage', Founder and Chair of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, and creator of Jane Austen's Niece, where she shares her heritage, childhood memories, artifacts and Jane Austen through the eyes of her family. An international speaker, Caroline has shared her Austen Heritage at over 150 events around the world and serves as Patron of Jane Austen Regency Week, held annually in Chawton and neighbouring Alton.
**********
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 (Jane Austen's actual 250th birthday)
- Time: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Invergowrie, 21 Coppin Grove, Hawthorn, Melbourne 3122
- What to Bring: Your own picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds
- Dress Code: Casual dress appropriate for the setting or embrace the spirit of the day in Regency attire if you wish!
This is a special opportunity to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday with her family in a beautiful historic setting. Spaces are limited, so book your tickets today.
We look forward to celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday with you!
Date
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM (UTC+11)Location
Invergowrie House
21 Coppin Grove, Hawthorn Victoria 3122
Contact Form
Jane Austen's 250th Birthday Celebration - Melbourne
Resend recently purchased tickets to our events to your email.
Enter email to start search
You can review the event organiser's terms and conditions here.