Australian Nativity Scene

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Australian Nativity Scene

Australian Nativity Scene created by artist Wilson Fernandez in a traditional style

Viewers are RECOMMENDED prior appointment to watch nativity scene St.

Welcome to Australian Nativity Scene (ANS)

Christmas is a time of sharing the joy of festivity and celebration. Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong North welcomes you to its famous traditional and the largest Nativity Scene of its kind in Australia. The annual Christmas nativity scene is designed, created and displayed by artist Wilson Fernandez each year. It has grown in size and in quality too. The d

isplay quality and the attention to details is captured in the most realistic form by Wilson that would keep the viewer amazed. Its regarded as one of Australia’s best display that people from all over, and all walks of life come to view during the Christmas time. It was Fr. Tad Ziolkowski who introduced Wilson to create the Nativity Scene display at St. Elizabeth’s Parish in 2003. In the very first year the size of the nativity scene was built on a medium rectangular size table, which has grown since then. Wilson plans around June-July each year for the annual Nativity Scene display. His ideas and creativity is to create and build the most authentic traditional style nativity scene that takes the onlooker to the times of Christ. Every year people look forward for something new. The innovation and creativity keeps growing and keeps Wilson preoccupied. He uses the natural resources and the materials like the soil, sand, twigs, stones, barks, grasses and more to build the landscapes, houses, temples, palaces, towns/villages, fountains and rivers etc. to give the best artistic finishing touches on this project that usually commences in the first week of advent. His family supports him for this project. The parishioners help and support to meet the expenses to buy the materials and figurines for this project. Wilson creates the display that tells the story about Christmas i.e. from week one the entry of Mary and Joseph into the town in search of a place to give birth followed by the birth of Jesus, arrivals of the three kings until the holy family flee to Egypt. Each week the display and adjustments are done to the nativity scene by introducing new characters/figurines etc. People love the concept and it has become Australia’s most favourite Nativity Scene over the years. The display is open to public usually from second week of Advent i.e. around the second week of December until the arrivals of King (usually up to second week of January). Visitors come from all over the places to view the greatest traditional Australian Nativity Scene display. Keep watching this page for further details.

10/01/2026

Thank you 🙏

A heartfelt thank you to all our visitors who came to view the 22nd year of the Australian Nativity Scene (ANS).

Your kind words, prayers, reflections, and messages written in the visitors’ books truly mean more than words can express. Each comment is a reminder that the Christmas story continues to touch hearts across generations, cultures, and families.

Thank you for your encouragement, blessings, and for taking the time to share this journey with us.

May the message of Christmas — hope, humility, peace, and love — remain with you and your families.

With gratitude,
Wilson Fernandez
Designer, Creator & Artist – Australian Nativity Scene 🙏✨

06/01/2026

✨ Week 6 – The Final Chapter of the Nativity Story at ANS ✨

In Week 6, the Christmas story reaches its final and most sobering chapter. After worshipping the Child Jesus, the Three Kings return to their homes by different routes, choosing not to report back to King Herod, as they were warned in a dream.

Enraged and fearful of losing his power, Herod orders the killing of all baby boys aged two years and under in and around Bethlehem. This tragic event reminds us of the cost of hatred, fear, and abuse of authority.

The scene also depicts the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, guided by God’s protection, to safeguard the life of the Child Jesus. Even in darkness and suffering, God’s plan of salvation continues to unfold.

With this final scene, the 22nd year of the Australian Nativity Scene (ANS) comes to a close — completing the full and faithful telling of the Christmas story: from hope and joy, to sacrifice, trust, and divine protection.

🙏 Thank you to all who have journeyed with us through this sacred story.

01/01/2026

✨ Week 5 – Feast of the Epiphany at the Australian Nativity Scene ✨

In Week 5, the Nativity story reaches a moment of profound revelation as the Three Kings arrive at the manger, marking the Feast of the Epiphany. Having followed the star with faith and perseverance, they finally encounter the Child who is not a king of earthly power, but the King of Love, Humility, and Peace.

At the manger, the wise men kneel in adoration, offering their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh — symbols of kingship, divinity, and sacrifice. Their journey reminds us that Christ is revealed to all nations and peoples, and that true wisdom lies in seeking Him with sincere hearts.

Surrounded by the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, and the quiet stillness of Bethlehem, this sacred scene invites visitors to pause, reflect, and recognise the light of Christ revealed to the world.

🙏 May this Epiphany renew our faith and guide us, just as the star guided the wise men.

🎟️ Free entry | Viewing by appointment only (0428 927 110)

29/12/2025

Week 5 at the Australian Nativity Scene – Seeking the True King

As Week 5 unfolds at the Australian Nativity Scene, the journey of faith continues. The shepherds make their way toward the manger, hearts filled with wonder, responding to the angel’s message to witness the miracle of Christ’s birth.

At the same time, the Three Kings visit the palace, expecting to find a newborn king surrounded by power and splendour. Yet they soon realise that the true King is not born in a palace, but in humility. Guided once more by the star, they leave behind earthly expectations and continue their journey in search of Baby Jesus.

These scenes gently remind us that God’s ways are not the ways of the world — greatness is found in humility, and truth is revealed to those who seek with sincere hearts.

Visitors are invited to pause, reflect, and walk alongside the shepherds and kings as the Christmas story reaches deeper meaning.

🎟️ Free entry | Viewing by appointment only

26/12/2025

Week 4 of the Australian Nativity Scene

As Week 4 nears its end, the Nativity story unfolds in its fullness. The angel appears to the shepherds, proclaiming the Good News and inviting them to witness the miracle of Christ’s birth. High on the mountains, the Three Kings begin their journey, following the guiding star with faith and devotion.

Around Bethlehem, life continues to stir — the drummer boy moves through the town spreading the news, while visitors witness intimate and tender moments within the stable. A tired Mary rests, and Joseph lovingly cares for Baby Jesus, capturing the quiet humanity and deep holiness of this sacred night.

Each scene invites reflection, stillness, and gratitude — reminding us of the humility, love, and hope that Christmas brings to the world.

Thank you to all who have visited and shared in this journey.

🎟️ Free entry | Viewing by appointment only (0428 927 110)

22/12/2025

✨ Week 3 Summary & Welcome to Week 4 at the Australian Nativity Scene ✨

Week 3 of the 2025 Australian Nativity Scene portrayed the moving journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. As they went door to door, visitors witnessed the challenges they faced, until finally a kind innkeeper offered a humble stable — a powerful reminder of compassion, kindness, and hospitality in times of need.

As we now step into Week 4, the scene prepares us for the most sacred moment of Christmas. Joseph is seen cleaning and preparing the stable, while a heavily pregnant Mary rests, trusting in God’s plan. The atmosphere gently builds in anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

On Christmas Eve, the Nativity scene will be completed with the birth of Baby Jesus, the angel appearing to the shepherds, and the Three Kings journeying from the mountains of Jerusalem, guided by the shining star.
We warmly invite families and visitors to come and experience this beautiful and prayerful progression of the Christmas story.

📍 St Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong Nort
🎟️ Free entry – Viewing by appointment only | 0428 927 110

16/12/2025

🙏 Grateful and Thankful 🙏

We are truly humbled to see the Australian Nativity Scene featured in the Dandenong Star (Dandenong Journal). Our sincere thanks to the Star News Group team for capturing and sharing this beautiful Christmas tradition that continues into its 22nd year.

Above all, thank you to every visitor, family, and community member who has taken time to walk through the display and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Nativity tradition tells the inspiring Christmas story | Dandenong Star Journal

https://share.google/Y7zY3U0D2C7dTVwI4

Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Christmas. 🎄✨

One of Christmas’s enduring stories is the Australian Nativity Scene, which returns for its 22nd year in Dandenong North. Its creator Wilson Fernandez has handcrafted the more than 1000 figurines, buildings and landscapes as part of what he says is Australia’s largest and most detailed nativity ...

14/12/2025

Feeling truly humbled and grateful 🙏

The 2025 Australian Nativity Scene (ANS) has been captured and shared by so many wonderful platforms, organisations, and individuals. Seeing this level of support from diverse sources reminds me that this community-driven project continues to touch hearts across cultures and generations.

The attached images are just a few examples — links will be shared with each image.

Thank you all for the encouragement, recognition, and goodwill.

13/12/2025

✨ Week 2 at the Australian Nativity Scene – The Journey to Bethlehem ✨

The Week 2 of the 2025 Australian Nativity Scene, the story moves closer to its most sacred moment. This week highlighted Mary and Joseph making their journey to Bethlehem, the City of David, guided by faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan.

Mary, travelling on a donkey and accompanied by Joseph, arrives in Bethlehem in search of shelter — a humble and deeply moving scene that reminds us of simplicity, perseverance, and hope. Visitors are invited to pause, reflect, and walk alongside them in this timeless journey that leads to the birth of Jesus.

We warmly welcome families, parishioners, and visitors to experience this beautiful chapter of the Christmas story as it unfolds.

Week 3 story follows next week...

06/12/2025

✨ Week 1 at the Australian Nativity Scene – Daily Life in Bethlehem ✨

Week 1 of the 2025 Australian Nativity Scene has beautifully showcased the normal lifestyle of Bethlehem and its surrounding villages and towns. Visitors have enjoyed observing everyday scenes of families, merchants, craftsmen, shepherds, and villagers going about their daily routines — offering an authentic glimpse into what life would have looked like over 2,000 years ago.

The detailed miniature settings, marketplaces, farms, and homes have helped bring the culture and rhythm of ancient Bethlehem to life, allowing viewers to truly immerse themselves in the story before the Nativity begins.

As we prepare for Week 2, we invite everyone to look forward to a very special moment in the journey — Mary on a donkey, accompanied by Joseph, travelling towards Bethlehem, the City of David, where Jesus will be born.

A meaningful and heartfelt scene awaits.

03/12/2025

✨ Day 3 – Another Amazing Day at the Australian Nativity Scene ✨

More crowds arrived today to view Australia’s largest Nativity Scene, and the response has been overwhelming. Visitors shared wonderful feedback and were truly amazed by the attention to detail and the incredible number of figurines — 1,083 in total!

Many individuals and families from Middle Eastern countries including Lebanon, Israel and Syria expressed how closely the scene resembled home. Several commented that it felt like “being there in Bethlehem” — a miniature version brought to life with faith, craft and devotion. Their heartfelt feedback has been deeply appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who visited and shared such encouraging words. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors in the coming days.

01/12/2025

✨ Day 1 – A Beautiful Beginning for the 2025 Australian Nativity Scene ✨

The 2025 Australian Nativity Scene (ANS) was officially opened for public viewing today, Monday 1 December, and what a wonderful start it has been!

A large crowd of families, parishioners, and visitors gathered to experience this year’s display on its very first day. The response has been truly heart-warming, with many spending time appreciating every detail of the village and the story of Christmas brought to life.

Yesterday’s completion of the display and today’s opening marks a special milestone for the 22nd year of this much-loved Christmas tradition at St Elizabeth’s Parish, Dandenong North. Thank you to everyone who attended and made Day 1 so memorable.

We look forward to welcoming many more visitors over the coming weeks as this beautiful journey of the Nativity unfolds.

🎟️ Entry free – By appointment only

Address

107 Bakers Road
Dandenong North, VIC
3175

Telephone

001161428927110

Website

http://www.australiannativityscene.org/

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