Object: Dan Dan Nook Medal, 1860, City of Greater Geelong Art and Artefact Collection.
Dan Dan Nook or King Jerry as he was known to colonists, was a well-known Wadawurrung man considered to be the fastest runner in Geelong.
Invited to take part in early Comunn Na Feinne Highland Gatherings, Dan Dan Nook and Willem Baa Nip walked from Duneed reserve to participate.
Dan Dan Nook won the foot race in 1858 and again in 1860. He was awarded this brass medal for his second win.
The brass gorget is now on display at the Geelong Sports Museum at Kardinia Park. On loan from the City of Greater Geelong and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Cover Image credit: As Clear as Crystal, Jason Gulley, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, 2024.
We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
Rediscover the National Wool Museum this Summer
The Museum has been on a high for the past few months, celebrating our success at the Victoria Australian Galleries and Museums Association Awards, winning Medium Project of the Year Award (Museums) for We the Makers: Sustainable Fashion Prize. We have also been humbled as the public voted us the Best Regional Museum in Australia for the 2024 Wotif Uniquely Australian Awards.
Moving into Summer, you can experience the Museum after hours for our Christmas preview of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
A visit to the Museum Shop for all your Christmas gifts is a must, don’t miss our exclusive shopping event on Thursday 19 December with discounts, wrapping and free entry to the Museum.
The Museum continues to build on our Collection with the acquisition of an outstanding example of a tabard by Japanese master weaver Jun Tomita.
Rediscover the National Wool Museum this Summer. We look forward to seeing you at the National Wool Museum – Your Museum.
Padraic L Fisher National Wool Museum Director
Image: Sammy J Presenter, Andrea Cross Communications and Partnerships, Padraic Fisher National Wool Museum Director, Josephine Rout Senior Curator.
EXHIBITIONS
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60
20 December 2024 – 18 May 2025
Admission included with entry.
The world-renowned exhibition on loan from the Natural History Museum London is now on display at the National Wool Museum. Featuring fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for 60 years. Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 117 countries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Photos: TOP A Tranquil Moment, Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, 2024.
TOP RIGHT Stormy Scene, William Fortescue, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, 2024.
MIDDLE RIGHT Precious Rocks, Samual Stone, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, 2024.
BOTTOM RIGHT The Unlucky Mouse, Darya Ostapenko, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, 2024.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Thursday 19 December, 5.00pm-8.00pm
Free entry to the Museum and all galleries.
Celebrate the opening of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition from the Natural History Museum, London with free entry and an exclusive shopping experience.
See the work of some of the best nature photographers from around the world and then secure your lastminute Christmas gifts with a 30% discount off all giftware, knitwear and accessories in the Museum Shop.
DIRECTOR’S
TOUR
Saturday 1 February, 2.00pm-3.00pm
Free with general adult Museum entry, Museum members free.
Join Director Padraic Fisher as he highlights his favourite images from this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year finalists. Uncover the incredible stories and skill behind the inspiring images in the new Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition and gain insight into the sometimeschallenging photographic processes involved.
Time & Materiality
2024 MAANZ International Exhibition
Open until 2 February 2025
Admission included with entry.
Discover the art of mosaic in this international juried exhibition of contemporary mosaics presented in partnership with MAANZ (Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand). Exploring the theme ‘Time & Materiality’ this exhibition celebrates the global language of mosaic.
Photo: Conflagration, Caitlin HepworthWinner Trade Warehouse Best in Show.
COMING SOON Cats And Dogs All At Sea
14 February-20 July 2025
Admission included with entry.
Cats and dogs have been cherished on board ships for as long as people have made sea voyages. In a life from which children and families are usually missing, and are often very much missed, pets provide a focus for emotions and affection.
Sydney photographer Sam Hood went on board countless ships between 1900 and the 1950s. He took hundreds of photographs of crew members for souvenirs of their visit or to send home to families. This selection of photographs shows how much pets meant to many seafarers. We do not know who most of the people are – detailed records have not survived. But their attachment to their little shipmates is very apparent.
Produced by Australian National Maritime Museum.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHT
Tabard
The Museum recently acquired an expertly crafted woollen tabard, created by Japanese master weaver Jun Tomita. While a resident artist at the Jam Factory Adelaide (1976-78), Tomita created a small number of garments incorporating Kasuri (Ikat) weaving.
The tabard is made from Australian Wool and incorporates Kasuri woven central panels. The tabard was purchased by the donor from an exhibition held at Wool House in Parkville, Victoria which was sponsored by the Australian Wool Board to promote the use of Australian Wool in textiles and fashion.
Tabard, c.1970, Jun Tomita, Gift of Robert Baxter, National Wool Museum Collection.
Fashioning Japan with Australian wool
Friday 28 February, 2.00pm-3.00pm
$12 per person, Museum members free.
This panel discussion will examine the relationship between Geelong and Japan through the wool trade. Japan has been a prominent buyer of Australian wool since its first shipment in 1890. Join researchers as they unpack this significant relationship and the impact it has had on both Australian and Japanese design.
Generously supported by the Japan Studies Association of Australia.
HERITAGE LOOM DEMONSTRATIONS
Monday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday, 11.00am and 2.00pm
General entry fees apply, Museum members free.
Visit the Museum this summer and have a yarn with Mick who operates the Museum’s 1910 Axminster Jacquard Carpet Loom. Mick is a skilled carpet weaver who uses the heritage loom to produce the Museum’s own Manor House Rug.
DENNYS LASCELLES WOOLSTORE ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Sunday 9 February, 11.00am–12.00pm
Free with general adult Museum entry, bookings essential.
Join us for a guided tour through the bluestone jewel box that is home to the National Wool Museum. The tour will delve into the significance of the site to the Wadawurrung People, quarrying the bluestone used for the building and the unique architectural features that made the bales of wool shine on auction day.
Auslan Interpreter available for this tour, select option during booking.
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM
Christmas Ornament Workshops
Mosaic and Sip Christmas Ornament Workshop
Thursday 5 December, 6.00pm–8.00pm
$20 per person, $15 Museum members
Suitable for adults only. 18+
Family Mosaic Decoration Workshop
Sunday 15 December, 10.30am–12.00pm
$25 per family (1 adult and up to 2 children), $18 per family for Museum members
Suitable for 6 years+, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join local mosasist Rose Kviz in these beginner-friendly workshops where you will be guided through the process of designing and making your own mosaic Christmas decoration. Guided from start to finish, you will leave with your own personalised decoration. No artistic experience is required.
Drop into the Museum this festive season to experience the many Christmas traditions celebrated by our community.
See the Reminiscence Cottage decked out in handmade knitted, felted and crocheted Christmas decorations made by the Museum’s talented volunteers.
FABRIC WRAPPING WORKSHOP
Sunday 8 December
11.00am–12.30pm (family session)
2.00pm–3.30pm (18+)
$10 per person, Museum members free.
Discover a sustainable way to wrap your gifts this Christmas. Learn the Japanese art of Furoshiki and impress your family and friends with a reusable alternative to wrapping paper. Bring along three different presents to wrap.
All materials supplied.
DROP-IN CHRISTMAS DECORATION CRAFT
Sunday 1 December– Sunday 24
December
Make your own Christmas decoration to add to the display, take home or gift to a friend.
Suitable for children 6 years+. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
MUSEUM EXPLORERS: AROUND THE WORLD AT CHRISTMAS
Tuesday 10 December–Thursday 12
December, 10.30am–11.30am
$10 per child, Museum member free.
Combining storytelling, puppets, songs, crafts and lots of Christmas fun, children explore the Museum on a journey of discovery and imagination. Experience the many ways Christmas is celebrated across the seven continents of the world.
Suitable for 2 years+, one free adult per booking.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side Family Tour
Saturday 11 January & Tuesday 14 January, 10.30am–11.30am
$12 per child/ $9 Museum members, one adult free per booking includes Museum entry.
Tour the world through the fascinating photographs of animals, plants and landscapes in Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Uncover fascinating facts and stories about species from around the world and how these images encourage a future of advocating for the planet. Look for animals that start with the first letter of your name and create a paper collage poster. A fun, interactive tour for children and their families.
Suitable for children 6 years+, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
POP UP MUSEUM AT THE BOTANIC
GARDENS
Wednesday 22 January, 10.30am–12.00pm
‘Free, drop-in activity
Geelong Botanic Gardens
Join us for an interactive story time, Wildlife Photographer of the Year inspired crafts including a self-guided scavenger hunt through the gardens plus lots of opportunities to handle artifacts from the Collection.
No bookings required. Storytime will be at 10.30am-11.00am followed by Pop up Museum activities.
Suitable for 3 years+, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
POP UP MUSEUM AT THE CAROUSEL
Wednesday 10 January, 10.30am–12.00pm
Free, drop-in activity
The Carousel, Geelong Waterfront
Solar printing is a fun blend of science and art. In this activity inspired by the Museum’s current exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year, children will get creative with nature-based objects by placing them on the sun print paper to capture a ghostly and beautiful blue x-ray image.
Suitable for 3 years+, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Geelong Regional Libraries are throwing open their doors to welcome the National Wool Museum. Join us for an interactive story time, Wildlife Photographer of the Year inspired crafts plus lots of opportunities to handle artifacts from the Collection.
Suitable for 3 years+, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
LEARN
The National Wool Museum offers selfguided and educator-led tours and workshops for school groups, sparking curiosity through objectbased experiences.
Facilitated by our Museum
Education team, our Victorian Curriculum aligned school learning programs and resources develop social and historical understanding, and enhance cultural awareness in students of all ages.
Through interactive and immersive programs, students can explore the Collections and exhibitions of the National Wool Museum to extend their classroom learning.
For detailed program outlines and booking information visit nwm.vic.gov.au
Year-Round Learning Programs
Special Learning Programs
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
$8 per student, 60 mins Museum educator led tour of the exhibition.
Animal Alphabet, Foundation – Year 4
Tour the world through the fascinating photographs of animals, plants and landscapes in Wildlife Photographer of the Year using the alphabet. Uncover fascinating facts and stories about species from around the world and how these images encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
English, Visual Art, Geography
OSHC GROUP PACKAGES
A day at the Museum
A visit to the National Wool Museum during school holidays will spark curiosity and foster engagement amongst those in your vacation care group. We offer a range of self-led exhibition activities and educator-led workshops to structure your visit.
Located on Geelong’s Waterfront, make a day of it by visiting the Carousel, Eastern Beach, Geelong Botanic Gardens and Geelong Gallery.
Session times and fees apply.
MUSEUM EXPLORERS
Interactive Playgroup
Alternating Wednesdays during school term. 10.30am–11.30am
Free entry, bookings recommended.
Join us as we embark on a tour of discovery and exploration through the Museum as part of our interactive playgroup. Children and their families will explore different Museum objects and displays through singing, craft, stories and sensory play each session.
Grab your friends or family and join us for playtime filled with fun, learning, and adventure.
Suitable for children 2 years+.
MINI MAKERS
Alternating Wednesdays during school term. 10.30am–11.30am
Free entry, bookings recommended.
Little hands and feet will have fun in this relaxing and engaging sensory art play session, inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions.
Throughout the sessions, babies and pre-schoolers will have the chance to play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and much more.
Children will be exposed to materials and the environment around them to create art and craft that uses their entire body. Adults and children alike will get messy!
Suitable for children 12 months+.
PARENTS GROUP BOOKINGS
If you are part of a parenting group or even a group of friends looking for a fun activity for you and your children, then get in touch as we can host a one-off session (subject to availability).
Minimum of 5 children and their carers per booking. Email nwmeducation@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
The Carousel
Spend some time at the beautifully restored heritage Carousel at the Geelong Waterfront.
Overlooking Corio Bay, with spectacular views towards the You Yangs Regional Park and Melbourne, the Carousel is a meeting place for all visitors.
The 1892 hand-carved heritage carousel was made in New York by the Armitage-Herschell company and is one of only 200 in operation around the world. The Carousel Pavilion can be booked for children’s birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, receptions, photo shoots and functions. Contact us for details.
Wadawurrung Country
1 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong Waterfront T 03 5224 1547 E carousel@geelongcity. vic.gov.au
Tickets
$5 per ride
$45 multi-ride ticket Group discounts available
Carousel Opening Times
Summer (Oct – Mar)
Monday to Friday: 10.30am-5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10.30am-6.00pm
Winter (Apr – Sep)
Monday to Friday: 10.30am-4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10.30am-5.00pm
LATE NIGHTS
AT THE
CAROUSEL
Saturday, 14 & 21 December 5.30pm-8.30pm
The Carousel comes alive during Christmas in Geelong with extended hours, craft activities and entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy the warmer evenings by the bay and the iconic floating Christmas Tree.
SUPPORTING THE MUSEUM
Become a member
Museum membership gives you unlimited access to our galleries, exhibitions and school holiday drop-in sessions. Exclusive benefits include discounts on master classes and workshops, retail shop purchases and reciprocal institutional privileges. Be our guest at exclusive exhibition launches and receive early access to our popular shop sales. Become a member today or gift this experience to a loved one.
Partnerships
Help Geelong’s own Museum tell the stories of our community, the wool industry, fibre, and textiles. Through our exhibitions, events, education programs and conservation work, we offer our partners the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with the Museum that meets the unique objectives of the individual organisations.
Contact us to discuss how the Museum can partner with your organisation.
Donate to the Museum
Join us in creating change and making meaningful impact on the world around us. Donate now to support our collections, exhibitions, and programs. Donations are tax deductable.
Volunteering at the Museum
We’re always on the lookout for passionate and friendly volunteers to help us deliver an excellent, engaging visitor experience.
The Museum offers a variety of experiences from interacting with visitors, assisting in our retail store to providing support to our Collections Team.
Our Supporters and Partners
MUSEUM PARTNERS
EXHIBITION PARTNERS
COLLECTION PARTNERS
PROGRAMS PARTNERS
Get ready for Christmas at the National Wool Museum Shop
The Museum Shop is stocked with a carefully curated selection of gifts and knitwear, perfect for Christmas giving for all ages.
Take your time and enjoy a slow shopping experience and select from our charming range of gifts sourced from local artisans and from around the country. With a focus on quality and ethically produced products, we are making Christmas shopping easy.
Open daily 10.00am-5.00pm
Late night shopping experience, 19 December, 5.00pm-8.00pm
Join us for the preview of Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and receive a 30% discount storewide.*
Let us wrap your present while you wait.
*exclusions apply.
In store only.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
GETTING HERE
The Museum is located on the corner of Moorabool and Brougham Streets in the heart of central Geelong. One block from the Waterfront and ferry terminal, and a short walk from Geelong Railway Station.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
A ten-minute walk towards the Waterfront from Geelong Railway Station.
TRAVELLING BY CAR
60 minutes from Melbourne. 30 minutes from Torquay, Great Ocean Road.
CAR PARKING
Weekday metered parking and free two and threehour parking on weekends in Moorabool Street, Brougham Street and Eastern Beach Road.
ACCESS
The Museum is fully accessible at street entry, with ramps to each level. Accessible parking is located at the front of the Museum. Accessible toilets are located on each level.
Waterfront Geelong
FERRIES
Port Phillip Ferries operates passenger ferry services from Docklands to Geelong and Docklands to the Bellarine (Portarlington) and also provide Port Phillip Ferries Discovery Tours.
Searoad Ferries car and passenger ferry travels from the Mornington Peninsula to Queenscliff. Buses run from Queenscliff to Geelong.
Spirit of Tasmania travels from Davonport Tasmania docking at Geelong. A ten-minute drive to the National Wool Museum.
