Running until January 2023, the Sharks Exhibition at the Australian Museum is a fascinating display detailing everything you would want to know about sharks. From their origins and evolution, to their interactions with humans and the threats to their future, this is a very educational exhibition.
The Displays
Most of the displays have been taken from the museum’s collection, unlike other recent special exhibits which have been sourced internationally. All of the shark models were life-size, which was great because it lets us see how big they really are.
On entering, you are greeted with a prehistoric megalodon jaw, giving you an idea of the size of the largest shark to ever live. Next to this is a model of Helicoprion, with its unusual circular teeth that look like a circular saw.
Once past the prehistoric section, we got to see a range of modern sharks, from the grey nurse and Port Jackson sharks to the dangerous great white and tiger sharks. The largest model was an 8m whale shark (they can grow to 14m).
This was a fun and educational visit and families with kids should love it, with its interactive displays and realistic life-size models.
Megalodon JawHelicoprionHelicoprionTiger SharkPort Jackson SharkGrey Nurse SharkGreat White SharkWhale SharkScalloped Hammerhead SharkFrill Shark
Located on the New South Wales Central Coast, Wyong is around an hour’s drive north of Sydney, or an hour’s drive south from Newcastle. We visited to see the historic building and street art as well as visiting Alison Homestead on the outskirts of town.
Our first stop was the Chapman Building, where Glee Coffee have a café where you can grab a morning coffee. Opposite the café, the latest artwork was being installed. Unfortunately, these are taken down after a few months, but replaced a year later by the council.
At Alison Road, a map of the heritage walk has been installed. This is great in case you haven’t looked up the locations of what to see before-hand. Just across the road from the sign is Tightrope Lane, with it’s footpath painted as a tightrope.
We walked around the centre of town having a look at the old courthouse, post office and other buildings before heading off to the Alison Homestead. Another nearby attraction worth seeing is the old Milk Factory which now has a tavern, chocolate and candle making and arts and crafts.
Glee Coffee in the Chapman BuildingHeritage Sign Hely StreetStreet Art Hely St 2022Heritage Walking MapHeritage Walking SignStreet Art in Tightrope LaneStreet Art in Tightrope LaneWar MemorialOld Court HouseTurton’s CornerAutumn Leaves on Hely StreetThe Art House
Driving through Bathurst on our way to the Newnes Industrial ruins we discovered the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Surprised to find such an important collection located in regional New South Wales.
The Somerville Collection
Containing over 5,000 objects, the collection was the life’s work of Warren Somerville AM. It features some of the finest and rarest specimens of mineral crystals and fossils from around the world. Somerville donated the collection to the Australian Museum to ensure it remained intact. It is now on permanent display in Bathurst not far from his residence in Orange.
The mineral collection contains samples from over 100 Australian mines as well as international locations. Somerville traded samples from Australia to obtain the best available overseas. The minerals on display are amazing with spectacular crystals and colours.
MalachiteCrocoite Calcite and Carbonate Mineral DisplayUranocircite – Uranium MineralAzurite with ChrysocollaScoleciteCrocoite
Fossils
Also part of the Somerville Collection, the fossil collection contains three dinosaurs, unique Australian opalized fossils and numerous examples from every stage of life on Earth. Dominating the collection is the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton because of its size. You are able to get up close to the display, because a small mezzanine floor is at T-Rex skull height.
The most unique fossils there are two plesiosaurs because their bones have been opalized. This is very unusual and was great to see.
Crinoid FossilFish FossilsAmmonitesAmmonites CollectionTrilobite FossilOpalized Plesiosaur SkeletonTyrannosaurus Rex SkeletonAlbertosaurus SkeletonTyrannosaurus Rex Skull
Albert Chapman Collection
Temporarily housed in Bathurst while the Australian Museum in Sydney is refurbished, the Albert Chapman Collection is a great addition to the Sommerville Collection. Considered one of the top ten collections in the world, it was purchased by the NSW Government in 1988.
Not only are there minerals from many Australian mines, but many important international specimens are included.
It was great to be able to see the collection in Bathurst, but will be even better when housed in its new display at the Australian Museum.
MalachiteRhodochrosite Display
What Did We Think Of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum ?
A great place to see two world-class collections, especially if you are interested in geology. Even if you just want to marvel at how some of the crystals could have formed, it’s worth going to. Of course, the T-Rex and dinosaur skeletons are a big drawcard and really make the visit interesting.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
