Society and water

Dip your toe into the many currents of culture, leisure, sport and trade that connect every Australian to the waters that surround and inspire us.

A collection of green and gold swimsuits from different eras on a white background

Celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics

Lear about olympic challenges and how they’ve led to the Paris Games

Paula Stafford

Join Assistant Curator Inger Sheil to learn about innovative designer and 'Bikini Queen' Paula Stafford who produced a wide range of popular fashions celebraiting the Gold Coast's ideal beach lifestyle. 

This black and white photograph depicting the interior of Paula Stafford's Tog Shop at Broadbeach Gold Coast, Queensland about 1957. Paula is seen standing to the right, gesturing towards her customer, to her left.
Image of a one peice swimsuit made of lace with an orange background.

More swimwear in the collection

Australia's Daring World Record- Ken Warby

In 1978, mechanical engineer and motorboat racer, Ken Warby (1939-2023), set the still-unbeaten world water speed record of 511.11 km/h. 

Charting our waters

From our education team

School programs and online resources perfect for school students