Cabinet of curiosities

Handle marine plant and animal specimens and learn about underwater exploration innovations from every trophic level- the sunlight to the abyss. 

Run your fingers over a taxidermy squid, feel the weight of a pearl divers' boot, see everyday objects crushed into miniature by the tremendous pressure of the deep sea or peer through the lens of pioneering underwater cameras. 

Sundays during the school term. 

Explore fascinating fossils and unique specimens from our education collection with this hands-on discovery station in our galleries.

Handle both real and replica fossils and sea creature specimens that tell the story of our ancient oceans.  

Run your fingers over the jagged jaws of a marine reptile, feel the weight of an ichthyosaur flipper, marvel at the chambers in a nautilus shell, learn about sedimentation, fossil formation and the ancient creatures who still survive in today’s oceans. 

Daily during school holidays and Sundays in term 2 
10.30am – 11.30am and 2.00 – 3.00pm