National Wool Museum
About National Wool Museum
The National Wool Museum, located in Geelong, Victoria, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of Australia's wool industry. Situated in a historic bluestone building, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the wool production process, from shearing to the final textile products. It houses a significant collection of wool-related artifacts, including machinery and tools that have been central to the industry since the 19th century. The museum also features educational exhibits on the social history of wool in Australia, interactive displays, and live demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages. Through its exhibitions and programs, the National Wool Museum aims to connect the community with the historical and ongoing impact of wool on the nation's economic and cultural landscape.
Overall Recommendation Level
Price: Low
Price is $12 for adults and only $7 for children
Audience
Great for families although our children were some what bored.
Location
At Geelong City Centre
Reviewed & written by Joe C. Read about Joe and more of his recommendations.
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MY REVIEW
Our family's visit to the National Wool Museum in Geelong was interesting. The museum, housed in a beautifully restored bluestone wool store, showcasing the significance of wool in Australia's history and economy.
As we wandered through the exhibits, my wife and I were fascinated by the old looms and shearing equipment, symbols of an era that shaped the nation. There were tons of stories of the wool pioneers painting a picture of the hardy souls who contributed to the industry's growth.
The children, admittedly, found some of the historical details less enthralling. While my wife and I admired the intricate displays of wool processing, from shearing to the final product, the kids were more taken with the interactive exhibits. They perked up at the chance to try their hands at weaving and chuckled at the sheep-shearing demonstrations, which brought a spark of life to the otherwise static displays.
The Wool Harvest exhibit and the Dressed for the Occasion display were highlights for us. The former offered a real sense of the scale and global reach of the wool industry, while the latter provided a glimpse into the fashion and functionality of wool through the ages.
Despite the kids' occasional restlessness, the visit was an educational experience for the whole family.
As we left the museum, the kids were more eager to discuss the live sheep shearing than the historical timelines, but that's the nature of family outings—finding the moments that resonate with each of us, and sharing them together. The National Wool Museum may not have been a thrill ride, but it was a meaningful slice of Australian heritage, and a worthwhile stop in Geelong.