Collections

The National Museum holds a number of significant collections relating to each of its three primary subject areas: land, nation and people. Significant elements include a collection of 80,000 stone tools and Australia's largest collection of bark paintings, comprising 1600 works by numerous artists, spanning two centuries and the width and breadth of Australia.

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Bush pram

Dunphy collection

Bush pram

The bush pram is part of a large collection of early bushwalking artefacts relating to the life and work of the keen bushwalker and conservationist Myles Dunphy. He was regarded by many as the father of the New South Wales conservation and wilderness movement.

Myles Dunphy made this collapsible pram in order to take his baby son Milo on bushwalking trips in the 1930s. When it was folded up, it could be carried on his back. Other items in the Dunphy Collection include a set of small leather boots made for the family dog to prevent it getting sore pads on long walks, the Dunphys' medical and sewing kit and a backpack which Myles embroidered for his wife Margaret.

After helping to form the Mountain Trails Bushwalking Club in 1914, one of the earliest bushwalking clubs in New South Wales, Myles Dunphy lobbied together with other members of the club for the preservation of the 'Blue Gum Forest' as part of the Blue Mountains National Park. He went on to lobby for the establishment of the NSW National Parks and Primitive Areas Council in 1932 and the gazetting of a whole series of National Parks.

The National Museum has a number of rich collections relating to bushwalking and outdoor recreation.

Collections

Bush pram

Dunphy collection

Captivating and Curious

Batmania