The Latest Breaking News from Australian Museum

Museum's new chapter won't deny uneasy past

The Australian Museum hopes to inspire a new generation while confronting its colonial past, as the nation's oldest museum prepares to mark its 200th year.

AAP · Oct 9

Meet ‘platypus man’ Harry Burrell. He transformed Australian science – and put on quite a show

Harry and Susan Burrell were a remarkable 20th century couple. They were Australian vaudeville performers, self-taught naturalists, animal traders and collectors of specimens.

The Conversation · Sep 28

Natural selection: women win at top science awards

A team studying aspects of domestic violence, a marine heatwave forecasting system and a solar panel recycling solution are among the Eureka Prize winners.

AAP · Sep 3

Why are so many dolphins washing up on South Australian beaches? Long-term data point to a devastating algal bloom

In 2025 and 2026, South Australia faced a troubling harmful algal bloom, resulting in unprecedented dolphin fatalities— the highest in more than 10 years. Citizen scientists played a pivotal role by documenting over 123,000 observations of marine life. Moreover, those visiting beaches experienced respiratory issues and eye irritation due to…

The Economic Times · Aug 4

'Unflattering history' embraced in return of remains

The Australian Museum has formally returned the remains of several Rapa Nui ancestors to Easter Island after purchasing them more than 140 years ago.

AAP · Jul 15

For decades, Australian institutions have displayed stolen human remains. But there’s a way forward

The RA Rodda Pathology Museum at the University of Tasmania, established in 1966, is currently in possession of about 2,700 human body parts. At least 177 of these were obtained without consent from their loved ones.

The Conversation · May 20

Snakes alive! Nature's greatest storyteller turns 100

Nature-lovers across Australia are planning remarkable displays to celebrate renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday.

AAP · May 7

79 Times People Found Interesting Fossils And Asked Others To Identify Them

Our planet has been around for several billion years, a number so huge it is hard to fully understand. In all those years, countless creatures and organisms have lived and vanished, and a few left behind pieces of their existence. Those eventually became fossils, giving us a rare chance to…

Bored Panda · Apr 5

Want to be a citizen scientist? Here are 5 ways to get involved

Ever wondered what it might feel like to spot giant spider crabs while you’re snorkelling? Or check plants for the circular holes that indicate native bees are collecting nest materials?

The Conversation · Apr 1

They suck your blood: nature's vampires at museum show

From mosquitoes to giant leeches, the Bloodsuckers exhibition at the Australian Museum explores creatures that live off blood.

AAP · Apr 1