This month’s volunteer field trip took us to the Australian Museum, where 13 volunteers, and a beautiful baby, joined together for an afternoon of exploration and learning.
Our tour was expertly led by 3 knowledgeable Australian Museum volunteers. We began with the bird gallery, marvelled at the dinosaurs’ exhibit, and were captivated by the stunning minerals gallery.
Among the highlights was a mesmerizing amethyst-lined geode, adorned with hundreds of shimmering crystals. These geodes, often referred to as ‘cathedrals’ when tall and slender, originate from volcanic rock cavities, specifically from the Parana Continental Flood Basalt Province in Brazil.
Our exploration continued with a visit to the “Nature is in Focus” exhibition, showcasing the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year. For more than two decades, this exhibition has celebrated the artistry of top nature photographers, capturing the breathtaking beauty and fragility of our natural world. It featured over 90 photographs, the exhibit highlighted the diverse flora, fauna, and landscapes of the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea bioregion—a region rich in natural heritage spanning more than 80 million years. Among our favourites were the ‘Animals in Nature’ winners.
As our day of exploration drew to a close, we gathered in the serene setting of the Hintze Hall, enjoying coffee and reflecting on the knowledge and inspiration gained during our museum visit.
by Karen Griffiths, Volunteers Program Officer