Quick Details
National Wool Museum Discovery Cruise
Access to: National Wool Museum, Anatomy Lessons Exhibition and Ten Years of Dowel Jones
Available Saturdays and Sundays
Port Phillip Ferries has an exclusive package that now includes access to all 3 features at the National Wool Museum. Not only will you get entry to the Wool Museum itself, but there are 2 extra exhibition spaces inside the Museum that regularly feature new and interesting instalments.
Currently showing in these spaces are: Anatomy Lessons, an exhibition of sad splendour AND Ten Years of Dowel Jones. The package includes return ferry tickets from Docklands and entry into all 3 exhibitions.
That’s amazing value, and as the museum is only a short 5-minute walk from where the ferry docks in Geelong, it’s the perfect day trip from Melbourne if you’re looking for something different.
Anatomy Lessons, an exhibition of sad splendour
Anatomy Lessons by Michele Beevors is a breathtaking exhibition featuring meticulously-sculpted, life size skeletons, making visitors question their place in this web of the living and the dead. From the towering giraffe stretching 4.4 metres in height, to the army of over 50 delicately rendered frogs, this exhibition is enthralling in scale.
Each sculpture is an accurate portrayal of a real animal and is carefully measured, drawn, and moulded from steel, wire, and foam. The frame is then intricately knitted over to create these thought-provoking pieces. The stories from Anatomy Lessons have stunned and delighted audiences across the globe. Each sculpture tells a story, one of the collection of animals by museums and collectors, of Western safari hunters, of human encroachment, and of the often-sad role of the animals in our lives.
These underlying concepts are explored and reflected in the materials used. Wool, that speaks of warmth, of comfort, of care, meets the size, grace, and sheer breathtaking beauty of the pieces, clashing with the hard and complex stories beneath.
Ten Years of Dowel Jones
Dowel Jones is one of Australia’s leading design studios that is made in Geelong and celebrated globally. Founded in 2014 by Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman, this exhibition marks 10 years of this award-winning practice and celebrates their colourful, dynamic and playful approach to make furniture that is ‘anything but ordinary’.
Despite their robust brand identity, verging on cult-like status, the Dowel Jones model is defiantly democratic, devoid of ego and champions Australian-made design.
Including furniture, lighting, ceramics and textiles, join Dowel Jones as they transform the Museum gallery into a house filled with ten of their collaborative projects. Discover the Dowel Jones design process in which everyone plays a part – from manufacturers to fellow designers, emerging artists and local children, all are equal in the Dowel Jones creative community.
Package also includes access to the National Wool Museum
The National Wool Museum is the only comprehensive museum of wool in Australia and aligned with Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design designation. Explore the regions 60,000 years of human endeavour and industry, from Australia’s first Nations living culture and heritage to emerging and advanced industries of today.
Your package includes a return ferry from Docklands and entry into the National Wool Museum. We recommend allowing up to 90 minutes to explore the museum’s wide range of collections and exhibitions.
Times
- This day trip is available every Saturday and Sunday + Weekdays during school holidays (except Winter)
- Ferry departs Docklands at 10.40 am and returns from Geelong Waterfront 4.00 pm.
Package inclusions
- Return ferry tickets from Docklands to Geelong (via Portarlington)
- National Wool Museum Entry Ticket (available for same-day use between 11.40 am – 3.00 pm
- Entry into Anatomy Lessons, an exhibition of sad splendour
- Entry into Ten Years of Dowel Jones
Please note
- Ferry boarding opens 20 minutes and closes 3 minutes prior to departure times.
- Cruise duration is approx 2 hours 10 mins each direction.
- National Wool Museum is an approx 5-minute walk from the Geelong ferry terminal.
- The museum closes daily at 3 pm. We recommend allowing for at least 60-90 mins viewing time.
- For General Entry to the National Wool Museum please present this Port Phillip Ferries boarding pass to National Wool Museum staff upon entry. For additional assistance please call us on (03) 9514 8959
- National Wool Museum and Ferry Tickets are only valid for names and travel dates provided on your ticket booking.
Map to National Wool Museum Geelong
Then what’s for lunch?
Why not treat yourself to lunch at one of our recommended restaurants and bars with an exclusive offer to Port Phillip Ferries passengers?
Geelong Boat House > has 10% off food exclusive to Port Phillip Ferries passengers. Their speciality is Fish and Chips: Dine in or Takeaway. Sit at tables on the gangplank, go upstairs to the bridge deck, or have a picnic on the grass. Click here
Black Sheep > located inside National Wool Museum has 15% off food and beverages exclusive to Port Phillip Ferries passengers Click here
The Edge Geelong > has 15% off food and beverages exclusive to Port Phillip Ferries passengers Click here
Wah Wah Gee Restaurant > offers an extensive menu of Asian fusion dishes Click here