Port Macquarie has welcomed a delightful blend of art, nature, and storytelling with the "Birds of Australia Storybox" landing on Town Green this month. This innovative installation, presented by the Australian Museum, brings the beauty and history of Australia’s birdlife to life in a stunning outdoor setting.
The Storybox is no ordinary exhibition—it's a travelling digital masterpiece designed to celebrate the country’s incredible avian diversity. This 3D cube showcases some of the most vivid bird illustrations from John and Elizabeth Gould’s 19th-century artworks. Their detailed, colourful depictions of native species have long been celebrated for their artistic merit and scientific accuracy. By displaying these iconic illustrations, the Storybox reconnects us with Australia's rich natural history.
But it’s not just about admiring beautiful images! The Storybox intertwines these visuals with the knowledge and wisdom of Australia’s First Nations people, who have coexisted with these birds for thousands of years. Through a combination of digital projection, audio narratives, and interactive experiences, visitors can learn about the cultural significance and ecological importance of these feathered creatures.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is its accessibility. Being an outdoor installation on the Town Green, it’s freely available to the public and caters to all ages. Whether you’re a long-time bird enthusiast or simply curious, this is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Australia’s natural heritage. Families will especially enjoy the mix of storytelling and visual wonder, making it a great way to engage kids with the environment.
The "Birds of Australia Storybox" invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role in conserving it. As the exhibition has travelled across Australia, it’s become a beloved attraction in each town it visits, creating a space for communities to come together and celebrate their local wildlife.
Be sure to visit Town Green while the Storybox is in town and experience the joy of exploring Australia’s birdlife through a whole new lens. It’s a wonderful reminder of the vibrant beauty and cultural richness right in our backyard!
For more information on this fantastic exhibition, check out the PMHC website.
Get involved during NSW Aboriginal Languages Week on 20 - 27 October and join in our Gathang Language Treasure Hunt to go into the draw to win some great prizes. In conjunction with Australian Museum’s The Birds Of Australia STORYBOX, a captivating digital, outdoor installation on Town Green, we have installed a number of posters at key destinations around Port Macquarie.
You can participate by picking up a printed copy of the treasure hunt map from the Port Macquarie Glasshouse, or play online using freeguides at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/treasure
Or use this QR code:
Find the posters at each of the 10 locations on the map and write down the Gathang language name for each of the feathered friends you discover.
TO ENTER
Take a photo of your completed worksheet and email to djuyalguwakulda@outlook.com with your contact details. You will be in the running to win a staycation weekend and dinner to the value of $1,000 or a day spa pamper pack
valued over $500 or one of 3 $100 Woolworths gift cards!