Travel and exploration
Our collections of artwork, manuscripts and rare books reflect a rich history of exploration into the natural world.
Whether motivated by commercial interests, colonial ambitions or scientific enquiry, these ambitious expeditions led to the discovery of new lands and curiosities.
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Cook's voyages
The Museum collections include vast numbers of specimens, documents and artworks from James Cook's voyages.
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The First Fleet
Discover artwork from the penal colony established in New South Wales.
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The HMS Investigator voyage
Captain Matthew Flinders’ voyage to Australia.
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Charles Darwin and HMS Beagle
Darwin's five-year voyage of discovery off the coast of South America.
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The HMS Challenger expedition
An ambitious voyage that proved life existed in the deep sea.
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The Americas
Exploration and collecting in the Americas.
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India and China
Art collections from India and China dating back to the 18th century.
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The Antarctic
Ambitious expeditions to a remote, largely untouched continent.
