‘Proud’: Geelong’s National Wool Museum voted regional Australia’s finest

A Geelong attraction has been named Australia’s best, while the humble finger bun from a local bakery was named as a finalist.

Norma Dessent has been a volunteer at the Wool Museum since 1988. She is pictured with director Padraic Fisher after the venue scooped a big award. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong’s “Bluestone Jewel Box” has been named Australia’s best regional museum.

The National Wool Museum tells the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles.

The win was part of Travel app Wotif’s 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards.

Routley’s Bakery’s finger bun, Rolling Pin’s sausage roll and the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club were also finalists in their respective categories.

Wool Museum volunteers Joe Bisignano, Leah Wolfe, Emily McNeight, Norma Dessent, Josephine Rout, Emily Baskin and director Padraic Fisher. Picture: Alan Barber

Museum director Padraic Fisher said the win was humbling and exciting.

“This is vibrant time for regional Australia and the competition was fierce,” he said.

“We are delighted that the cultural heart of regional Australia is being showcased in this way.”

Mr Fisher said as the museum of and for Geelong, the “Bluestone Jewel Box” was a place for everyone.

“The museum sits on an ancient place of gathering for thousands of generations,” he said.

“It links the waterfront and central Geelong and is a place to explore things that can only be found in Geelong, share our collective experiences and also happens to have the best gift shop.”

Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the award was special as it was voted for by the general community.

“We’re so proud of the National Wool Museum and rapt to see it receive this recognition,” he said.

“The success of the museum is testament to the passion and dedication of our amazing staff and volunteers.”

Wotif travel expert Rebecca Hurley said the awards were about celebrating and spotlighting some of the country’s unique gems.

“With thousands of entries across the six categories, the awards show Aussies are eager to share their local travel favourites, however, it is the classic sausage roll which caused the most debate, earning the title of the most voted category by Aussies,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Proud’: Geelong’s National Wool Museum voted regional Australia’s finest