The Australian Museum's Burra learning space

Learn more about the lifecycle and journey of burra (eel) from the Pacific Ocean down the East Australian Current to Sydney Harbour.

Burra, which means eel in the First Nations languages of Sydney and the South Coast, is a new learning and play space at the Australian Museum that follow the extraordinary life cycle of the eel across fresh, brackish and saltwater ecosystems. Image: Artwork by Jasmine Miikika Craciun, Barkindji, Malyangapa
© Jasmine Miikika Craciun

Burra takes visitors on a fascinating learning journey through Country in an exciting new state-of-the-art education space that immerses visitors in Western science and First Nations knowledges.

This learning and play space traces the incredible migration of burra (eel) along estuaries and rivers, across rockpools and out to sea. Visitors follow the life-cycle of this surprisingly resilient fish, teaching families about our environment, the Australian Museum’s science, and the importance of caring for Country and each other.

Burra is a truly unique experience in the heart of Gadigal Country, and features artwork by Jasmine Miikika Craciun, Barkindji, Malyangapa. Children are invited to touch, listen and see while exploring the giant burra, sensory walls and interactive play zones.

Explore Burra's thematic sections

Caring for Country

Listening to Country

We are all connected to Country so it is important to understand how everything works and notice when patterns change.

Climate change: how can I care for Country?

Learn about some simple actions we can take to help support Country through climate change.

Who is Country?

So often we are asked “what is Country?”, but for First Nations people the real question has always been “who is Country?”

By Sara Kianga Judge

Artist's render of the entrance and pathway to Burra

Starting where you are: First Nations non-linear storytelling

For First Nations people, stories and lifecycles don’t need to have a beginning and an ending because they happen continuously in circles and patterns.

Ocean Currents

Our Oceans are asking us to care about the animals who are eating, breathing and becoming sick from these pollutants before it’s too late.

Whale poo and climate change

Learn how the connection between whales and climate change reach far and wide across Country.

Shell adornment made by Walbanja Yuin Elder Aunty Vivian Mason

Shell adornments

First Nations adornments informs others who we are, where we are from, and what our relationships with Country are.

Grey Mangrove trees that are perfect for making Boomerangs

Mangrove Boomerangs

Discover how Mangroves and Boomerangs teach us about breathing, giving and receiving.

Little Terns: caring for Country and each other

Little Terns teach us the importance of supporting each other and caring for Country.

Saltpan Estuary receives waters from the Sydney coast and the Georges River

Estuaries: mixing places

First Nations people recognise Estuaries as mixing places of abundant foods, resources for making tools and important gathering places.

Bangu: Big Bats and Little Bats

In Dhurga, one of many languages spoken by the First Nations Yuin people of the NSW South Coast, Bangu is the name for Bat.

Who’s who, Bangu: how to tell the difference between Flying-fox Bats

Learn how to tell our nectivorous (nectar-eating) and frugivorous (fruit-eating) Flying-fox Bangu apart.

Who’s who, Bangu: getting to know Microbats

Bats are the second biggest group of mammals in the world and scientists are still finding new species of little microbats today.

Fishing Bats

Even though all Bangu (Bats) are amazing animals, the Large-footed Myotis is an especially interesting microbat that can fish.

Funded by the Australian Museum Foundation through an extraordinary bequest from the estate of the late Patricia McDonald a former AM educator. Patricia believed in a hands-on approach to children’s discovery of the natural world and was a pioneer of AM education.