Situated in the picturesque village of Richmond in the Coal River Valley, just 25 minutes away from Hobart. The award-winning Pooseum is a quirky science museum dedicated to all things poo. It’s the only one of its kind in Australia. If you’re looking for a fun, unique and family-friendly activity, come and visit this museum.
The Pooseum’s History
it is a science museum dedicated entirely to the intriguing world of animal droppings.
Coming from a background in arts, tourism, and event management, Karin Koch, the creator and owner of the Pooseum in Tasmania, was in search of a new venture when she stumbled upon a story about a tiny caterpillar that could fling its faecal matter as far as 1.5 meters. Much to her surprise, this sparked an interest to research more about animal dung, eventually leading to the birth of a museum dedicated to faeces.
It’s All about Poo
Poo, farts, toilets – they’re such popular topics for jokes but, there is a serious and scientific side too. At the Pooseum, they like to think of ourselves as “poo-ologists”, having decided to get to the bottom of the matter. Far from presenting toilet humour, they are on a serious mission to educate visitors about the fascinating world of poo.
The Pooseum offers more than 50 information panels and 40 videos on touch screens. Visitors can learn about how animals digest food in the Digestion Room. They can see 3D models of different animals’ digestive systems. This room shows the differences between carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
What to Expect at the Pooseum
The Pooseum offers something for every age group, making it an ideal place for a family activity. There are tons of information on animal poo! For example, you will learn:
- why not every poo smells nasty
- how dung from farms and zoos is used to produce electricity
- why a dog in Queensland tracks koala poo
- how Canadian owls use poo to catch their dinner
- why looking like bird poo is life-saving
- how bats avoid soiling themselves
- why you shouldn’t walk barefoot on a tropical beach
- why South Africans put antelope droppings in their mouth
- and much, much more
Family Visit to Pooseum
Pooseum welcomes families every Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The last entry to the museum is at 3:00 pm. They are also open during Easter Saturday, Sunday & Monday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday and on Good Friday.
Things to Do in Richmond
The Pooseum is just one of the many things to do in Richmond, Tasmania. This charming town is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, including Australia’s oldest bridge and the oldest Catholic church in Australia. Visitors can also explore the local shops and cafes, which offer a variety of unique and locally-made products.
