Great Owl Museum

Perched on the rugged east coast of Tasmania, the Great Owl Museum is an unexpected delight — a private collection that feels more like a cabinet of curiosities than a conventional gallery. Housed in a converted shearing shed near Freycinet National Park, it celebrates the owl in art, folklore, and natural history, with over 2000 owl-related objects from around the world. The eccentric passion of its founder is palpable in every nook, making this a quirky, must-see stop for anyone intrigued by the strange and wonderful.

Highlights & What to See

• Owl Art & Sculptures — a vast array of owl-themed paintings, carvings, and ceramics from local and international artists, each piece telling its own story.
• Natural History Collection — taxidermy specimens, skeletons, and eggs representing dozens of owl species, displayed with informative labels about their behaviour and habitats.
• Folklore & Mythology Exhibit — delve into owls as symbols of wisdom, omens, and magic across cultures, from Ancient Greece to Aboriginal Dreamtime.
• Interactive Owl Calls — press-button audio stations let you hear the haunting calls of Tasmanian masked owls, boobooks, and more.
• Gift Shop & Studio — browse owl-inspired jewellery, prints, and local crafts; watch artists at work in the on-site studio.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring the museum — enough to absorb the quirky collection without rushing. It’s a perfect pit stop on a day trip around the Freycinet Peninsula; combine it with a walk to Wineglass Bay lookout or a leisurely lunch at a nearby vineyard. If you’re a serious owl enthusiast, allow an extra 30 minutes to chat with the curator and browse the gift shop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Freycinet National Park — just a short drive away, with world-class coastal walks, granite peaks, and the iconic Wineglass Bay.
• Wineglass Bay — Tasmania’s most photographed beach; take the lookout walk for breathtaking views, or hike down for a swim.
• Coles Bay — the laid-back gateway town with cafes, kayak rentals, and stunning views of the Hazards mountain range.
• Friendly Beaches — a quieter stretch of sand perfect for a picnic or a peaceful stroll, with birdlife aplenty.
• Devil’s Corner Cellar Door — a winery and lookout with panoramic views over the vineyards and ocean; sample Pinot Noir and local produce.

Please check official sources for current details.