Mailing Instructions
Post it to us
Address the parcel to:
INQUIRY CENTRE
QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
P.O. BOX 3300
SOUTH BRISBANE
QUEENSLAND 4101
It is important that you follow these instructions carefully; otherwise your item may be damaged during transit, making identification difficult or impossible.
Wrap your item in tissue and/or bubble wrap. If it is small, place it into a padded post-pack. If it is large place it into a box, filling any spaces with scrunched up newspaper.
Include:
- Your contact details (name, address, phone number, and email)
- What you would like us to do (e.g. provide identification, notes on conservation or how old the item is).
- The provenance of the item e.g. how you came to have the item (was it a purchase, inheritance or gift), and where you came across the item.
When we receive your item we will identify it and contact you with all the details.
If the item is valuable or important to you please insure your parcel (for delivery only) with Australia Post.
Additional Instructions
Insects and Spiders
- If your animal is alive and in a jar, place into the freezer for at least 2 hours to kill it.
- Remove from the freezer.
- If it is a spider or soft-bodied insect (e.g. caterpillar), immerse in methylated spirits for 2 days, after which remove, dab dry, wrap in cotton wool and proceed to step 4.
- Place into a sturdy plastic container with a tight fitting lid (e.g. plastic film canister).
- Place into a padded post pack, and remember to include a letter with the above general information.
- If possible, post early in the week. Doing this will prevent the specimen sitting at the post office over the weekend.
- When we receive your animal we will identify it and contact you with all the details.
Fossils and Geological Specimens
Include in your letter what you would like us to do (e.g. provide identification, or how old the specimen is).
Birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles (vertebrates) Specimens
Due to the risk of vertebrate specimens deteriorating in the post, please do not send specimens to the Inquiry Centre unless you use a rapid courier service. If you use a rapid courier service, ensure the specimen has been frozen as outlined above and sealed in an esky with all relevant details including your name, contact details, date the specimen was collected and the location/suburb where it was found. If possible, include latitude and longitude information. Also, please contact us to alert us to the imminent arrival of your specimen.
Generally the Queensland Museum does not make house calls to pick up specimens, however if it is particularly rare or unusual we may make arrangements to do so. Please call 3840 7555 if you believe this may be the case.
Clothing and Textiles, General Cultural Items (Indigenous and Non-indigenous)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural sites and objects are protected under State Legislation. It is an offence under this legislation to knowingly move or disturb cultural heritage materials from where you find them. While Queensland Museum does not enforce this legislation, it does encourage people to leave artefacts in their original location. The disturbance or relocation of cultural material - whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or not - greatly diminishes its scientific and cultural significance.
For more information on the legislation protecting these sites and objects please refer to the Department of Natural Resources and Water Cultural Heritage Compliance Fact Sheet*.
* The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site. This link will load into a new window.