He was Tommy Woodcock's 'Bobby', Harry Telford's 'Red Terror', and the champion Australians needed during the Depression. More than 80 years after he first went on display, Phar Lap remains our most popular exhibit, and in 2026, we celebrate the 100th birthday of this legendary racehorse.
The gangly and awkward two-year-old from New Zealand became Australia's greatest racehorse. Between September 1929 and November 1931, Phar Lap ran 41 races and won 36 of them. His death in California in 1932 sent the nation into mourning. Letters sent to Harry Telford by the grieving public are now displayed with Phar Lap alongside other tributes in art and souvenir. Objects from his life – his training saddle, his shoes, his tonic book – help tell the story of Australia's wonder horse.
Included with museum entry
Adult $18
Senior $12
Children Under 17 Free
Concession Free
Members Free
Date & Time
Open 9am to 5pm.
Stories
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Melbourne Museum
Included with museum entry
Adult $18
Senior $12
Children Under 17 Free
Concession Free
Members Free
ACCESSIBILITY
Please view our accessibility page for general information. A sensory map of Melbourne Museum can be found on our Visual Stories page where step-by-step visual and written access guides are available. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.
