Wool has been an essential part of Australia's growth as a nation. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agricultural practices, our collective imagination and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world. 

Two hundred years later, in 1988, The National Wool Museum was established as Australia's only comprehensive museum of wool. The Museum is housed in an historic 1872 bluestone wool store near the port of Geelong, Victoria.

Travelling exhibitions, education programs, special exhibits, tours and workshops - there's always something new happening at the National Wool Museum.     For more information and what's on there now please see their web site:-

http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/Visiting_Geelong/Attractions/National_Wool_Museum/

Australian Wool Production

Australia is the world's largest producer of wool.

Did you know...

• In 2003/2004 there were 106 million sheep shorn in Australia producing 480 million kg of greasy wool.
• It is expected that the amount of wool produced in 2004/2005 will rise by 4% to 500 million kg of greasy wool from 112 million sheep shorn.
• The Australian flock was composed of 84.6% Merino, 11.3% crossbred, 4.1% other breeds at 30 June 2003.
• The wheat-sheep zone of Australia contains around 55% of the Australian sheep flock, the high rainfall zone contains around 33% and the pastoral zone contains around 12%.
• At 30 June 2003, 73% of the total wool produced in Australia is produced by less than 40% of wool producing farms.

Australian Wool Fibre

Did you know...

• There has been a significant change in the fibre diameter (micron) profile of the Australian clip. In1993/1994, only 8.5% of the wool clip was 19 micron or finer. Ten years later, 30% of the clip is 19 micron or finer.
• Wool fibres are mostly made of protein with a small amount of fat, calcium and sodium.
• As it grows from the sheep's skin, wool naturally groups into staples which each contain many thousands of fibres.
• After shearing, wool is classed into five main categories: fleece, pieces, bellies, crutchings and locks.
• The most important characteristics of wool in determining its greasy value are fibre diameter, staple strength, staple length, vegetable matter, colour and yield.

Australian Wool Exports

Did you know...

• Australia is the world's largest producer of wool, producing over a quarter of the world's greasy wool in 2003/2004.
• While Australia produces more wool than any other country, China has the largest sheep population. Australia has the second largest sheep population.
• Australia exports wool to 50 countries. China is the biggest purchaser of Australian wool, with exports to China valued at $1.1 billion in 2003/2004.
• In 2003/2004, wool accounted for 2.5% of Australia's total exports, 3.4% of Australia's primary industry (agricultural/mining) exports, and 9.4% of Australia's agricultural exports, ranking third behind beef and wheat.
• Wool exports were valued at $2.8 billion in 2003/2004.

Wool Textiles

Did you know...

• Australian wool accounted for 48% of the total used in global wool apparel in 2003/2004.
• In 2003, wool accounted for 2.4% of total world fibre use and about 3.5% of world apparel fibre use (with Australian wool approximately 2.3% of world apparel fibre use).
• Casual leisurewear is the largest clothing sector accounting for 70% of the total apparel market.
• Young adults, who dominate global discretionary apparel expenditure, are influenced more by price and performance rather than the textile fibre used.
• Worsted fabrics are made with longer fibres that produce a surface that's smooth to touch. Woollens are made with shorter fibres that stand up from the surface and give the fabric a hairy touch.
• Wool insulates against heat and cold, is healthy, water repellent, fire resistant, naturally elastic, wears longer, is versatile, resists static, insulates against noise, resists dirt, is easy to sew, is comfortable and dyes beautifully.

Source:   All the above information is courtesy of http://www.wool.com.au    (Australian Wool Innovation Limited)