Remember Mr Squiggle? You can see him in Canberra now!

By Kassia Byrnes
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Two cultural giants have arrived in Canberra.

As a child of the 90s, I don’t have enough time to count the hours I spent with my siblings watching Mr Squiggle, the enthusiastic, pencil-nosed, artistic man from the moon. Even after I was too old to delight in guessing what the random lines and dots might turn into, watching the bubbly Mr Squiggle and listening to the dull, gloomy tones of his blackboard was a soothing way to relax after school. Well, it’s time to whip out the nostalgia because Mr Squiggle is coming to the National Museum in Canberra.

Until 13 October 2025, the free exhibition Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington is putting this beloved puppet front and centre, to celebrate his ABC TV show of the same name that aired from 1959 to 1999.

Mr Squiggle is joined by other iconic characters of the show: Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail. And, of course, the mastermind behind the hit TV show Norman Hetherington, whose collection of more than 800 objects, including puppets, artworks, scripts, costumes, props and sets was acquired by the  National Museum in 2024 and forms the main part of the exhibition.

“We can’t wait to share this exhibition with parents and grandparents who grew up with  Mr Squiggle and allow them to reconnect with their childhoods, and to bring along the next generation to experience Norman Hetherington’s particular whimsy, humour and magic,"  said National Museum director Katherine McMahon.

squid games korean tv show

Discover the shows, music and fashion making waves from Korea.

After finishing in Canberra, the key puppets in the show will tour nationally. While the National Museum turns to an entirely new cultural phenomenon: the Korean ‘wave’. From megastars of K-pop and K-drama, to the Oscar-winning film Parasite and hit Netflix show Squid Game, to singer and rapper PSY, who gave the world dance hit Gangnam Style: exhibition, Hallyu! The Korean Wave will run exclusively in Australia at the National Museum (the first time in the Southern Hemisphere) from 12 December 2025 to 10 May 2026.

The exhibition will be accompanied by live Korean music, dance, and food for a full immersion into the Korean cultural experience.

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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This snowy day trip is magical for kids and just 45 mins from Canberra

    By Emily Murphy
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    Forget the alpine resort haul.

    Dreaming of snowball fights, toboggan runs and frosty fun without the long drive to the ski fields? You don’t need to trek to the Snowy Mountains to get your winter fix, because Corin Forest, Canberra’s only commercial snowfield, is just 45 minutes from the city.

    Tucked into the Tidbinbilla Range in Namadgi National Park, Corin Forest delivers a full-blown snow experience for families looking for a quick, easy and affordable day trip. And thanks to snow machines, you’re guaranteed a snowy playground even when the rest of Canberra is dry.

    Corin Forest snowmaking by SandwichCafe

    You’re guaranteed snow thanks to snow machines. (Image: SandwichCafe)

    The main event at Corin Forest in winter is the Snowplay area – a safe, supervised space designed for tobogganing, snowman-making and general chilly chaos. Snowplay sessions run for two hours, and you’ll want to book ahead: they’re incredibly popular during weekends and school holidays.

    You don’t need to bring anything with you. All the snow gear you need, including toboggans, jackets and pants, is available to hire onsite.

    If your crew is keen to try skiing or snowboarding, Corin Forest also has beginner lessons on a gentle 80-metre slope, complete with a magic carpet lift. Packages include everything from equipment hire to instruction, so all you have to do is show up and try not to stack it. Corin’s ski and snowboard instructors are friendly and patient, and the slope is perfect for first-timers, young and old.

    After you’ve had your fill of frosty fun, head to the lodge for a hot chocolate and a bite to eat by the crackling wood fire.

    Need-to-know details

    Two children tobogganing at Corin Forest

    Corin Forest is perfect for kids. (Image: VisitCanberra)

    Where: Corin Forest is a 45-minute drive from Canberra.

    When: Snowplay sessions run multiple times a day through winter.

    Cost: Snowplay from $25, with gear hire extra. Lesson packages start from $149, including gear.

    Whether you’re travelling with kids, trying snow for the first time or just chasing that winter wonderland vibe, Corin Forest delivers all the thrills – no ski lift pass required.