Society and water

Dip your toe into the many currents of culture, leisure, sport and trade that connect every Australian to the waters that surround and inspire us.

Lighthouses in the collection

Paula Stafford

Join Assistant Curator Inger Sheil to learn about innovative designer and 'Bikini Queen' Paula Stafford who produced a wide range of popular fashions celebraiting the Gold Coast's ideal beach lifestyle. 

This black and white photograph depicting the interior of Paula Stafford's Tog Shop at Broadbeach Gold Coast, Queensland about 1957. Paula is seen standing to the right, gesturing towards her customer, to her left.

More swimwear in the collection

From our education team

School programs and online resources perfect for school students