Harrow · Western Victoria

One small town. A big story.

In 1868, a team of Aboriginal cricketers, most of them from Western Victoria, became the first Australians to represent the nation abroad in any sport, sailing to England to take their game and their culture to the other side of the world.

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Open every day11am–4pm weekdays · 10am–2pm weekends

Free · by donationEveryone welcome

Harrow, Victoria~1 hr from Horsham & Hamilton

4.9 ★ · #1 in Harrow"A little gem of history"

Unaarrimin · Johnny Mullagh

A team from across Western Victoria.

“Nine years before the first Test and the baggy green,” an Aboriginal team took the game and their culture to England.

Opening line from ‘1868’ by Matt Scullion

Most of the 1868 team were from Western Victoria, proud Wotjobaluk and Gunditjmara men from the south-west, with a couple more who joined the side in Sydney. They came to cricket on the vast sheep stations where they worked in many different roles, and their talent was undeniable: athleticism, strength, hunting skill and instincts honed over more than 60,000 years made them exceptional cricketers. Coached first by Tom Wills and then led onto the field by their captain, Charles Lawrence, with the standout all-rounder Unaarrimin, known to the crowds as Johnny Mullagh, they became the first team to represent Australia abroad in any sport.

They sailed aboard the wool clipper Parramatta on 8 February 1868 and, after about three months at sea, reached Plymouth on 13 May. Over six months they traversed the English countryside, from Surrey to Nottingham to Swansea to Lord's, playing 47 matches: winning 14, drawing 19 and losing 14.

Today the Discovery Centre showcases that story: the names, the photographs, the artefacts, and the legacy that still runs through Australian cricket more than 150 years on.

Read the full story Explore the collection

The Johnny Mullagh memorial statue at Harrow — **Unaarrimin (Johnny Mullagh)**The memorial statue at Harrow

Australian Aboriginal Cricketers, 1867: a composite of oval portraits of the team, several holding cricket bats and stumps, others with boomerangs, spears, clubs and shields, beneath banners reading Australian Aboriginal Cricketers.

The team, 1867

Photographed before they sailed.

Taken by Patrick Dawson at his Victorian studio in the months before the team left for England, this composite gathers the players in oval portraits, several with bats and stumps, others with boomerangs, spears, clubs and shields. It is among the earliest images of the men who would carry the game and their culture to the other side of the world.

Australian Aboriginal Cricketers, 1867. Photographed by Patrick Dawson. Courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales.

"Cricket Australia acknowledges and commends the great work of the Harrow Discovery Centre in the important role it plays in telling the story of the 1868 First XI. The Centre showcases the Aboriginal cricketers who became Australia's first international sporting team and helped shape the rich history of our game. It helps ensure this significant chapter of our game's history continues to educate and inspire future generations."

Where the team came from

A team drawn from across Western Victoria.

Harrow sits on Wotjobaluk Country; across the Glenelg River lies Gunditjmara Country, the traditional land of most of the First XI, who trained near Edenhope on the shores of Lake Wallace. We honour those places and their people, and the descendants who remain proud custodians today.

Explore the interactive map

Map of the Aboriginal nations of Victoria, with the Country of the 1868 First XI highlighted around Harrow

Explore the map

The 1868 voyage

From a Wimmera paddock to the fields of England

The sea voyage these men made covered more than 21,000 kilometres and long months at sea, around the Cape of Good Hope, to carry the game to the far side of the world and home again.

The 1868 sea voyage, from Australia, west across the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and north to England

For everyone

You don't need to love cricket.

At its heart this is a human story, of skill, courage and a journey few would have dared. Visitors tell us they arrive curious and leave moved.

Read the story

For the cricket lover

A pilgrimage worth the drive.

One of the largest private Don Bradman collections in the world, a broad-brim hat once worn by Shane Warne, and the living legacy of the Mullagh Medal, awarded each Boxing Day Test.

See the collection

Hear the story in song

‘1868’ by Matt Scullion

Singer-songwriter Matt Scullion tells the story of the First XI, and their journey to England, in song.

Watch the documentary

See the story on screen

Retracing the 1868 tour, Walkabout Wickets follows today's Indigenous cricketers to England, in the footsteps of the First XI who first made that journey. A moving companion to the story told here in Harrow.

SBS On Demand · Free to stream Walkabout Wickets A NITV and Cricket Australia documentary · 43 minutes Watch on SBS On Demand

The story on stage

Black Cockatoo, at Johnny Mullagh Oval.

The acclaimed Australian play Black Cockatoo, written by Geoffrey Atherden and directed by Wesley Enoch for Ensemble Theatre Sydney, tells the story of Unaarrimin, Johnny Mullagh, and the First XI. On 2 April 2022 it was staged at Harrow's Johnny Mullagh Oval, the ground that carries his name. Hundreds gathered under the open sky, and the occasion made news across the country.

The Black Cockatoo evening at Johnny Mullagh Oval at night, the lit marquee and stalls on the oval — The Black Cockatoo evening at Johnny Mullagh Oval, 2 April 2022.

Aerial view of the Black Cockatoo evening at Johnny Mullagh Oval at night — From above, the marquee lit on the oval.

The Fighting Gunditjmara dancers performing at the Black Cockatoo evening, Johnny Mullagh Oval, 2 April 2022 — The Fighting Gunditjmara dancers.

The cast of Black Cockatoo at Harrow, 2022 — The cast of Black Cockatoo, Harrow, 2022.

Inside the boat room, the immersive recreation of the ship's hold with timber bunks — Inside the boat room, step within the voyage

Step aboard

Stand inside the journey.

Our boat room recreates the experience of the long voyage to England, the close quarters, the swell, the months at sea that the team endured to play the game they loved. It is the moment visitors remember most.

An experience for all ages, and the heart of the Centre.

"The first tour of England undertaken by an Australian cricket team remains the most miraculous of all. Its commemoration by the Harrow Discovery Centre is an investment in our national game's past and future."

Gideon Haigh · Cricket writer and historian

History & Collections

More than you'd ever expect to find in Harrow.

Permanent exhibits and a world-class cricket collection spanning 1868 to the modern game, alongside original artworks that bring the story to life.

The 1868 First XI

The players, the matches and the memorabilia of the team that started it all.

The 1988 Aboriginal cricket team outside Buckingham Palace during their tour of England

The 1988 tour

The Aboriginal team that retraced the 1868 journey to England, 120 years on, with its own signed memorabilia held here.

The Bradman Collection

One of the largest privately held collections of Sir Donald Bradman in the world.

Shane Warne's broad-brim Australia hat, held in the Centre's collection

Cricketing treasures

From Shane Warne's broad-brim hat to Unaarrimin's silver fob watch, treasures from across the game's history.

The Cricket Match, an original painting by Uncle Peter Swain, held at the Centre

Original artworks

A growing collection of original works by First Nations and local artists, celebrating the story of the First XI.

History & Collections

A cricket collection to rival the cities.

One of the largest privately held Don Bradman collections in the world sits here in Harrow, beside a deep cricket library and memorabilia spanning the golden age to the modern game.

A menu from a 1948 luncheon and presentation to Don Bradman at the Savoy Hotel, London, bearing his signature — **The Savoy, 1948**A luncheon and presentation to Don Bradman at the Savoy Hotel, London, with his rare looped signature.

A framed display of The Invincibles, Bradman's undefeated 1948 Australian team — **The Invincibles**The Greats of '48, Don Bradman's undefeated Australian side.

An original team photograph of an Australian XI versus India, Sydney, November 1947 — **Australia v India, 1947**An original team photograph from the Sydney Test, November 1947.

The pink ball used in the first All Aboriginal Veterans Match at Johnny Mullagh Oval in 2024 — **First All Aboriginal Veterans Match**The pink ball from the inaugural game at Johnny Mullagh Oval, 2024.

Shelves holding decades of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack — **The Wisden run**Decades of the cricketer's almanack, shelf upon shelf.

Shelves of the Centre's cricket book library — **The cricket library**Hundreds of volumes, from Bradman and the Ashes to the beginnings of the game.

From the collection

Original artworks, telling the story by hand.

Alongside the memorabilia, the Centre holds a collection of original works by First Nations and local artists, each a different way into the story of Unaarrimin and the First XI.

The Cricket Match, an original painting in circles and dots by Uncle Peter Swain — **The Cricket Match**Uncle Peter Swain

Johnny Mullagh's Lounge Room, a painting of the waterhole on Country, by Wayne Elliott — **Johnny Mullagh's Lounge Room**Wayne Elliott

The Longest Six, a painting of a match on the oval seen from above, by Wayne Elliott — **The Longest Six**Wayne Elliott

A painted portrait of Andrew Farran by artist Ron Penrose — **Andrew Farran**Portrait by Ron Penrose

A painted portrait of Bharat Sundaresan by artist Ron Penrose — **Bharat Sundaresan**Portrait by Ron Penrose

An original portrait of cricketer Scott Boland in full flight, in bold, mosaic-like brushwork, by artist Ron ‘Stretch’ Penrose.

From the collection

The game, in full flight.

A striking portrait of our patron, Scott Boland, one of the original artworks held at the Centre. Come and stand before the full collection in Harrow.

Scott Boland · painted by Ron ‘Stretch’ Penrose

Honoured in the game

A legacy still carried today.

In 2020, Cricket Australia created the Mullagh Medal in honour of Unaarrimin, Johnny Mullagh, and the First XI. That same year he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, the first Aboriginal cricketer to be so honoured.

Johnny Mullagh, inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, 2020

More than 150 years on, the story of the First XI still runs through the heart of Australian cricket.

The Mullagh MedalCreated by Cricket Australia in 2020 and awarded to the Player of the Match at the Boxing Day Test. It's on permanent display here in Harrow, travelling to the MCG each December. Its 2021 recipient was Scott Boland, a proud Gulidjan man, who took 6 wickets for 7 runs on debut.

Become a Patron of the Harrow Discovery Centre, find out how

Scott Boland with the Mullagh Medal, patron of the Fellowship Foundation — Placeholder image. A dedicated patron portrait of Scott to come.

Our patron

A champion of the story, Scott Boland.

Scott Boland, a proud Gulidjan man and the 2021 Mullagh Medal recipient, is honoured to be patron of the Fellowship Foundation. From the First XI of 1868 to the Test side today, he carries their legacy forward, and lends his voice to keeping the story alive.

Scott's own words on why this story matters to him will appear here.

A short video message from Scott will feature here once it is recorded.

Support the story

The living story

Carried on by their descendants.

The Discovery Centre was founded, and is still guided, by descendants of the First XI: proud custodians who keep the story true and carry it forward for the generations to come.

Descendants of the First XI at Johnny Mullagh's waterhole, each holding a First XI guernsey — From left: James Friend, Ian Friend, Ashley Couzens, Aunty Fiona Clarke and Uncle Richard Kennedy, at Johnny Mullagh's waterhole.

The gathering was held at Johnny Mullagh's waterhole, a quiet place on Country near Harrow where Unaarrimin spent much of his life. Here descendants came together in 2018 to mark 150 years since the 1868 tour, each holding the guernsey of their ancestor from the First XI.

"In 2018 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the First XI tour of 1868. We were all at Johnny Mullagh's waterhole to celebrate with Cricket Australia and the Harrow Discovery Centre, with great respect to our ancestors."

Aunty Fiona ClarkeKirrae Whurrong-Gunditjmara · descendant of Grongorrong, James Cousens

"The Harrow Discovery Centre collaborated with Cricket Australia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1868 touring team, attended by descendants. My son James and I were proud to attend the celebrations that highlighted the Centre's vital role in preserving and sharing this important history."

Ian FriendGreat-great-grandson of Charles Lawrence, the team's captain

Can't make it in person?

Explore the Digital Museum.

The story doesn't have to stay in one place. Our new Digital Museum brings the First XI and more than 150 years of cricket history to life online, a growing, members' collection you can explore from anywhere in the world.

In-depth featured exhibitions added every month, so there is always something new to come back for.

Preview the Digital Museum

Items from the Centre's Sir Donald Bradman collection — From the Centre's Sir Donald Bradman collection, one of the exhibits explored in the Digital Museum

After dark

The Harrow Sound & Light Show

An after-hours experience that brings the town's history to life under the night sky. A standout for groups, clubs and travellers, bookable in advance.

Book the Sound & Light Show

What's on

There's always a reason to come now.

Exhibitions change through the year and the calendar fills with events, so no two visits are ever quite the same. Here's what's on.

Always on

Original artwork collection

A permanent collection of original artworks telling the 1868 story, including a striking life-size portrait of Scott Boland.

Always here

Select nights

Sound & Light Show

The after-dark experience that brings the town's history to life. Limited dates. Book ahead and stay the night.

Book to stay over

Annual · dates to confirm

Johnny Mullagh Championship Weekend

The town's signature weekend of cricket and community. Beds fill fast, so plan early.

Make a weekend of it

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know.

Opening hoursOpen every day, 11am–4pm on weekdays, 10am–2pm on weekends. Allow 1–2 hours.

AdmissionFree entry, by donation. Gifts are tax-deductible. Your support keeps the Centre open and the story told.

Getting hereHarrow, Victoria, about an hour from Horsham, Hamilton, Naracoorte and the Coonawarra wine region. Free parking.

AccessibilityWheelchair accessible throughout. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers on hand.

Groups & coach toursWelcome by appointment. Please contact the Centre ahead to arrange your group or coach visit: 0455 881234 or discover.harrow@gmail.com.

Contactdiscover.harrow@gmail.com · 0455 881234 · 21 Blair Street, Harrow VIC 3317

Stay the night

Rooms at the Harrow Hermitage Hotel

Make a weekend of it. The Hermitage, licensed since 1853, offers characterful period rooms on the banks of the Glenelg River, with a hearty pub meal and a cold drink, a short walk from the Centre. Powered caravan & camping sites are also close by.

★Show & stay, book the Sound & Light Show, then it's a short walk to a warm bed at the Hermitage. The easiest way to make the trip worth it.

Plan an overnight stay

While you're here

Things to do in Harrow & around

Harrow is one of Victoria's oldest inland towns, and one of its most peaceful. No crowds, no queues, no rush, just heritage streetscapes, river walks and wide country skies, a world away from the busy tourist trail.

There is plenty nearby, too: the walks and lookouts of the Grampians, the vineyards of the Coonawarra just across the border, and the wider Wimmera to explore at your own pace.

★★★★★

Rated #1 thing to do in Harrow.

"What a pleasure this place is. We came for half an hour and stayed half the day."

Visitor review

"A little gem of history, and I don't even follow cricket. Absolutely worth the drive."

Visitor review

"Staff were friendly, informative and so passionate about the town. A real hidden gem."

Visitor review

The shop

Take the story home.

Cricket Walkabout, the book by John Mulvaney and Rex Harcourt telling the story of the 1868 First XI

Cricket Walkabout, by John Mulvaney and Rex Harcourt, is the book that first told the story of the First XI, the definitive account of the 1868 tour and the men who made it. A perfect way to take the whole story home.

The shop also carries prints, gifts and mementoes of the First XI. Every purchase helps keep the Centre open and the collection cared for.

Visit the shop

Stay close to the story

Be the first to know what's on.

New exhibitions, event dates and Show nights, straight to your inbox, so you never miss a reason to visit.

About the Centre

Run by a dedicated committee.

The Discovery Centre is run by a dedicated committee of management and volunteers, together with the Harrow Historical Society, who give their time to keep the story safe and welcome every visitor as their own. Established in 2004, its people are drawn from across the region, brought together by one remarkable story.

It's a registered not-for-profit and a tax-deductible public museum, so every ticket, purchase and gift goes straight back into keeping the doors open and the collection cared for.

"I support the work of the HDC in telling the story of our ancestors, a story that we are proud of, and for the great support of the Harrow community. Without this support, very little of this story would be shared with the cricket community, let alone the general public. This information centre was established with the consent of two of our Elders, the late Uncle Jack Kennedy, a proud Wotjobaluk man, and Uncle Ivan Cousins, a proud Gunditjmara man."

Uncle Richard Kennedy, great-great-grandson of Yanggendyinanyuk

Registered charity · ACNC Tax-deductible (DGR) public museum Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre Inc Committee of management and volunteers

Harrow Discovery Centre Strategic Plan 2026 to 2031 cover — Strategic Plan 2026 to 2031

The Centre's Strategic Plan sets out our direction for the years ahead. A copy is available on request.

Keep it in Harrow

Help keep the story alive.

The Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit, run with the heart of its community. Every gift is tax-deductible, and there are many ways to be part of it.

DonateEvery gift is tax-deductible and helps keep the doors open and the collection cared for.

Become a FriendJoin the people who keep Harrow's history thriving.

VolunteerShare your time and welcome visitors from across the world.

Donate now Get in touch