Private Collections Tour 2021
The Miles Back to the Bush Festival Collections Tour is completely unique – the only of it’s kind in Australia!
You are invited into the homes and yards of Miles local residents to view their fascinating, quirky or vintage collections.
How Does it Work?
Follow the self-guided tour with the collection location map provided (released the festival week). A hop-on hop-off festival shuttle bus will also follow a loop to the venues.
Collections are open: Friday 10 September – 9am to 4pm and Saturday 11 September – 8.30 to 10.30am. Miles, Queensland, Australia.
Collection of Dolls
Jean Austin: 75 Eleanor St, Miles
Jean has been collecting dolls for over 40 years – upon moving into Miles from the family farm, with the help of Husband Neville – has constructed a purposes built Doll House. Jean has an amazing collection of dolls through the ages some over 100 years old. She is constantly learning how to mend and maintain the dolls and many are in pristine condition. It certainly is a trip down memory lane for anyone who has ever owned a doll or longed to have that special doll you saw in the shop window!!!!
This has become a whole family project with Neville and her sons building and renovations furniture to enhance the collections and the girls making clothes and constantly on the look out for items to add to the collection. Jean welcomes you to join her and hear the stories of her beautiful Dolls.
Old Machinery and Implements, Figurines and Salt and Pepper Shakers
Mel and June Bond: 64 Eleanor St, Miles
Mel and June welcome you to view there collection of Old Time Implements and Machines – all displayed and named in the front yard and the Garage – relive a time gone by as you spot Grandmas old washing machine or Pops Chip heater. This is a truly quirky Aussie Collection not to be missed.
June is also happy to show you her gorgeous collection of China Figurines and her 100s of crazy but fun Salt and Pepper Shakers and if the weather is kind the beautiful display of different Bougainville’s will add a nice spring feel to your day.
Collection of Collectables from Fashion to China, Glassware, Teaspoons and Artworks
Jan Mullins: 41 Edith St, Miles
Jan is well known for her quintessential collection of anything and everything. She has entertained us with her collection of Dresses with matching shoes bags and stockings and the nail polish from when she was 16 years old- a lifelong passion for Fashion, has seen her acquire many One off Designer outfits including an Original 1963 Paula Stafford Bikini.
A Lover of Art – Jan has acquired many original works of art from Local and Australian Artists – each individual piece brings her pleasure as I am sure they will you. If Old China is your passion there is a “Crazy” collection of Tea Cups,plates and Teapots – many pieces are Old English China as well as many other smaller collections to numerous to mention –you may like old records, fairies or antique furniture and books and a great variety of Pigs in the Garden. Whats new in the garden this year? Jan invites you to have fun in this Eclectic display.
Collection of Arts works, Motorbikes and Model Train
Delena and Oscar: 19 Pine St, Miles
Step Inside the front yard and be enchanted with the model Train chuffing around the yard and say G’Day to Ted the trusty driver. For the Motor Bike enthusiasts Oscar will have his 2012Ural 750cc Motorbike with side car and reverse gear polished up revving to go.
These 2 hosts are wonderful creative folk and will entertain you with their many skills on display in the form of artworks and craft. Watch out for the array of different cactus in the garden some over 40 years old.
First Nations Art & Fijian Bags
Robyn Derksen: 53 Marian St, Miles
Robyn is a proud local elder. She has a wonderful collection of traditional 1st nations art as well as colourful and unique collection of bags collected and gifted to her from her travels to Fiji where she assists the poor in island communities with clothes and schooling items in particular. A must see collection with a warm and generous story behind it.
Military Paraphernalia
Ray Granbower: Columboola Room, Leichhardt Centre, corner Dawson and Marion Street
Ray is an avid collector of Army/Airforce/Navy embellishments. This year he will be show casing his collection of Army Badges and Patches
Jimbour House Memorabilia
Peter Saxelby: Columboola Room, Marion St, Miles
Peter’s family have a long history of connection with Jimbour House. On display will be a number of items never before seen in public Including Silverware, books and official papers. A Connection with a bygone era but still very relevant today.
Magical Christmas Toys/Ornaments
Bev Keogh, 35 Wallen St, Miles
Be captivated and delighted with Bevs wonderful collection of Christmas Toys and Ornaments. From the heavenly angels that light there wings and sing to the very cheeky Santa – You better watch out………the kids will be longing for Christmas after visiting this display
Dolls Dolls and More Dolls
Dorothy Thomas: Dulacca Hall, Dulacca (43km west of Miles)
Dot has an amazing one of a kind collection of over 1000 dolls accompanied by a beautiful collection of Prams. Not only does this include unique vintage dolls but the young ones will be captivated by the modern dolls as well including a full range of BRATS. A rare opportunity to see this collection in Public.
(PLEASE NOTE: This collection in Dulacca has a $5 entry fee to see the Dolls… let’s all give Dot this assistance in paying for the use of the hall)