The British Museum once held an exhibition called A History of the World in 100 Objects. The idea was that these objects – sometimes humble, sometimes priceless – told the story of humanity. I’d like to mount a more modest display. I’d call it The Australian Beach Holiday in 20 Things.

First up, as you entered my special museum, would be a glass cabinet featuring a set of Kellogg’s Variety Pack cereals. The purchase of these, in most families, marked the start of an Australian summer holiday. Sibling rivalry finally found its proper battlefield – squabbling over which child snaffled the Coco Pops and who got lumbered with the Sultana Bran. Best of all, the tiny box turned into a bowl, introducing a touch of magic to the humblest of holidays.

There a few key markers of the classic Australian beach holiday. Credit: Delyse Phillips

Next, inside the first display area in my museum, there’d be a display of thongs. No, not the ones that show off your bum. I mean the type that goes on your feet, one rubbery edge worn down to almost nothing, to facilitate the tight turn into the takeaway shop when you need some hot chips in a hurry. The pair of thongs we’d feature would be........

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