Australian woman sets record with 5,373 turtle-related items

Tania Murphy has set a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of turtle and tortoise-related items, with 5,373 pieces.

Her collection is in her home in Hervey Bay, about 300 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Murphy’s interest began when she was five and kept her sister’s stuffed turtle; she said collecting became an obsession about 20 years ago.

To apply, she photographed and catalogued every item, then independent witnesses counted them on video for about 17 hours.

Guinness World Records confirmed her title after reviewing her submission.

Murphy now aims to reach 10,000 items and plans to open her collection to visitors by appointment, free of charge.