Declaring wilderness
After the NPWS has identified areas of wilderness in a wilderness assessment report, the report and the identified wilderness is placed on public exhibition. Comments from the community are invited. The NPWS provides advice on the identified area and issues raised during the public consultation period to the Minister for the Environment.
After considering all issues relevant to the identified wilderness area, the Government may declare all or part of the area as wilderness.
Documents to download
Northern Wilderness declaration
In September 2002, over 150,000 hectares of wilderness were declared in north-eastern NSW. Find out more, and download maps.
Southern Wilderness declaration
In September 2002, 122,000 hectares of wilderness were declared in south-eastern NSW. Find out more, and download maps.