Heritage

Our heritage includes the places, objects and stories that we have inherited from the past and want to protect for future generations.

The Eyes of the Land and the Sea bronze sculpture at Kurnell, Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Acknowledgement of Country

We recognise the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways where we live, work and play. We acknowledge Country which always was and always will be Aboriginal land and show our respect for elders past and present.

Quick links

Search the State Heritage Inventory Search the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System Search heritage publications

Pile of yellow bloodwood gum leaves placed on grass during a smoking ceremony, with white smoke rising from beneath the leaves and drifting across the scene.

Aboriginal cultural heritage

Identification, recognition and protection of places and objects that are important to Aboriginal people and their culture.

Collection of Aboriginal cultural objects displayed on a leather hide, including stone and glass spear points, blades, scrapers and cutting tools. Wooden-handled implements, stone artefacts and flakes are arranged on a timber surface, demonstrating traditional tool-making techniques and the adaptation of both natural and recycled materials.

Permits and agreements for Aboriginal places and objects

Permissions to harm places and objects in certain situations and transfer objects for safe keeping.

Nan Tien Temple garden pathway lined with traditional lanterns and manicured shrubs, leading up a series of steps toward a multi-storey pagoda framed by tall deciduous trees and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Heritage listings

Recognition that a significant place or object should be protected under law.

Participant at a brick pointing workshop in Orange uses a trowel and pointing tool to apply fresh mortar between weathered clay bricks on a sunlit exterior wall.

Works approvals for State Heritage Register items

Applications for approval to make changes to an item and when exemptions apply.

Glass bottles and containers recovered from the archaeological site at 45 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, displayed in a museum case, including clear, blue and amber-coloured bottles of varying sizes uncovered during excavations.

Historical archaeology permits and notifications

Applications for a permit to disturb or excavate land and when exceptions apply.

Weathered timber remains of the Buster shipwreck lie partly buried in wet sand at Woolgoolga Beach, with jagged wooden ribs and beams exposed in the foreground and gentle ocean waves under a clear blue sky in the background.

Maritime permits, notifications and database

Information about underwater cultural heritage sites and relics, permits and notifications.

Miss Traill's House, a single-storey historic cottage with white-painted brick walls, green shutters and a corrugated metal roof, viewed from a landscaped garden. Mature trees, garden beds, gravel paths and a green park bench frame the house's wraparound veranda and brick chimneys.

Approvals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Learn about the new Development Coordination Authority.

Morpeth Bridge, a historic steel truss bridge spanning the Hunter River, viewed from the riverbank on a sunny day. The bridge stretches across the water on concrete piers, with sunlight reflecting off the river below and trees and open countryside visible in the surrounding landscape.

State agencies asset management

Principles and guidelines for state agencies managing heritage assets.

Bathurst Court House featuring a prominent copper-clad dome rising above a red brick and sandstone building, with a central clock set in the pedimented entrance. The historic courthouse is framed by mature trees and set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Heritage Council of NSW

An independent statutory body that includes members of the community, public sector and conservation profession.

Close-up view of historic books from the Bathurst Old School of Arts Library Collection arranged on a shelf, showing worn cloth and leather bindings in red, brown and green tones. Several book titles and catalogue labels are visible on the spines, while the background books are softly out of focus, highlighting the age and character of the collection.

Resources

Information and support to help property owners and professionals manage heritage items.

Blue Plaque mounted on a brick pillar in front of a historic brick house. The plaque reads “Albert (Tibby) Cotter, 1883–1917. Test cricketer and soldier. Lived here.” In the foreground is an ornate metal gate, and the background shows the entrance and windows of the Victorian‑style residence.

Blue Plaques

Blue Plaques connect you to the hidden history and heritage of New South Wales.

Street art mural in Cabramatta depicting three chefs standing behind a table filled with multicultural dishes and ingredients, surrounded by illustrations of food, cooking utensils and decorative lanterns. The colourful mural is painted on a brick wall beside a one-way street sign, while a pedestrian walks past pulling a shopping trolley in the foreground.

NSW Heritage Strategy

NSW Government's vision for recognising, protecting and conserving the heritage of our state over the next 5 years.