After 35 years of advocacy, the Victorian Goldfields have been added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative list. The tentative list describes places which the Australian Government considers nominating for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Goldfields has been recognised for its well-preserved example of nineteenth century global gold rush landscape, and its rich history from the First peoples living on Country to waves of immigration. This inclusion recognises the Goldfields’ significant heritage assets and will bring tourism to the regions, worth $500 million if listed on the UNESCO list. Now, the Goldfields will have to wait for a minimum of 12 months on the tentative list before it can be nominated to be considered for World Heritage Listing.
What is Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid?
The Victorian Goldfield’s has long been recognised as a well-preserved example of nineteenth century global gold rush landscape, and for its rich history from the First Peoples living on Country, to waves of immigration.
The Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid seeks to achieve World Heritage Listing for the region. The bid is being progressed by the Victorian Government, 15 local Councils, and involves consultation with the regional organisations, academia and local communities. If the bid is successful, it is expected to provide broad social and economic benefits to the region.
What is the World Heritage List?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List contains places of Outstanding Universal Value. Being included on this list recognises the Victorian Goldfields’ significant heritage status and offers the area protection for present and future generations to appreciate. This listing will also bring tourism to the area, to an estimated value of around $500 million.
What is happening now?
The Victorian Goldfields has been added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List. The Tentative Listing recognises the Australian Government’s intention to nominate the Victorian Goldfields to the World Heritage List. The Tentative Listing details the proposed sites selected for inclusion in the World Heritage nomination.
What areas are included in the Tentative Listing?
The Tentative List submission does not constitute the final nomination. Other areas within the Goldfields region such as the Ballarat Historic Urban Landscape, Beechworth Historic Township and Sluicing Landscape are being investigated for inclusion.
- Bendigo Historic Urban Landscape
- Castlemaine Goldfields and Historic Townships
- Creswick and the Deep Lead Landscape
- Great Nuggets Historic Landscape (Tarnagulla, Moliagul, and Dunolly)
- Lalgambuk (Mt Franklin)
- Walhalla Alpine Mining Landscape
Timeline of process
Now, the Goldfields will have to wait for a minimum of 12 months on the Tentative List before it can be nominated for World Heritage Listing.
The full nomination process to UNESCO World Heritage Committee will take several years and will be coordinated by the State and Commonwealth. The bid team is targeting a full World Heritage Listing by 2027.
Our position
The NTAV has run various events and have been a supporter of the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid since its inception.
We believe that achieving World Heritage status will further enhance the recognition and protection of the Victorian Goldfields, ensuring that their diverse historical and cultural significance is appreciated by future generations. We are excited about providing our continuing support and fostering partnerships with the various stakeholders in this project as the nomination process progresses.
The NTAV has partnered with the World Heritage Bid project through the 2025 Australian Heritage Festival.
Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Email