Things to do around Byron Bay

The whole of the NSW landscape, from Eden to Byron Bay, from Sydney to Broken Hill, is a mosaic of cultural meaning. People are as much part of the landscape as the plants and the animals, and the attachment of people to land makes that land special.

The most remote natural environments are significant – not only to local Aboriginal communities, but to others who value the isolation, recreational opportunities, or pastoral history of a place. Similarly, the built heritage has different cultural meanings to different people. No story is the 'whole story'.

The pages in this area of the website contain a snapshot of cultural heritage themes and ideas. Wander through, make connections of your own, and visit some of the national parks and reserves mentioned here.

Aboriginal people & cultural life
Aboriginal people have attachments to the landscape stretching back many thousands of years. Find out about their ancient, living heritage.

Invasion, exploration & convicts
Delve into the heritage of colonisation: explorers, convict labourers, and the impact of invasion on Aboriginal people.

Living & working on the land
Many people have lived in places which are now national parks – on pastoral stations, mining settlements, missions, townships and more. Read about their stories.

Picnics, pleasure & parks
Look back on the recreational history of national parks – from family picnics and community gatherings, to skiing, rock climbing and other adventure sports.

By the sea
Find out about Aboriginal fishers, quarantined immigrants, lighthouse keepers, soldiers and sailors, holidaymakers and more.

Cultural heritage publications
Download or buy NPWS cultural heritage reports, standards and guidelines, management plans and other publications.

Projects
Find out about NPWS research and management projects, from oral history to assets management.

Heritage registers
The NPWS has registers of cultural heritage information across NSW, which can be searched by members of the public. Find out more.

Useful cultural heritage links
Visit other Australian and international cultural heritage websites.

Culture and Heritage newsletter - June 2007
Welcome to the first edition of the Culture and Heritage newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to inform you, the community and our government colleagues, of how the Culture and Heritage Division is working to protect, promote and revitalise our culture and heritage. By doing so, we hope to foster a better understanding of our role and how we can work with you to ensure our culture and heritage are available for current and future generations to enjoy and, through understanding our past, help to fashion a better future.