Newcastle Citywide Heritage Study

Newcastle has an ancient, yet modern and thriving Aboriginal culture and is the second oldest European settlement in Australia. It has transitioned from convict colony, coal mining and heavy industry to an increasingly knowledge and service-based economy, as well as a regional hub for leisure and tourism. This rich and diverse heritage is reflected in our extensive heritage listings and our library, museum and art gallery collections.

The Newcastle Citywide Heritage Study, completed in 1997, laid the foundation for most of Newcastle's current heritage listings and heritage management framework. More than 25 years on, our city has evolved socially, economically and environmentally, and what is culturally valued has changed significantly. With updated State heritage assessment criteria and growing community interest, it's time for a comprehensive review.

There are four key interrelated stages, detailed below, which will be undertaken to review and replace this important study.

Stage 1: Newcastle Thematic History

A broad historical and technical study exploring how Newcastle's unique stories and themes have shaped its cultural identity over time. This new history replaces the 1996/97 Newcastle Citywide Heritage Study - Thematic History and provides the foundation and framework for all subsequent heritage studies.

Stage 2: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study

Working with local Traditional Custodians and Traditional Knowledge Holders, this stage aims to provide a better understanding of the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA) including its history, archaeology, and culturally significant places, and identify ways to strengthen recognition, protection and management into the future. It will replace the 2005 Aboriginal Heritage Study.

Stage 3 - Review of Heritage Items

Assessment of built, archaeological and landscape items to determine whether they should be added to, removed or reclassified within the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) heritage schedule. This will ensure our heritage listings better reflect the richness and diversity of Newcastle's cultural heritage.

Stage 4 - Heritage Conservation Area Review

Identification of potential new Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) to better reflect the richness and diversity of our cultural landscapes and townscapes in our heritage listings.

What's the latest?

We are currently reviewing submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft Newcastle Thematic History in September - October 2025 to help finalise the document. The report on the public exhibition and the finalised Newcastle Thematic History will be presented to Council for adoption in early 2026. You can learn more about the draft Newcastle Thematic History here.

We have also recently commenced preparation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Study and have begun to reach out to Traditional Custodians and Traditional Knowledge Holders in the local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which suburbs are located in the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA)?

Image source (top of page): Hurley, Frank. (1910). Nobbys Head (Nobby's breakwater) (Newcastle, New South Wales) Retrieved October 20, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-160131142