Australia is a complex and diverse nation composed of both Indigenous and immigrant peoples from nearly 200 countries. But we all have a common heritage that makes us distinctively Australian. By knowing our heritage — our past, our places and the source of our values — we can better understand our special place in the world.

Mawson’s Hut and Mawson’s Huts Historic Site was included on the National Heritage List in 2005 for its outstanding historic significance, and on the Commonwealth Heritage List for its historic values in 2004. It had been registered on the Register of the National Estate since 1980.

National heritage

The National Heritage List is Australia’s list of places or groups of places with outstanding heritage value to the nation — whether natural, Indigenous, historic or a combination of these. Places on this list are protected to the full extent of federal government powers.

Commonwealth heritage

The Commonwealth Heritage List comprises natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places owned or controlled by the Commonwealth. These include places connected to defence, communications, customs and other government activities that also reflect Australia’s development as a nation.

For more information about Australia’s Heritage, please visit the Department of the Environment website.