National and world heritage

The Victorian Heritage Register is not the only form of heritage protection in Victoria. Places can also be included on the National Heritage List and the World Heritage List.

World heritage sites in Victoria

World heritage listed places have outstanding universal value. There are 20 world heritage sites in Australia, with two in Victoria. These are:

• Budj Bim
• The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

Budj Bim is the newest world heritage site in Victoria. It's in the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal people. You can contact Aboriginal Victoria to find out more information and how to visit.

The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens is in central Melbourne. It is the only example of a nineteenth-century Palace of Industry from a world fair which is in its original site. The building is still used for exhibitions. Museums Victoria runs tours of the building and the gardens are open to the public.

The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens is managed by a World Heritage Management Plan, which is made up of a set of documents. Together the documents guide management of the site, ensuring its World Heritage values are protected, conserved and enhanced.

World Heritage Management Plan and attachment documents:

• World Heritage Management Plan (PDF, 1.6 MB)
• Attachment A: Conservation Management Plan
  • Conservation Management Plan Part 1 (PDF, 9.9 MB)
  • Conservation Management Plan Part 2 (PDF, 8.9 MB)
  • Conservation Management Plan Part 3 (PDF, 10.0 MB)
  • Conservation Management Plan Part 4 (PDF, 1.6 MB)
• Attachment B: Carlton Gardens Master Plan (PDF, 4.9 MB)
• Attachment C: Royal Exhibition Building and Exhibition Reserve Master Plan (PDF, 4.1 MB)
• Attachment D: World Heritage Strategy Plan (PDF, 6.9 MB)

An additional document summarises public submissions on the draft World Heritage Management Plan, when it was developed and approved in 2013.

• Attachment E: Report on the public submissions to the Draft World Heritage Management Plan (PDF, 973.6 KB)

National heritage sites in Victoria

National heritage listed places have outstanding significance to the nation. There are 28 national heritage sites in Victoria, including:

• Rippon Lea House and Garden
• Murtoa No.1 Grain Store
• the Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Glenrowan Heritage Precinct
• Echuca Wharf
• Coranderrk
• the Great Ocean Road

World and national heritage sites are protected by law through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Heritage Victoria assesses applications to change these places through the Bilateral agreement.

Page last updated: 26/08/21