The Rocks archaeology
The Rocks represents one of Australia's best-preserved archaeological resources. Excavations in The Rocks have resulted in the recovery of more than one million artefacts, some of which can be seen in The Rocks Discovery Museum.
This collection has been the subject of on-going academic research, and objects are regularly loaned to museums around Australia for exhibitions on 19th century life in Australia.
From the 1970s to the early 1990s there was an increasing awareness of the importance of archaeological evidence and what it revealed about colonial life. Early investigations occurred in the mid 1990s at:
The remains at Foundation Park were incorporated into the public parks redesign, and Dawes Point was opened to the public in 2001.
The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan was developed in the 1990s and endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW. It provides a detailed analysis of The Rocks region and forms the basis for archaeological management in the area in accordance with the Australian guidelines for heritage conservation, the Burra Charter.
Education programs are run by the Foreshore Authority's education and tours unit, Sydney Learning Adventures, in conjunction with the NSW History Teachers Association and the NSW Department of Education. The Authority also operates guided tours and open days to help visitors explore the area's heritage.
Archaeology
Archaeological relics can be above or below ground, in ruins or intact and even still functioning. In Sydney, archaeological objects could include:
• buildings (often just foundations or other fragments incorporated into more recently built buildings)
• structures such as wells and early roadways
• household objects such as crockery, bottles, personal items and toys
• machinery and tool
• Aboriginal relics such as hunting items and cooking utensils.
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has a team of archaeologists who are highly skilled in determining the likelihood and management of potential archaeological sites.
When a site is identified as having archaeological potential, a report must be prepared assessing the nature of the archaeological resource and the impact upon it by the proposed works.
An application is required for proposals that might disturb or excavate any land that is likely to contain archaeological remains. If the site is listed on the SHR a Foreshore Authority s.60 Heritage Application Form is required. If the site is not listed on the register, a Foreshore Authority s. 140 Application Form is required.
An excavation permit may not be required where works are only minor in nature, and will have minimal impact on the heritage significance of the place. In these instances a s. 57 Heritage Exemptions (for State-significant sites) and a s. 139 Excavation Permit Exception (for all other archaeological sites) will be required.
Items of Aboriginal origin come under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. In accordance with this Act, any discovery of Aboriginal relics must be immediately reported to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority which will, in accordance with legislation, inform National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Please send any enquiries about heritage or archaeological sites to info@shfa.nsw.gov.au.
