The World Heritage List records more than 1000 natural, cultural and mixed sites that are protected by international convention and considered important for the whole world. The list is administered by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
World Heritage-listed sites are managed under the World Heritage Convention. In Australia, World Heritage-listed properties are managed cooperatively by state and federal governments in accordance with the Australian World Heritage Intergovernmental Agreement.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages 4 World Heritage areas that are either entirely within the national parks estate or partially in the NSW national park estate, these are:
- Australian Convict Sites – Old Great North Road
- Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
- Greater Blue Mountains Area
- Willandra Lakes Region
- Lord Howe Island Group, managed by the Lord Howe Island Board.
Other World Heritage-listed properties in New South Wales include:
- Sydney Opera House, managed by the Sydney Opera House Trust
- Australian Convict Sites – Hyde Park Barracks, Old Government House and Domain, and Cockatoo Island.
World Heritage-listed properties in New South Wales are also included on Australia’s National Heritage List.
