Australian Heritage Interpretation Field Handbook Decoding Australian history and heritage
Interpret stories that matter

Connect people with place, meaning and memory

A practical, interactive learning platform for cultural, natural and historical heritage interpretation in Australia.

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Australian Heritage Interpretation Field Handbook cover

Five chaptersPractical sections for real projects
Interactive toolsTheme lab and project builder
Easy referenceUse in the field or in the office
A working field guide

Move from research to memorable interpretation

The handbook is provided in manageable sections; plus you can also test your themes, identify appropriate materials and build an interpretation approach step by step.

01

Learn

Navigate structured chapters, glossary terms, case studies and resources.

02

Build

Create a guided project covering place, audience, themes, media and evaluation.

03

Improve

Save work, track progress and revisit sections to consolidate learning.

Inside the handbook

Five connected areas of practice

The handbook also includes resources, activities, case studies, references and a searchable glossary.

Decoding Heritage Interpretation
Chapter 1

Decoding Heritage Interpretation

Start by getting clear on what interpretation actually is, how the profession has evolved, and the skills and ethics required. Tilden’s principles, Ham’s TORE model, and the shift toward more community-led and contested approaches.

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Context Matters
Chapter 2

Context Matters

We look at cultural heritage and the concept of Country, cultural authority and intellectual property, natural heritage, built and historical heritage, museums and galleries, tangible versus intangible, Australian standards, and a practical application of the Burra Charter to interpretation.

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Interpretation Planning
Chapter 3

Interpretation Planning

A clear five-stage process: research, theme development, audience analysis (including the RACI model), media selection, and evaluation. There’s also guidance on writing interpretation plans and policy.

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Interpretation Techniques and Media
Chapter 5

Interpretation Techniques and Media

Personal and non-personal interpretation, guided tours, living history, First Nations cultural experiences, signage, soundscapes, public art, exhibitions, digital, accessibility, and a detailed look at materials and substrates - including sustainable options.

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Resources
Resources

Resources

Practical worksheets, planners, checklists and desktop exercises to help you develop your interpretive skills whilst on the job.

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Practical tools

Turn learning into a working interpretation plan

Project Path

Choose a context, audience and delivery priorities to build a tailored pathway.

Theme Lab

Test whether an idea is meaningful, specific, relevant and provocative.

Media Explorer

Compare media choices and save a purposeful shortlist.

Saved work

Open bookmarks, notes, drafts and completed items from your dashboard.

Glossary

Find important heritage interpretation terms and definitions quickly.

Start your journey

Build interpretation that is accurate, ethical and engaging

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