List of World Heritage Sites in Oceania

File:Kakadu 2432.jpg

Kakadu National Park, one of the first sites in Oceania to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

A World Heritage Site is a location that is listed by UNESCO as having outstanding cultural or natural value to the common heritage of humanity. The World Heritage Committee has designated 32 World Heritage Sites in Oceania. These are in 11 countries, with the majority of sites being located in Australia. The first three inscriptions from the region, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and the Willandra Lakes, were in 1981—three years after the list's creation. The region contains the world's three largest sites: Phoenix Islands Protected Area, Papahānaumokuākea and the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, the Tasmanian Wilderness is one of only two sites in the world that meet seven out of the ten criteria for World Heritage listing (Mount Tai in China being the other).

Each year, the World Heritage Committee may inscribe new sites on the list, or delist sites that that no longer meet the criteria. Selection is based on ten criteria: six for cultural heritage (i–vi) and four for natural heritage (vii–x). Some sites, designated "mixed sites", represent both cultural and natural heritage. In Oceania there are 7 cultural, 19 natural and 5 mixed sites. UNESCO may also specify that a site is in danger, stating "conditions which threaten the very characteristics for which a property was inscribed on the World Heritage List." In 2013, the Committee added East Rennell to the List of World Heritage in Danger because of the threat of logging activities to the site's outstanding universal value.

Legend

The list below includes all sites located geographically within Oceania, and is constructed without reference to UNESCO's statistical divisions. The list comprises a number of sites for which the state party is outside the region, but the site itself is located in Oceania; this includes sites belonging to Chile (Rapa Nui National Park), France (Lagoons of New Caledonia), the United Kingdom (Henderson Island), and the United States (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Papahānaumokuākea). The table is sortable by column by clicking on the icon at the top of the appropriate column; alphanumerically for the Site, Area, and Year columns; by state party followed by the region for the Location column; and by criteria type followed by the country for the Criteria column.

Site – named after the World Heritage Committee's official designation.

Location – sorted by country, followed by the region at the regional or provincial level. In the case of multinational or multi-regional sites, the names are sorted alphabetically.

Criteria – as defined by the World Heritage Committee.

Area – in hectares and acres, excluding any buffer zones. A value of zero implies that no data has been published by UNESCO.

Year – during which the site was inscribed to the World Heritage List.

Description – brief information about the site. None of the sites in this list have been classified as endangered.

   In danger

Sites

Site	Image	Location	Criteria	Area ha (acre)	Year	Description
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)		AustraliaQueensland and South Australia, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (viii), (ix)	10,300 (25,000)	1992	Riversleigh and Naracoorte were inscribed for their extensive fossil records, and are listed among the ten richest deposits in the world. Both are illustrative of separate, key stages in the evolution of mammals on the Australian continent. Riversleigh has provided some of the earliest mammalian records from the middle Cenozoic. The deposit at Naracoorte, Australia's largest, spans the much-more-recent Pleistocene epoch and the first migrations of humans to Australia. It contains some of the best-preserved examples of ice-age megafauna.
Australian Convict Sites		AustraliaNew South Wales, Norfolk Island, Tasmania and Western Australia, Australia	Cultural:AustraliaAap (iv), (vi)	1,503 (3,710)	2010	There are over 3000 convict sites remaining in Australia, which were established by the British Fleets in the early colonial period of Australia's history. Eleven of these sites were selected as the most outstanding examples in the country.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site		MarshallRalik Chain, Marshall Islands	Cultural:MarshallAap (iv), (vi)	0.97 (2.4)	2010	A total of 67 nuclear weapons tests were conducted here by the United States between 1946 and 1958, including the detonation of the first hydrogen bomb in 1952. The tests had significant consequences on the health of the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. The fallout from the Castle Bravo explosion in 1954 led to the most significant radiological contamination in U.S. history. The site contains many visible remains of the effects of nuclear testing.
Chief Roi Mata's Domain		VanuatuShefa, Vanuatu	Cultural:VanuatuAap (iii), (v), (vi)	886 (2,190)	2008	Consists of three sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa and Artok associated with Roy Mata, a 13th-century paramount chief whose social reforms have remained relevant to contemporary local society. It includes his residence in the abandoned settlement of Mangaas, the site of his death on Lelepa, and his burial site on the island of Artok.
East Rennell		SolomonsRennell and Bellona, Solomon Islands	Natural:SolomonsAap (ix)	37,000 (91,000)	1998	Rennell Island is the world's largest raised coral atoll. It is heavily forested and hosts high levels of endemism. The southern portion of the atoll surrounds its former lagoon, Te Nggano, which is now the largest lake in the Pacific Ocean.
Fraser Island		AustraliaQueensland, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii), (ix)	184,000 (450,000)	1992	Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island, composed of sand accumulated over approximately 750,000 years. It contains over 100 freshwater lakes, and dunes reaching up to 260 m (850 ft) above sea level. Due to naturally occurring mycorrhizal fungi present in the sand, it is the only place in the world where tall rainforest grows on sand.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia		AustraliaQueensland and New South Wales, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (viii), (ix), (x)	370,000 (910,000)	1986	This site was inscribed for its significance for geology and conservation. It covers a large number of protected areas in what is the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. It has an extremely high conservation value, with more than 200 rare or threatened plant and animal species.
Great Barrier Reef		AustraliaQueensland, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	34,870,000 (86,200,000)	1981	The world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. It hosts an outstanding level of marine biodiversity and is considered likely to be the richest area in the world in terms of animal diversity. It is home to approximately 400 types of coral, and forms a critical habitat for many endangered species.
Greater Blue Mountains Area		AustraliaNew South Wales, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (ix), (x)	1,032,649 (2,551,730)	2000	An area of sandstone tablelands and gorges. Covered by eucalypt forest, the area was inscribed as a representation of Australia's biodiversity, with particular regard to the diversity of eucalypt species. It is composed of eight protected areas providing crucial habitats for many endangered species.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park		United StatesHawaiʻi, United States	Natural:AustraliaAap (viii)	92,934 (229,640)	1987	Located on Hawaiʻi Island, it is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. As constant volcanic activity is easily observed, the area has provided scientific insight into the processes of volcanism, including the birth of the Hawaiʻian Islands.
Heard and McDonald Islands		AustraliaHeard and McDonald Islands, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (viii), (ix)	37,200 (92,000)	1997	These two islands are the only two active volcanoes in the subantarctic, and were inscribed for their value to research in glaciology and geomorphic processes. Over three-quarters of Heard Island is covered by glaciers. Because of their remoteness, the ecosystem is undisturbed, with no history of significant human impact or any introduced species.
Henderson Island		UnitedKingdomPitcairn Islands, United Kingdom	Natural:UnitedKingdomAap (vii), (x)	3,700 (9,100)	1988	One of the most remote islands in the world, Henderson is home to an ecosystem undisturbed by human activity and hosting multiple endemic species. It was inscribed as a tremendous value to natural science, providing the opportunity to study the dynamics of an isolated ecosystem.
Kakadu National Park		AustraliaNorthern Territory, Australia	Mixed:AustraliaAap (i), (vi), (vii), (ix), (x)	1,979,766 (4,892,110)	1981	Kakadu's wetlands, covering over a third of the park, are considered internationally important. Several archaeological sites provide evidence of the area's habitation for more than 40,000 years. The pictographs at Ubirr, Burrunggui and Nanguluwu are internationally recognised as outstanding examples of ancient rock art, dating from over 18,000 years ago.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site		PapuaNewGuineaWestern Highlands, Papua New Guinea	Cultural:PapuaNewGuineaAap (iii), (iv)	116 (290)	2008	Archaeological surveys at Kuk Swamp have provided evidence of primitive irrigation and cultivation systems from about 9,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest sites for the development of agriculture in the world.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems		NewCaledoniaNew Caledonia, France	Natural:NewCaledoniaAap (vii), (ix), (x)	1,574,300 (3,890,000)	2008	One of the three largest reef systems in the world, enclosing a lagoon area of 24,000 km2 (9,300 sq mi). The density of reef structures here is the most diverse in the world. It host a great diversity of species with a high level of endemism, and is an important habitat for endangered dugongs and sea turtles.
Levuka Historical Port Town		FijiEastern Division, Fiji	Cultural:FijLev (ii), (iv)	70 (170)	2013
Lord Howe Island Group		AustraliaNew South Wales, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (x)	1,540 (3,800)	1982	This island is the eroded remains of a seven-million-year-old shield volcano, the product of eruptions that lasted for about a half-million years. It is home to numerous endemic species, significant breeding colonies of seabirds, and the world's southernmost coral reef.
Macquarie Island		AustraliaTasmania, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii)	540,000 (1,300,000)	1997	Lying atop a segment of the Macquarie Ridge, the island is the only place on earth where the mantle is exposed above sea level. It contains evidence of seafloor spreading. It was inscribed for its unique geological value.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands		NewZealandOutlying Islands, New Zealand	Natural:NewZealandAap (ix), (x)	76,458 (188,930)	1998	Comprising the Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Islands and The Snares. The islands are noted for the diversity and density of wildlife, with high levels of endemism. They are critical breeding ground for a range of species, and host huge breeding colonies of seabirds, penguins and sea lions.
Ningaloo Coast		AustraliaWestern Australia, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (x)	705,015 (1,742,130)	2011	Noted for its exceptional marine biodiversity, including over 700 fish species and an abundance of endangered sea turtles. It hosts the largest known seasonal aggregations of whale sharks and is part of the annual migration routes of dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales.
Papahānaumokuākea	150x150px	United StatesHawaii, United States	Mixed: (iii), (vi) (viii), (ix), (x)	36,207,499 (89,470,680)	2010	This chain of islands was formed as a result of hotspot volcanism. It supports almost 7,000 marine species, one quarter of which are endemic, and is critical to the survival of several endangered species. The islands are spiritually significant to many Native Hawaiians, being associated with the concept of kinship between man and nature. Two of the islands contain well-preserved heiau shrines.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area		KiribatiPhoenix Islands, Kiribati	Natural:KiribatiAap (vii), (ix)	40,825,000 (100,880,000)	2010	Encompassing the sparsely inhabited, inhospitable Phoenix Islands, this reserve protects one of the world's largest oceanic wildernesses. It covers a variety of marine habitats, and forms a major breeding ground on the migration routes of several marine and seabird species. It is considered to be of vital significance in evaluating the consequences of climate change on sea levels and the health of coral reefs.
Purnululu National Park		AustraliaWestern Australia, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii)	239,723 (592,370)	2003	The Bungle Bungle Range is a Devonian plateau that has been heavily eroded into a dramatic landscape of conical sandstone towers. It is one of the largest network of sandstone karst formations in the world, parts of which are sacred to the indigenous Kija people.
Rapa Nui National Park		ChileIsla de Pascua, Chile	Cultural:ChileAap (i), (iii), (v)	7,130 (17,600)	1995	Covering almost half of Easter Island, this park showcases the unique cultural landscape produced by the isolated Rapanui civilisation. Its most recognisable features are the distinctive moai statues and ceremonial shrines (ahu). It was inscribed on the list as a "remarkable cultural phenomenon".
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon		PalauKoror, Palau	Mixed:PalauAap (iii), (v), (vii), (ix), (x)	100,200 (248,000)	2012	Rock Islands Southern Lagoon covers 100,200-hectare and numbers 445 uninhabited limestone islands of volcanic origin. Many of them display unique mushroom-like shapes in turquoise lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. The site features over 385 coral species and different types of habitat. The site harbours the highest concentration of marine lakes anywhere, isolated bodies of seawater separated from the ocean by land barriers.
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens		AustraliaVictoria, Australia	Cultural:AustraliaAap (ii)	26 (64)	2004	Made to host the world's fair in 1880, this is one of the world's last exhibition buildings from the 19th century, and combines several architectural styles. The adjacent gardens are an outstanding example of Victorian era landscape design.
Shark Bay, Western Australia		AustraliaWestern Australia, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	2,197,300 (5,430,000)	1991	With the largest and richest area of seagrass meadows in the world, this site is a critical habitat for endangered dugongs, hosting about 12% of the world's population. Hamelin Pool contains the world's most diverse and abundant colony of living stromatolites, providing some of the earliest records of life on earth.
Sydney Opera House		AustraliaNew South Wales, Australia	Cultural:AustraliaAap (i)	5.80 (14.3)	2007	Opened in 1973, this performing arts complex is an iconic landmark of Sydney Harbour renowned for its innovative architecture. The design is an example of the expressionist style and has had a lasting influence on architecture.
Tasmanian Wilderness		AustraliaTasmania, Australia	Mixed:AustraliaAap (iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	1,407,513 (3,478,040)	1982	Covering almost 20% of Tasmania, this area constitutes one of the world's last stretches of temperate wilderness. It is dominated by the remote and inaccessible South West Wilderness area. Excavations in the area have uncovered evidence of aboriginal presence dating from at least 20,000 years ago.
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand		NewZealandSouth Island, New Zealand	Natural:NewZealandAap (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	2,600,000 (6,400,000)	1990	A mountainous landscape of ridges and fjords shaped by thousands of years of glacial excavation. The area incorporates several national parks and is the most pristine wilderness in New Zealand. It hosts the best surviving illustration of ancient Gondwanan wildlife, much of which is rare and unique to the area.
Tongariro National Park		NewZealandRuapehu, New Zealand	Mixed:NewZealandAap (vi), (vii), (viii)	79,596 (196,690)	1990	Inscribed for its outstanding geological and cultural significance. It contains a diverse range of volcanic features. Many of its summits are sacred to Māori, as their traditional belief system associates the mountains with their ancient ancestors.
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park	150x150px	AustraliaNorthern Territory, Australia	Mixed:AustraliaAap (v), (vi), (vii), (viii)	132,566 (327,580)	1987	Inscribed for its archaeological and cultural significance, being representative of Aboriginal spiritual connection to the land. The park's two massive sandstone formations, Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa, are spiritually significant to the Anangu people, and form part of the tjukurpa belief system. Cave paintings found at Uluru date back tens of thousands of years.
Wet Tropics of Queensland		AustraliaQueensland, Australia	Natural:AustraliaAap (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)	894,420 (2,210,200)	1988	An area of tropical rainforest spread along the Great Dividing Range. The area hosts an exceptional level of biodiversity, with at least 85 endemic species and the highest concentration of primitive taxa in the world. It is also an important area for unique and endangered marsupials.
Willandra Lakes Region		AustraliaNew South Wales, Australia	Mixed:AustraliaAap (iii), (viii)	240,000 (590,000)	1981	A geological site containing fossilised remains of sand formations. It includes exceptional archaeological evidence of past human habitation from 45–60,000 years ago, including the world's oldest cremation site, the Lake Mungo remains.

Map of sites

External links

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Official site
• List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Official site
• Worldheritage-Forum - Information and Weblog on World Heritage Issues