Signposting categories & factsheets

Galleries form a major component of the visitor infrastructure of NSW. For the purposes of Visitor Attraction Signposting, the term ‘galleries’ is taken to mean places displaying collections of artworks, such as paintings or sculptures etc.

Museums form a major component of the visitor infrastructure of NSW and include local history museums, museums devoted to specialised collections or topics, or major state and national museums.

Craft-based attractions feature objects made by hand from a broad range of media including wood, glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, textile/fabrics and mixed media.

Attractions in this category reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Aboriginal Australians. They may include sites that have the remains of prehistoric and historic Aboriginal occupation or the sites may be of contemporary significance to the Aboriginal community.

Visits to historic properties, sites or walks are an important element of the NSW visitor experience.

NSW is a leading wine producer and its wine regions have an enviable reputation as popular destinations for visitors.

Attractions in this category usually involve an agricultural activity (e.g. lavender farm) or factory/mill process (e.g. cheese factory). However, this category also includes breweries and distilleries.

Attractions in this category include walking tracks, natural features (e.g. lookouts, waterfalls), caves and recreation reserves. Also included in this category are attractions such as zoos and botanic gardens etc.

By virtue of their size, high level of technological innovation or iconic cultural status, some engineering or architectural structures are regarded as major tourist attractions, e.g. Snowy Mountains Scheme.

There are visitor attractions within NSW that may be major visitor attractions but do not easily fit within any of the predetermined categories within the Visitor Attractions Signposting program.

There should be a critical mass of wineries eligible for signposting within the region. At least six wineries should be open on any given day of the week for six hours a day, including both days of the weekend.

The town or village must present evidence of at least one of the historical themes developed by Heritage NSW. Historical themes provide a context within which the historical significance of a town or village can be understood.

Where the words ‘National Park’ are used in this context, it is intended that this refers to all parks under the management of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services that are eligible for signposting.

Major regional visitor destinations are defined as cities or towns located off the major traffic corridors that provide an extensive range of services and experiences for visitors.

Signs in this category are intended to inform visitors about the range of services, experiences and visitor attractions that are available in towns or villages located some distance away from the main traffic route.